Lighting Regulations in Mokena, Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide for Property Owners

Introduction: Mokena's Community Vision and Lighting

Nestled in Will County as part of the Chicago metropolitan area, Mokena, Illinois has maintained its distinctive suburban charm since its establishment in the mid-19th century. With a population of 19,887 (as of the 2020 census), this vibrant community balances preservation of its historical character with modern development needs.

Mokena's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balance—prioritizing safety and functionality while maintaining the village's aesthetic character. The village's lighting standards aim to prevent light pollution, minimize glare for residents, and ensure appropriate illumination levels for various activities.

Whether you're a business owner, property manager, or homeowner, understanding these regulations will help you comply with local requirements while contributing to the community's visual harmony.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here are the most critical lighting requirements in Mokena:

• Light Trespass Limits:
• Non-residential properties: Maximum 0.5 foot-candles at property lines
• Residential areas: Maximum 0.3 foot-candles at property lines
• Commercial Lighting Height Restrictions:
• Maximum height: 20 feet or building height (whichever is lower)
• On concrete bases: Up to 25 feet with special approval
• Business Hours of Operation:
• Standard hours: 30 minutes before sunset until 10:00 PM or 1 hour after business closes
• Security lighting: Limited to 25% of normal output after hours
• Common Area Illumination Requirements:
• Public parking: 0.25 to 4.5 foot-candles
• Stairways and steps: 1.0 to 5.0 foot-candles
• Vehicular entrances: 1.0 to 4.5 foot-candles
• Maximum to minimum light level ratio: Cannot exceed 15:1

Commercial & Business Lighting Requirements

Illumination Standards by Property Type

Mokena has established specific illumination levels for different commercial properties to ensure adequate lighting while preventing excessive brightness:

• Auto Dealerships:
• Front row and featured displays: Maximum 20 foot-candles
• Other merchandise areas: Maximum 10 foot-candles
• Automobile Service Stations:
• Pumping areas: 10-30 foot-candles
• Building Entrances and Exits:
• Pedestrian pathways: 1.0-5.0 foot-candles

Hours of Operation and Security Lighting

To reduce light pollution while maintaining safety, Mokena restricts when outdoor lighting can operate:

• Standard operating hours: From 30 minutes before sunset until 10:00 PM or one hour after business closes (whichever is later)
• After-hours security lighting: Limited to 25% of normal light output
• Consistency requirement: During security hours, no fixture may exceed its normal business-hours brightness

Special Business Considerations

Certain businesses have additional lighting requirements:

• Establishments serving alcohol: Must have continuous illumination during business hours with natural or artificial white lights to ensure full interior visibility
• Sexually oriented businesses:
• Minimum 2.0 foot-candles at floor level
• Must include lighting diagram with permit application
• Parking areas require sufficient illumination for patron safety

Residential Area Protections

Light Trespass Prevention

Mokena is particularly concerned with protecting residential areas from unwanted light:

• Maximum light trespass: 0.3 foot-candles at residential property lines
• Signs near homes: Must be designed, located, and shielded to prevent casting direct light upon adjacent residential properties
• Buffer requirement: Special attention required for any lighting within 100 feet of residentially zoned areas

Cutoff Requirements

• Shielding design: Cutoff luminaires must completely shield light sources from observers standing 3.5 feet above ground at property lines
• Direct and indirect illumination: Must not exceed 0.5 foot-candles at any lot line

Technical Specifications for Lighting Plans

Plan Submission Requirements

All non-residential uses in commercial, industrial, institutional, and public areas must submit a lighting plan that includes:

• Site plan showing pole locations and fixture placements
• Specifications for luminaires and lamp types
• Details on pole heights and mounting configurations
• Lamp wattage information
• Foundation details
• Photometric calculations

Height Restrictions

• Standard maximum height: 20 feet or building height (whichever is lower)
• Concrete base exception: May extend to 25 feet with site plan committee approval

Prohibited Lighting Types

Mokena prohibits several lighting types that could cause excessive glare or visual distraction:

• Laser light sources
• Flickering, flashing, or blinking lights
• Architectural uplighting on buildings with polished/glass surfaces
• Searchlights
• Neon outline lighting on buildings
• Mercury vapor light sources
• Any luminaire creating glare deemed hazardous or a nuisance

Sign Illumination Standards

Light Source Requirements

• Shielding: All light sources must be shielded and directed to not be visible from public streets or residences
• Protrusion limits: Devices housing light sources cannot protrude more than 12 inches from sign face
• Ground lighting: Must not protrude more than 12 inches and must be fully screened by landscaping

Brightness Restrictions

• Maximum illumination: 100 foot-lamberts at sign face
• Bulb restrictions: No exposed reflective bulbs exceeding 15 watts
• Residential protection: Light sources with brightness greater than 2 foot-candles must be shielded from residential areas

Street Lighting Requirements

Placement Standards

Mokena has specific requirements for street lighting to ensure consistent illumination throughout the village:

• Required locations:
• Each street intersection
• Crosswalkways
• Turnaround of each cul-de-sac
• Intervals of no more than 300 feet (alternating sides of roadway)
• Design standards: Must comply with the American National Standard Practice for Roadway Lighting and village specifications
• Existing infrastructure: Existing utility poles should be used whenever practicable

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Timeline for Existing Lighting

Non-conforming lighting must be brought into compliance when:

• The lighting produces glare deemed hazardous or a nuisance
• The height or location of a fixture is changed
• A fixture or supporting structure is replaced (with some exceptions)
• Use of the fixture is resumed after abandonment

Exemptions from Regulations

Certain lighting types are exempt from the village regulations:

• Underwater lighting for swimming pools and fountains
• Lighting required by county, state, or federal law
• Temporary holiday decorations
• Decorative yard lighting with flame sources
• Temporary maintenance lighting
• Emergency lighting used by police, fire, or medical personnel
• Lighting for approved temporary events
• Temporary lighting for road construction

Planning for New Construction

When planning new construction or significant changes to your property, remember to:

1. Include lighting in your initial site plan
2. Ensure photometric calculations demonstrate compliance with illumination and trespass limits
3. Select fixtures that meet village standards for height, shielding, and light output
4. Consider how your lighting will affect neighboring properties

Supporting Mokena's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the balance Mokena seeks to maintain between modern lighting needs and community character. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate communities that carefully develop standards to preserve their unique identity.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting requirements allows us to serve as a resource for Mokena property owners. We're committed to helping communities maintain their distinctive character while meeting safety and functionality needs.

Bock Lighting shares Mokena's commitment to responsible lighting practices that minimize light pollution while providing adequate illumination. Our focus on education about lighting regulations helps property owners make informed decisions that enhance community standards.

As a partner in the greater Chicago region, we understand how quality lighting contributes to the suburban charm that makes communities like Mokena special places to live and work.

Conclusion

Mokena's lighting regulations demonstrate the village's commitment to maintaining a balance between safety, functionality, and aesthetic quality. By establishing clear standards for light levels, fixture heights, and hours of operation, the village ensures that lighting enhances the community without creating nuisances.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to Mokena's distinctive character while providing appropriate illumination for their specific needs. Whether you're planning new construction, renovating an existing property, or simply evaluating your current lighting setup, these guidelines provide a framework for compliance.

For specific questions about your lighting project, consulting with the village planning department is always recommended to ensure your plans align with current requirements.