Lighting Regulations in Orland Hills, Illinois: A Community Guide to Lighting Standards

Introduction

Orland Hills, Illinois, incorporated in 1961 (originally as Westhaven until its name change in 1986), has evolved into a vibrant suburban community in Cook County. As a relatively young village compared to many historic Illinois towns, Orland Hills has developed with a focus on creating an attractive, family-friendly environment that balances growth with community character.

The village's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to safety, visual appeal, and maintaining the suburban aesthetic that residents value. These standards help ensure that lighting enhances the community while minimizing unnecessary light pollution or disruption to neighboring properties.

Quick Reference Guide to Orland Hills Lighting Requirements

Most Critical Requirements:

• All lighting fixtures must bear the seal of approval from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or equivalent agency
• Street lighting must use 25-foot concrete poles with six-foot brackets and 150-watt sodium vapor luminaires
• Swimming pools used at night require permanent lighting systems for the pool and surrounding area
• White light only for external illumination of graphics in or near office/residential areas
• Tree management required to prevent obstruction of street lights

Residential Lighting Standards

Interior Lighting Requirements

Every Orland Hills home must meet specific interior lighting standards designed for safety and convenience:

• Every room (excluding closets) requires at least one light switch controlling a fixture or outlet
• When rooms have multiple entrances, each entry needs a wall switch controlling the same fixtures (three-way or four-way switches required)
• All switches must be located within 18 inches of the handle side of the door
• Attic spaces require an interior access panel with a light
• Crawl spaces need at least one GFI-protected outlet and light fixture, with the control located within 12 inches of the access panel

Garage Lighting Requirements

Garages in Orland Hills have specific lighting regulations to ensure safety and functionality:

• At least one ceiling fixture must be installed with three-way or four-way switching at each service door and overhead door
• One ceiling outlet must be located a minimum of 18 inches from where an automatic door opener would be located
• Detached garages require at least one exterior light with three-way switching at both the garage and the principal structure

Commercial Lighting Regulations

Sign Illumination Standards

The village carefully regulates sign lighting to maintain aesthetic standards while ensuring visibility:

• Prohibited sign lighting includes:
• Flashing or blinking lights (except time/temperature displays)
• Beacon or search lights
• Bare bulb lighting
• Flame lighting
• Color restrictions:
• White is the only permitted color of external light to illuminate graphics in office/residential areas or within 300 feet of such areas
• Light shielding requirements:
• Light from illuminated signs must be shaded, shielded, or directed to prevent adverse effects on surroundings
• Light must not shine into residential structures or affect vision of vehicle operators

Business Lighting Based on Location

Orland Hills has different lighting standards depending on a business's surroundings:

For businesses surrounded by other businesses or manufacturing:

• Allowed: Flood lighting, internal lighting, indirect lighting, tube lighting, all surface colors
• Prohibited: Bare bulb lighting, flashing lighting, flame lighting

For businesses surrounded by office, residential, or rural areas:

• Color lighting restricted to WHITE only
• Allowed: Flood lighting, internal lighting, indirect lighting, tube lighting
• Prohibited: Bare bulb lighting

Outdoor and Public Space Lighting

Street Lighting Requirements

Street lighting in Orland Hills must meet specific technical standards:

• Street lights must use 25-foot concrete poles with six-foot brackets (or Board of Trustees approved alternative)
• 150-watt sodium vapor luminaire, lamp, and ballast required
• Cable "HG x LP use" must be buried in one-inch poly duct
• Developers must maintain street lights for 12 months after village acceptance
• 10-foot-wide easements required for street lighting where necessary

Tree Management Around Lights

Proper tree maintenance is essential for effective street lighting:

• Property owners must prune trees overhanging streets to prevent obstruction of street lights
• The village has the right to prune trees/shrubs on private property that interfere with street light distribution

Swimming Pool Lighting

For safety and security, swimming pools have specific lighting regulations:

• Permanent lighting systems required for all indoor pools and outdoor pools used at night
• Lighting must be sufficient to illuminate all parts of the pool, the water, and the entire pool area

Supporting Orland Hills' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique character of suburban communities like Orland Hills. We share the village's commitment to creating well-lit, attractive spaces that maintain community aesthetics while prioritizing safety and functionality.

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer, we appreciate how proper lighting contributes to the family-friendly environment that Orland Hills residents value. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and suburban lighting needs allows us to provide resources that help property owners navigate local regulations while enhancing their properties.

We're committed to supporting communities like Orland Hills through educational resources about lighting regulations and sustainable practices that align with suburban development goals. Our understanding of the balance between modern lighting needs and community character makes us a valuable partner for residents seeking to comply with local standards.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Compliance Tips

Following Orland Hills' lighting regulations offers several benefits:

• Safety and security through proper illumination of properties
• Energy efficiency through appropriate fixture selection
• Good neighbor relations by preventing light trespass
• Community aesthetics that maintain property values

Planning for Lighting Projects

When undertaking lighting projects in Orland Hills, remember:

• Verify all fixtures have UL or equivalent approval seals
• Consider location context when selecting lighting for businesses
• Consult village standards for any street lighting installations
• Think about light direction to prevent unwanted spillover
• Maintain trees and vegetation that might block street lights

Conclusion

Orland Hills' lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to creating a safe, attractive suburban environment for its residents. These standards help maintain the community character that makes Orland Hills a desirable place to live and work.

By understanding and following these lighting requirements, property owners contribute to the village's overall aesthetic while ensuring their lighting serves its intended purpose effectively. Proper lighting not only meets regulatory requirements but enhances safety, visibility, and the visual appeal of properties throughout the community.

The village's approach to lighting exemplifies its broader commitment to balancing growth and development with maintaining the suburban quality of life that residents value. As Orland Hills continues to evolve, these lighting standards will help preserve its character as a welcoming suburban community.