Lighting Regulations in Oak Brook, Illinois: A Guide to Compliance and Community Standards

Introduction

Oak Brook, Illinois, with its rich history dating back to the early 19th century, has transformed from rural farmland into a prestigious suburban community. Officially incorporated in 1958 through the vision of civic leader Paul Butler, Oak Brook has carefully balanced development with aesthetic appeal, maintaining its distinctive suburban charm across its 8.36 square miles.

The village's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to preserving community character while ensuring functionality and safety. These standards have evolved alongside the village's development, including significant milestones like the opening of the Oakbrook Center shopping mall in 1962.

For property owners, businesses, and developers, understanding these lighting requirements is essential for maintaining compliance while contributing to Oak Brook's picturesque environment.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Exterior Lighting Standards:

• Maximum Illuminance at Property Lines:
• Rural/park areas: 0.5-1.0 lux (0.05-0.10 fc)
• Residential/light commercial: 3.0 lux (0.30 fc)
• Standard commercial: 8.0 lux (0.8 fc)
• High-activity commercial: 15.0 lux (1.5 fc)
• Sign Illumination: Cannot exceed 175 foot-candles when measured perpendicular to sign face
• Property Line Illumination: Cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candle at any property line
• Searchlights: Prohibited throughout the village (with limited exceptions)

Business & Office Lighting Near Residential Areas:

• Must be extinguished or reduced within 30 minutes after business closing

Parking Facilities:

• Must not project light or glare into roadways or adjacent properties
• Must comply with Oak Brook public works construction standards

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Light Trespass Prevention

Oak Brook's code emphasizes preventing lighting nuisance. New and existing exterior lighting must be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent unwanted light from affecting neighboring properties.

The code establishes maximum illuminance thresholds at property boundaries based on the lighting zone of the impacted property:

• Undeveloped parks/rural areas: 0.5 lux (0.05 fc)
• Developed parks/rural areas: 1.0 lux (0.10 fc)
• Residential and light commercial areas: 3.0 lux (0.30 fc)
• Standard commercial areas: 8.0 lux (0.8 fc)
• High-activity commercial districts: 15.0 lux (1.5 fc)

Design Harmony Requirements

Beyond technical specifications, Oak Brook emphasizes aesthetic considerations. The code requires:

• Unobtrusiveness of exterior lighting
• Harmoniousness with building design
• Compatibility of fixtures, standards, and exposed accessories
• Enhancement of landscaping through unobtrusive lighting

Prohibited Lighting

Searchlights are expressly prohibited throughout the village. The code defines a searchlight as "an apparatus for projecting a powerful beam of light of approximately parallel rays, usually devised so that it can be swiveled about; also the beam of light projected by it."

Exceptions exist for:

• Emergency situations involving health or safety
• Work by public agencies (with board approval)
• Special waivers in non-residential zones (requires building official approval)

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

Oak Brook maintains stringent guidelines on sign illumination to preserve the village's visual character:

• Maximum Illumination: Cannot exceed 175 foot-candles when measured perpendicular to the sign face
• Property Line Limit: Cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candle as measured at any property line
• Light Direction: All artificial illumination must be designed, located, shielded, and directed to prevent glare upon adjacent properties or streets
• Flashing Prohibited: No flashing, blinking, or intermittent lights (except for approved public service signs)

Specific Sign Types

Different sign types have unique illumination requirements:

Wall Signs

• Letters must be individually affixed
• May be internally illuminated or backlit
• Signs above 30 feet must use internally illuminated or backlit lettering in one consistent color
• Signs above 30 feet limited to business name only (no slogans or taglines)

Monument Signs

• May be backlit, directly lit, or internally illuminated
• All letters must be individually affixed
• Direct light sources must be concealed from view from rights-of-way

Awning/Canopy Signs

• Must use direct light source aimed at the exterior of the awning/canopy

Other Sign Types

• Nameplate Signs: Non-illuminated required
• Temporary Window Signs: No illumination permitted
• Real Estate Signs: Non-illuminated only
• Private Warning Signs: Illuminated only as required for their purpose

Parking Area Lighting Requirements

General Standards

Parking area lighting in Oak Brook must be carefully designed to prevent light pollution:

• Illumination must be arranged to prevent direct rays or glare from projecting into roadways or adjacent properties
• Intensity must comply with Oak Brook public works construction standards
• All lighting for business and office uses adjacent to residential districts must be extinguished or reduced within 30 minutes of business closing

Parking Structures

Multi-level parking facilities have specific requirements:

• Light standards on the top floor must be located in the center aisle of the deck
• Standards must be of appropriate design and scale
• Low-profile lighting should be used around structure perimeters
• All internal/external light sources must be properly screened to minimize glare on adjacent property

Planned Developments and Subdivisions

Planned Development Requirements

Applications for planned developments must include:

• A complete photometric/lighting plan
• Environmental impact studies addressing light impacts
• Compliance with all village lighting standards

Subdivision Requirements

For new subdivisions:

• Street lighting systems must be installed on all streets within the subdivision
• Systems must comply with lighting standards adopted by the village
• The village board may waive requirements for residential subdivisions
• Subdivision gateways, if illuminated, should be designed to help passing traffic identify entrances rather than using high-intensity lighting

Supporting Oak Brook's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique character of communities like Oak Brook and their commitment to maintaining an aesthetic balance between development and preservation. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate the importance of lighting regulations that protect community character while ensuring safety and functionality.

We recognize that Oak Brook's lighting standards have evolved alongside its transformation from farmland to prestigious suburb. Our experience with similar communities allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating these regulations. We're committed to helping maintain the village's distinctive suburban charm through appropriate lighting solutions that respect local regulations and community values.

Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us to support Oak Brook's vision of development that honors its history while embracing thoughtful modernization. We value our role as a community partner rather than just a product provider.

Conclusion

Oak Brook's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to preserving its distinctive character while ensuring safety and functionality. From strict limitations on light trespass to specific requirements for different types of signs and parking facilities, these standards help maintain the community's high aesthetic standards.

Property owners should carefully review these requirements when planning exterior lighting installations or modifications. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to the village's continued appeal as a prestigious suburban community.

For additional information about Oak Brook's lighting regulations, contact the village's Community Development Department or consult the full municipal code available through the village's official website.