Lighting Regulations in Milan, Illinois: Balancing Modern Needs with Small-Town Character

Introduction

Located within the vibrant Quad Cities metropolitan area, Milan, Illinois has a unique history dating back to 1837. Originally named Camden Mills, the village ultimately took its name from the Italian city of Milan, following the unrealized plans for a watch factory. With approximately 5,100 residents, Milan maintains its small-town atmosphere while carefully balancing modern development needs with preservation of community character.

This careful balance is evident in Milan's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to provide adequate illumination for safety and functionality while preventing light pollution and maintaining the village's aesthetic qualities. Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, businesses, and developers in Milan.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Maximum Light Spillage: Cannot exceed one foot-candle at property boundaries
• Luminaire Height: Maximum 33 feet (30 feet plus 3-foot support); 25 feet when within 500 feet of residential properties
• Cutoff Angle: All luminaires must have a total cutoff angle of 90 degrees or less (with certain exceptions)
• Shielding: Lighting must use shielded fixtures, full cutoff designs, recessed or flush lenses to contain light on-site
• Building Façade: Illumination of entire building facades is prohibited, though accent lighting is permitted
• Business Hours: Establishments selling alcohol must maintain continuous lighting during business hours
• Home Occupations: Cannot use lighting that differentiates from residential character

Understanding Milan's Lighting Philosophy

Historical Context and Purpose

Milan's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its small-town charm while meeting modern needs. As part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area, Milan balances urban development requirements with preservation efforts that honor its historical roots.

Core Objectives

Milan's lighting regulations serve several important purposes:

• Protect Residential Areas: Preventing glare, light trespass, and other objectionable factors
• Promote Public Health: Providing ample light and air to buildings
• Enhance Safety: Ensuring adequate visibility while preventing hazardous glare
• Preserve Character: Maintaining Milan's community aesthetic
• Screen Incompatible Uses: Protecting residential areas from negative effects

General Illumination Standards

Light Trespass Limitations

Milan places clear limits on how much light can spill onto neighboring properties:

• Maximum Spillage: The amount of illumination from a property cannot exceed one foot-candle when measured at any boundary line with adjoining property
• Exceptions: This requirement may be waived if the proposed lighting:
• Is not in conflict with the stated purpose of the regulations
• Will not unreasonably harm public health, safety, or welfare
• Will not create a hazard for vehicular or pedestrian traffic

Fixture Requirements

To minimize light pollution, Milan requires:

• Shielding: Lenses, deflectors, shields, louvers, or prismatic control devices must be used to eliminate nuisance and hazardous lighting
• Cutoff Angle: All luminaires must have a total cutoff angle equal to or less than 90 degrees
• Light Direction: In all zoning districts, lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining properties

Height Restrictions

Milan strictly regulates the height of lighting fixtures:

• Standard Maximum: 30 feet plus a 3-foot support (33 feet total)
• Near Residential Areas: Maximum 25 feet when within 500 feet of protected residential property
• Measurement Method: Taken from average elevation of finished grade within 10 feet of fixture to highest point of luminaire

Specific Application Guidelines

Parking Lot Lighting

Milan has specific requirements for parking lot illumination:

• Light Containment: Must use shielded fixtures, full cutoff designs, recessed or flush lenses
• Height Limits:
• 24 feet within 200 feet of CICOD/HCOD right of way
• Up to 33 feet for shopping centers and large sites
• Direction: Must reflect light away from adjoining residential districts
• Hours of Operation: Parking lots within 300 feet of residential property must extinguish lights within one hour of business closing
• Integration: May be incorporated into streetlight schemes with approval

Building Illumination

Requirements for lighting on and around buildings include:

• Façade Lighting: Illumination of entire building façades or significant portions is prohibited
• Accent Lighting: Limited accent lighting (including neon) on portions of building façades is permitted
• Wall/Roof Lighting:
• Permitted for pedestrian walkways, entrances, and yard areas within 30 feet of building
• Not permitted for vehicle parking areas without specific approval
• Floodlighting: Must follow FAA guidelines and be shielded to minimize sky-directed light

Special Use Requirements

• Alcohol Sales: Rooms where alcohol is sold for consumption must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Home Occupations: Cannot use lighting that differentiates premises from residential character
• Mobile Home Parks: Must specify method of lighting structures and land in their plans
• Parking Structures: Pedestrian walkway lighting must be significantly different color than vehicle area lighting

Compliance Requirements

New Construction and Renovations

• New Lighting: All new installations must comply with regulations
• Existing Lighting: Non-compliant lighting is grandfathered but must be updated when replaced
• Parking Lot Renovations:
• If less than 50% is replaced, only the replaced area needs compliant lighting
• If more than 50% is replaced, the entire lot must receive compliant lighting
• Building Additions: New structures or additions require lighting upgrades for the new portion

Lighting Plan Requirements

For all projects except single/two-family dwellings, lighting plans must include:

• Fixture Details: Luminaire height, specifications, light source type
• Illumination Data: Intensity measurements, hours of operation
• Documentation: Photometric plan superimposed on site plan with points no greater than 30 feet apart

What Property Owners Should Know

When Compliance is Required

Understanding when you need to update your lighting is important:

• New Construction: All new buildings require compliant lighting
• Major Renovations: Substantial property updates trigger lighting compliance requirements
• Change of Use: When property use changes, lighting must be upgraded
• Fixture Replacement: When replacing lighting fixtures, new ones must comply with regulations

Common Compliance Challenges

• Balancing Light Levels: Providing adequate security lighting while preventing light trespass
• Technical Requirements: Understanding cutoff angles and illumination levels
• Documentation: Creating compliant lighting plans with all required elements

Supporting Milan's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique balance Milan strives to maintain between modern lighting needs and preserving small-town character. We share Milan's commitment to thoughtful development that respects community aesthetics while ensuring safety and functionality.

Bock's experience with communities similar to Milan has given us insight into how lighting can enhance historical character while meeting modern requirements. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a valuable educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

We believe in supporting Milan's vision through:

• Community Education: Helping property owners understand lighting regulations
• Sustainable Solutions: Providing energy-efficient options that align with Milan's goals
• Historic Compatibility: Offering designs that complement Milan's architectural character
• Regulatory Guidance: Assisting with lighting plan development that meets village requirements

As a regional partner, Bock Lighting is committed to helping maintain Milan's distinctive small-town charm while addressing contemporary lighting needs.

Conclusion

Milan's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining a balance between modern development and preserving its small-town character. By regulating aspects like light spillage, fixture height, and building illumination, Milan creates a community that is both well-lit and aesthetically pleasing.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these regulations before undertaking new construction or major renovations. While technical in nature, these standards ultimately serve to enhance Milan's community character and ensure that lighting supports both safety and quality of life for all residents.

Understanding and following these regulations helps maintain Milan's unique character as a historic village within the larger Quad Cities metropolitan area, preserving its special qualities for future generations.