Lighting Regulations in Nauvoo, Illinois: Preserving Historic Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Introduction: Nauvoo's Unique Lighting Context

Nestled along the Mississippi River, Nauvoo stands as a testament to America's religious heritage. Founded in 1839 by Joseph Smith, the town's name—meaning "beautiful place" in Hebrew—reflects the aspirations its founders held for this unique settlement.

Today, Nauvoo's lighting regulations reflect a careful balance between preserving the city's historic character and meeting modern needs for safety and functionality. The regulations aim to reduce light pollution while ensuring proper illumination for security and convenience.

For property owners, understanding these regulations is essential when planning exterior lighting for homes, businesses, or other properties within Nauvoo's jurisdiction.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here are the most critical lighting regulations to know in Nauvoo:

• Shielding requirements: All outdoor lighting fixtures must be shielded, with exceptions for lower-wattage lights
• Height restrictions: Lighting poles cannot exceed 30 feet in height
• Curfew provisions: Many types of lighting must be extinguished by 11:00 PM
• Mercury vapor: No new mercury vapor lighting fixtures are permitted
• Historic areas: Designated historical areas have special exemptions
• Street lighting: Must use high-pressure sodium vapor lamps producing yellow/orange light
• Illumination levels: Must not exceed IESNA recommendations (specific levels provided below)

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Purpose and Intent

Nauvoo's outdoor lighting regulations were created with multiple goals in mind:

• Reduce or prevent light pollution, glare, and light trespass
• Conserve energy
• Promote safety and security
• Ensure aesthetically appropriate outdoor lighting that preserves historic character

Shielding Requirements

All outdoor lighting fixtures must be shielded, with limited exceptions:

• Incandescent fixtures of 150 watts or less
• Other light sources of 70 watts or less

Understanding Light Trespass

The code defines "light trespass" as light emitted by a luminaire that shines beyond the property on which the luminaire is installed. Preventing light trespass is a key consideration in Nauvoo's regulations.

Height Restrictions

Lighting standards, whether attached to buildings or mounted on poles, must be in scale with the height and use of the structure but shall not exceed 30 feet in height.

Technical Illumination Standards

IESNA Compliance

All outdoor lighting in Nauvoo must not exceed the illumination levels recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA). These levels vary by location and usage type.

Parking Lot Illumination Requirements

Parking lot lighting levels are categorized by activity level:

High Activity Areas (Major events, regional shopping centers)

• General Parking Areas:
• Average: 3.6 footcandles (60,000 lumens)
• Minimum: 0.9 footcandles (15,000 lumens)
• Uniformity ratio (Avg/Min): 4:1

Medium Activity Areas (Community shopping, office parking, hospitals)

• General Parking Areas:
• Average: 2.4 footcandles (40,000 lumens)
• Minimum: 0.6 footcandles (10,000 lumens)
• Uniformity ratio (Avg/Min): 4:1

Low Activity Areas (Neighborhood shopping, schools, churches)

• General Parking Areas:
• Average: 0.9 footcandles (15,000 lumens)
• Minimum: 0.18 footcandles (3,000 lumens)
• Uniformity ratio (Avg/Min): 4:1

Other Area Illumination Standards

• Service Stations:
• Pump island: 20 footcandles (200,000 lumens at 15-foot canopy height)
• Service area: 3 footcandles (50,000 lumens)
• Entrance Doorways:
• Active: 5 footcandles (11,000 lumens at 10-foot height)
• Inactive: 1 footcandle (2,000 lumens at 10-foot height)

Special Purpose Lighting Regulations

Architectural Lighting

For lighting designed to highlight architectural features:

• Must be 150 watts or less (incandescent) or 70 watts or less (other types)
• Must be extinguished by 11:00 PM
• At least 90% of light must fall on the illuminated structure

Display Lot Lighting

For retail display areas such as car dealerships:

• Must be turned off within 30 minutes after business closing
• Full illumination not permitted after 11:00 PM
• After-hours security lighting is permitted

Metal Halide Requirements

Metal halide fixtures must be filtered with glass, acrylic, or translucent enclosure. Note that quartz glass does not satisfy this requirement.

Sign Illumination Requirements

General Sign Lighting Rules

• Signs shall not be lighted in a way that causes glare or impairs driver visibility
• Signs may be illuminated but must be non-flashing
• All external light sources must be totally screened from view

Operational Restrictions

• Illuminated signs are permitted only for businesses located within the city
• Signs may be illuminated only during business hours
• Signs in residential districts require planning commission approval to be illuminated

Street Lighting in Subdivisions

Installation Requirements

For new subdivisions in Nauvoo:

• Street lighting must be installed at maximum spacing of 300 feet
• Minimum average illumination:
• Residential: 0.45 footcandles
• Non-residential: 1.8 footcandles

Technical Specifications

• Streetlights in residential areas cannot exceed 30 feet in height
• All fixtures must be full cutoff or shielded type, with no upward light distribution
• Streetlights must use high-pressure sodium vapor lamps producing yellow/orange light
• Color Rendering Index (CRI) specifications must be included in the lighting plan

Lighting Plan Requirements

Developers must submit a comprehensive lighting plan including:

• Site plan showing building footprints and all proposed exterior lighting fixtures
• Specifications for all proposed lighting fixtures
• Photometric data
• Color Rendering Index (CRI) of all lamps
• Fixture height information

What Property Owners Should Know

Permit Requirements

When applying for building, electrical, or sign permits that include outdoor lighting:

• You must provide evidence that the proposed work will comply with lighting regulations
• Applications must include plans showing fixture locations and detailed descriptions
• For special use permits, the application must detail the type of lighting proposed

Key Exemptions

The following are exempt from Nauvoo's lighting regulations:

• Outdoor lighting fixtures existing and legally installed prior to the ordinance
• Streetlights installed prior to the ordinance
• Temporary emergency lighting (fire, police, repair workers)
• Lighted signs conforming with the sign ordinance
• Seasonal decorations in place no longer than 60 days
• Covered porch lighting not exceeding 150 watts (2,220 lumens)
• Motion-sensor security lights that do not remain on longer than 10-12 minutes
• Designated historical areas (though minimum necessary illumination is encouraged)
• City of Nauvoo and Nauvoo Park District outdoor lighting

Supporting Nauvoo's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique balance Nauvoo seeks to maintain between historic preservation and modern lighting needs. With roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, our company shares Nauvoo's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing appropriate modern technology.

We appreciate Nauvoo's thoughtful approach to outdoor lighting that respects both the city's religious heritage and its architectural significance. Our team has experience working with communities that value their distinctive historical identity, helping to maintain the unique character that makes places like Nauvoo special.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, offering expertise on meeting technical requirements while honoring aesthetic priorities. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a partner in supporting community visions rather than simply providing products.

We are committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Nauvoo's goals of reducing light pollution while ensuring safety and security for residents and visitors.

Conclusion

Nauvoo's lighting regulations reflect its unique identity as a place of significant historical and religious importance. By carefully controlling outdoor lighting, the city aims to preserve its historic character while providing adequate illumination for safety and security.

Property owners planning lighting installations should carefully review these regulations and consult with local officials when questions arise. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to maintaining Nauvoo's distinctive atmosphere as a "beautiful place" that honors both its past and present.

Remember that designated historical areas have special exemptions, acknowledging the importance of preserving Nauvoo's heritage while addressing modern lighting needs. This balanced approach ensures that Nauvoo remains true to its founding vision while meeting the practical needs of today's residents and visitors.