Lighting Regulations in Midlothian, Illinois: Balancing Safety, Functionality, and Community Character

Introduction: Midlothian's Lighting Legacy

Nestled in Cook County, Midlothian, Illinois carries a rich history that begins with its origins as a humble milk stop along the Rock Island Railroad in the late 19th century. Named after an ancient borough in Scotland, this village remained predominantly agricultural until the early 20th century when Chicago's industrialists discovered it as a peaceful retreat from city life.

The establishment of the Midlothian Country Club in 1900 marked a significant turning point for the community. As the village grew from its agricultural roots into the residential community we know today, thoughtful infrastructure planning—including lighting—became increasingly important to maintaining its character.

Today, covering just 2.82 square miles with a population of 14,325 (as of the 2020 census), Midlothian's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving suburban tranquility while ensuring safety and functionality for residents.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the most critical lighting regulations in Midlothian:

• Maximum Height: Exterior lighting fixtures cannot exceed 25 feet above grade (except street lighting and athletic field lighting)
• Shielding Requirement: All light fixtures must be completely shielded and directed downward at all times
• Residential Common Areas: Common halls and stairways require a minimum of one 60-watt incandescent bulb (or equivalent) for every 200 square feet
• Non-Residential Egress: Means of egress must be illuminated with a minimum of one foot-candle (11 lux) at floors, landings, and treads
• Children's Areas: Spaces for children's activities require 50 foot-candles measured two feet above the floor
• Sign Illumination: Must use steady, non-flashing light sources and prevent glare onto roadways and properties
• Light Trespass Prevention: All illumination must be designed to prevent light from projecting onto adjacent properties

Residential Lighting Requirements

Common Area Illumination

The village code is quite specific about lighting requirements in multi-family residential buildings. Common halls and stairways in residential occupancies (excluding one and two-family dwellings) must be illuminated at all times with:

• At least one 60-watt standard incandescent light bulb (or equivalent) for each 200 square feet of floor area
• Maximum spacing between lights of 30 feet
• Continuous illumination of building common area stairways at all times

Exit Lighting

Safety is a priority in Midlothian's lighting regulations, with particular attention to exits:

• All exit areas must have continuous exterior lighting from dusk to dawn
• This ensures residents and visitors can safely navigate entrances and exits during nighttime hours

Room-Specific Requirements

Every residential building must have at least one electric luminaire in each:

• Public hall
• Interior stairway
• Toilet room
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Laundry room
• Boiler room
• Furnace room

Non-Residential Lighting Standards

Egress Illumination

In non-residential buildings, egress lighting requirements are more stringent:

• All means of egress (including exterior means of egress and stairways) must be illuminated whenever the building is occupied
• Minimum illumination of one foot-candle (11 lux) at floors, landings, and treads
• This ensures safe evacuation in emergency situations

Educational and Childcare Spaces

Areas serving children have specialized lighting requirements to support their activities:

• Reading and Close Work Areas: Minimum of 50 foot-candles measured two feet above the floor
• Classroom Average: At least 30 foot-candles measured two feet above the floor across the entire classroom area
• Safety Features: All artificial light sources must be protected from breakage with covers or shields

Assembly Halls

For public gathering spaces that accommodate 100 or more people:

• Exit signs must display the word "Exit" in letters at least 6 inches high over every door leading to an exit
• A light with a red globe must be placed at or over each sign
• This light must remain burning during the entire period the hall is open and until all attendees have left

Exterior Lighting Regulations

Height and Direction Requirements

Midlothian has established clear parameters for exterior lighting installations:

• Maximum Height: 25 feet above grade (exceptions for street lighting and athletic field lighting)
• Direction Control: All light fixtures must be completely shielded and directed downward at all times
• Intensity Compliance: Light intensity must meet the village's electrical standards as determined by the superintendent of buildings

Parking Lot Illumination

Parking areas have specific requirements to ensure safety while preventing nuisance:

• Must follow all exterior lighting standards regarding height and shielding
• Must be directed downward to prevent light projection onto adjacent properties
• Cannot create traffic hazards on adjacent streets

Light Trespass Prevention

The code explicitly addresses light trespass concerns:

• All illumination must be designed, located, shielded, and aimed to prevent casting light onto adjacent properties
• Light sources must not direct glare toward roadways that could impede drivers' visibility
• Flickering or intense sources of light must be controlled or shielded to prevent nuisance across lot lines

Sign and Building Illumination

Sign Lighting Requirements

For businesses with illuminated signage:

• Light sources must be steady and non-flashing
• Signs and their illumination must be designed, located, and shielded to prevent glare onto adjacent roadways and properties
• No illuminated sign can glare into surrounding areas, residential premises, or distract vehicle operators or pedestrians

Building and Structure Illumination

The village prohibits certain types of lighting for buildings and structures:

• Prohibited: Unshielded lighting, including incandescent bulbs hung on poles, wires, or other supports
• Exceptions: Holiday season decorations, temporary lighting for carnivals and fairs, and other temporary uses as determined by the village

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Sexually Oriented Businesses

The village code provides detailed lighting requirements for sexually oriented businesses:

• Premises must have overhead lighting fixtures illuminating all areas where patrons are permitted
• Minimum illumination of 2.0 foot-candles measured at floor level
• Off-street parking areas and entries must be illuminated from dusk to closing with an average of 1.0 foot-candle
• Owners and operators must ensure required illumination is maintained whenever patrons are present

Construction and Temporary Uses

Temporary lighting for construction and street work has specific safety requirements:

• Street openings require barricades properly lighted with red lights
• Construction areas must maintain proper lighting between sunset and sunrise
• Construction dumpsters placed on streets must be protected by barricades with flashing warning lights

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Compliance Tips

Understanding and following Midlothian's lighting regulations helps maintain community standards while avoiding potential violations:

• When Installing New Lighting: Ensure fixtures are properly shielded and directed downward
• Existing Systems: Check that your current lighting doesn't project onto neighboring properties
• Utility Poles: The village encourages the use of existing utility poles and light standards whenever possible
• Tree Placement: Be aware that the village has the right to prune trees that interfere with the spread of light from streetlights

Permitting Requirements

For new construction or significant modifications:

• Lighting considerations are part of the site plan review process
• Placement of light poles must be included in utility plans
• Special uses (such as places of worship, cultural facilities, and recreation sites) require lighting plans that minimize impacts on surrounding properties

Supporting Midlothian's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Midlothian's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with community character preservation. As a manufacturer with deep understanding of regional architectural styles, Bock appreciates Midlothian's efforts to maintain its suburban tranquility through thoughtful lighting regulations.

Our expertise in lighting technologies that comply with municipal requirements makes us a valuable resource for Midlothian property owners. We understand the importance of directing light properly to enhance safety and functionality while respecting the village's historical charm.

Bock's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with Midlothian's vision for controlled illumination that serves the community without creating nuisance or hazards. We're proud to serve as an educational resource for residents seeking to understand and implement lighting solutions that honor both regulatory requirements and community aesthetics.

Conclusion

Midlothian's lighting regulations emphasize safety, functionality, and consideration for neighboring properties. From specific illumination levels for different building areas to careful controls on exterior lighting, these requirements help maintain the village's character while ensuring adequate lighting for all purposes.

By understanding and following these regulations, property owners contribute to the village's efforts to preserve its suburban tranquility and historical charm while meeting modern lighting needs. Whether you're installing new lighting or evaluating existing systems, compliance with these standards helps create a more cohesive and considerate community environment.