Lighting Regulations in Oak Forest, Illinois: Illuminating Community Standards

Introduction

Oak Forest, Illinois, features a blend of natural beauty and suburban convenience that residents have cherished since its early days as Cooper's Grove in the 1800s. Located in Cook County with easy access to Chicago via Interstate 57 and Metra, the city's character is shaped by its wooded landscape and historical depth, including early indigenous presence and a former Potawatomi village site.

The city's commitment to preserving its natural assets while facilitating modern development is reflected in its approach to lighting regulations. These standards aim to balance safety and functionality with respect for Oak Forest's wooded character and neighborhood aesthetics.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Commercial & Multi-Family Buildings: Must illuminate common entrances with at least a 75-watt light protected by a vapor cover or equivalent break-resistant material
• Fire Safety: Exit signs require red globe lights; a red 75cd weatherproof strobe light must be installed above Fire Department connections
• Swimming Pools: Floodlights must be installed at least 7 feet above ground when within 15 feet of pools
• Young Adult Entertainment Facilities: Minimum 1.3 footcandles at floor level throughout public areas; parking areas require 1+ footcandle illumination
• Sexually Oriented Businesses: Minimum 2 footcandles illumination throughout public areas
• Coin-Operated Dry Cleaning Areas: Minimum 10 footcandles throughout rooms

General Property Lighting Requirements

Commercial and Multi-Family Lighting

Oak Forest requires all commercial buildings and multi-family buildings with common entrances to be properly illuminated for safety. Key requirements include:

• Minimum Light Fixture: At least a 75-watt light at common entrances
• Protection Required: Lights must have a vapor cover or equivalent break-resistant material
• Light Spread: The city has the right to prune trees or shrubs on private property when they interfere with the proper spread of light

Infrastructure and Utility Considerations

The city encourages efficient use of existing lighting infrastructure:

• Existing Structures: Utility poles and existing light standards should be used wherever practicable
• New Installations: Additional utility poles are strongly discouraged

Specific Use Lighting Requirements

Hospitality Establishments

Motels, hotels, and extended stay facilities in Oak Forest must maintain:

• Adequate Night Lighting: All public areas and areas used by guests must be properly illuminated after dark
• Light Containment: Lighting must be shaded or regulated to prevent shine onto adjacent properties

Entertainment Venues

Young Adult Entertainment Facilities

These establishments must follow specific illumination standards:

• Indoor Illumination: Minimum 1.3 footcandles at floor level in all public areas
• Parking Areas: All off-street parking within 100 feet of entrances must have:
• Minimum 1 footcandle maintained horizontal illumination on parking surfaces and walkways
• Illumination during all hours of operation after sunset

Sexually Oriented Businesses

These establishments have the strictest lighting requirements:

• Indoor Illumination: Minimum 2 footcandles measured at floor level throughout all public access areas
• Continuous Compliance: Owners and employees must ensure this illumination level is maintained whenever patrons are present
• Parking Area Lighting: Minimum 1 footcandle average maintained horizontal illumination from dusk until closing
• Documentation: Lighting plans must be included in the required business diagram/sketch

Specialty Business Requirements

Coin-Operated Dry Cleaning Establishments

• Room Illumination: Minimum 10 footcandles of light throughout all parts of rooms not directly obstructed by equipment

Recreational Facility Lighting

Swimming Pool Illumination Standards

Oak Forest has detailed safety requirements for pool lighting:

Floodlight Requirements

• Height Requirement: Outside floodlights within 15 feet of pools must be installed at least 7 feet above ground
• Code Compliance: Installation must conform to National Electrical Code
• Switch Placement: Switches for pool floodlights must be at least 15 feet from the pool
• Neighbor Consideration: Floodlights must be positioned to avoid disturbing adjacent properties

Underwater Lighting Safety

• Distance Requirements: All electrical components (switches, outlets) for underwater lighting or filtration systems must be at least 15 feet from the pool
• Weather Protection: All such switches and outlets must have weatherproof design

Specialized Structure Lighting

Satellite Dishes and Telecommunications

Oak Forest restricts unnecessary illumination of certain structures:

• Satellite Dishes: No lights or illuminated advertising permitted on satellite dishes or support structures unless required by FCC or FAA
• Telecommunications Facilities:
• No illumination allowed unless required by federal or state agencies
• When lighting is required, the Building Commissioner may approve designs that minimize disturbance to surrounding uses and views

Fire Safety Illumination

• Strobe Light Requirement: A red 75cd weatherproof strobe light must be installed above the Fire Department connection, supervised by the fire alarm system and activating upon water flow
• Exit Signs: Must have a red globe light that remains lit during all periods when the public is present and until audiences have departed

Supporting Oak Forest's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands and appreciates Oak Forest's commitment to maintaining its natural wooded character while ensuring safety and functionality through appropriate lighting. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Oak Forest's values in preserving community character while embracing practical lighting solutions.

Our experience with communities similar to Oak Forest has taught us the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with respect for natural surroundings and neighborhood aesthetics. We recognize the unique character of suburbs with abundant forest preserve land and how lighting decisions affect both safety and environmental considerations.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, helping property owners understand requirements while maintaining Oak Forest's distinctive suburban woodland character. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a supportive community partner rather than just a product provider.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

When planning lighting for your Oak Forest property:

• Check for Use-Specific Requirements: Different types of establishments have different minimum illumination standards
• Consider Community Impact: Regulations often aim to prevent light from spilling onto neighboring properties
• Consult Professional Guidance: For specialized lighting requirements like pool installations or commercial properties
• Prioritize Safety: Many regulations focus on ensuring proper illumination for public safety

Light Placement Tips

• Entrance Lighting: Commercial and multi-family building entrances need particular attention
• Existing Infrastructure: Utilize existing utility poles and light standards when possible
• Height Considerations: Specific height requirements apply for certain installations, particularly near swimming pools

Conclusion

Oak Forest's lighting regulations reflect its character as a community that values both natural beauty and modern suburban needs. These standards ensure safety and functionality while protecting the city's wooded environment and residential tranquility.

By understanding and following these lighting requirements, property owners contribute to maintaining Oak Forest's distinctive character – a community that respects its historical roots while providing the safety and amenities residents expect in a thriving suburban setting.

Whether you're operating a business, managing a multi-family building, or installing a swimming pool, proper attention to lighting regulations helps preserve what makes Oak Forest special: a community nestled among trees, connected to its past, yet comfortably positioned for the future.