Lighting Regulations in Oak Lawn, Illinois: A Guide to Compliance and Community Character

Introduction

Oak Lawn, Illinois has evolved significantly since its early days when settlers were drawn to its abundant black oak trees and Stony Creek in the 1840s. From its official incorporation in 1909 to today, this vibrant village located just 13 miles southwest of Chicago has maintained a delicate balance between growth and preservation of its suburban charm.

The village's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to maintaining a family-friendly environment while ensuring safety and respecting the quality of life for all residents. These regulations help preserve Oak Lawn's distinctive character while accommodating the needs of its diverse community.

Quick Reference Guide to Oak Lawn Lighting Regulations

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

• Exterior lighting must be shaded to prevent direct light on residential properties, streets, parks, or schools
• Emergency lighting is required in buildings over 2,000 square feet and public assembly spaces for 50+ people
• Commercial establishments serving liquor must be fully and continuously illuminated during business hours
• Illuminated signs must use steady, shielded light directed solely at the sign
• Parking lots must have lighting directed away from residential properties
• Swimming pool lighting must not exceed 12 volts for submersible fixtures
• Exit signs in assembly halls (100+ capacity) require 6-inch letters with red globe lights

Residential and Commercial Property Lighting

Exterior Lighting Requirements

Oak Lawn's regulations focus on preventing light trespass between properties while ensuring adequate illumination for safety. The village's approach balances the need for security lighting with respect for neighbors' right to enjoy their property without light intrusion.

Key regulations include:

• Exterior lighting fixtures must be shaded wherever necessary to avoid casting direct light upon residence lots
• Light must not cast directly onto public streets, parks, or schools
• Proper shading must be used to prevent excessive illumination on adjacent premises

Special Uses and Facilities

Different types of properties have specific lighting requirements:

• Hotels and motels: Public areas must be adequately lighted at night, with lights shaded to prevent shine on adjacent properties
• Trampoline amusement grounds: Must provide adequate lighting with proper shading to prevent excessive illumination on neighboring properties
• Temporary overnight shelters: Entrances, exits, and exterior lighting must be designed to minimize adverse impacts on adjoining properties

Parking Area Lighting

The village has specific requirements for parking areas:

• All parking lot lighting must conform to Village standards
• Lighting must be directed away from residential properties
• Site plans must include lighting details for parking facilities
• Plans must show existing and proposed grades, drainage systems, and lighting details

Emergency and Exit Lighting Requirements

Required Emergency Lighting Systems

Oak Lawn's building code includes specific requirements for emergency lighting to ensure public safety during power outages:

• Required in:
• Retail stores, commercial and office buildings exceeding 2,000 square feet
• All places of public assembly accommodating 50+ individuals
• Technical specifications:
• Must be powered by auxiliary electrical generation system or battery backup
• Activates automatically upon failure of normal electrical supply
• Must provide sufficient lumens for all stairways, exit doors, fire hose locations, exit aisles, and corridors

Exit Sign Requirements

• Assembly halls (100+ capacity):
• Must have "Exit" signs with letters at least 6 inches high over every egress
• Red globe light required at or over each sign
• Must remain illuminated while hall is open and until audience has departed
• Apartment buildings:
• Buildings with 3+ floors and 5+ units require complete exit and emergency systems
• Exit signs must be powered from emergency panel fed from line side of main switch
• Emergency illumination provided by battery-powered lighting units
• Commercial spaces:
• Retail stores, commercial buildings, restaurants, and places of public assembly (800+ square feet) require battery-powered exit sign systems

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Requirements

Oak Lawn has detailed regulations governing illuminated signs throughout the village:

• Illumination must be steady and stationary
• Light must be shielded and directed solely at the sign (or internal)
• Light intensity must not create nuisance to adjacent property or traffic hazard
• External illumination sources must be located and shielded so light source isn't visible from public streets or residences

Specialized Sign Lighting

Different sign types have specific lighting requirements:

• Projecting signs:
• Must be illuminated between sunset and 1:00 AM Monday through Saturday
• Require minimum illumination of 5 watts per square foot of sign surface (minimum 60 watts per sign surface)
• Floodlights, spotlights, and gooseneck reflectors are not permitted on projecting signs
• Marquee signs:
• Marquee lighting is specifically restricted to wall signs and marquee signs
• Prohibited on windows, doors, parapets, exterior walls, support beams, roofs, and balconies
• Current marquee signs are grandfathered in regarding illumination regulations
• Other sign restrictions:
• Portable sidewalk signs may not have any form of internal or external illumination
• Canopies and awnings may not be internally illuminated (no backlighting)
• Downward-directed lighting is permitted on canopies and awnings

Technical Specifications for Special Installations

Swimming Pool Lighting

Oak Lawn has specific safety requirements for pool lighting:

• Submersible lighting:
• Must not exceed 12 volts
• Must be grounded
• Must be UL approved for submersible use
• Adjacent lighting:
• Fixtures must be approved for wet locations
• Each fixture must be grounded via grounding conductor extending from the source

Garage Lighting

• Required illumination:
• At least two ceiling lights on a general lighting circuit
• All outside doors must be illuminated
• Technical requirements:
• Must use incandescent electric lamps only
• Movable lights require vapor-tight globes in approved metal cages
• Switches must be at least 4 feet above floor where vehicles containing volatile inflammable liquids are housed

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing lighting plans in Oak Lawn, consider these practical steps:

• For new construction: Submit detailed lighting plans with building permit applications
• For parking facilities: Include lighting details in the final parking plans
• For signage: Provide manufacturer specifications and photometric plans for illuminated signs
• For outdoor lighting: Ensure all fixtures have proper shading to prevent light trespass

Annual Inspections

The village conducts annual inspections that include verifying compliance with lighting requirements. Maintaining your lighting according to code will help avoid violations and ensure safety.

Supporting Oak Lawn's Lighting Vision

As a manufacturing company with deep roots in the Midwest, Bock Lighting understands the unique balance Oak Lawn strives to maintain between modern development and preserving its suburban character.

Our experience working with communities like Oak Lawn has given us insight into how proper lighting contributes to both safety and community aesthetics. We recognize the importance of Oak Lawn's regulations in preventing light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for security.

Bock Lighting shares Oak Lawn's commitment to responsible lighting practices that respect neighboring properties and preserve the village's unique character. We believe in lighting solutions that complement architectural styles and enhance community spaces without creating unwanted glare or light trespass.

As a resource for lighting information, we help property owners navigate regulations while finding solutions that align with their community's values and standards.

Conclusion

Oak Lawn's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining a safe, attractive, and neighbor-friendly community environment. From preventing light trespass between properties to ensuring adequate emergency lighting in public spaces, these rules help preserve the village's character while accommodating modern needs.

Understanding and following these regulations ensures your lighting installations not only comply with local codes but also contribute positively to Oak Lawn's community atmosphere. Whether you're installing exterior lighting for your home, illuminating commercial signage, or planning parking lot lighting, these guidelines help create a cohesive lighting environment throughout the village.

By respecting Oak Lawn's lighting vision, property owners participate in preserving the suburban charm that has defined this community since its earliest days while ensuring safety and functionality for all residents and visitors.