Lighting Regulations in Orland Park, Illinois: Balancing Development and Preservation Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction: The Evolution of Lighting in Orland Park

Orland Park's journey from a small agricultural community incorporated in 1892 to a thriving suburban hub has been guided by a commitment to balancing development with preservation of community character. As the village expanded—particularly during the mid-20th century migration from Chicago's South Side—its approach to urban planning evolved to include comprehensive lighting regulations.

These regulations reflect Orland Park's dedication to maintaining aesthetic priorities while accommodating modern growth. With its 22.31 square miles of predominantly residential and commercial development, the village has crafted lighting standards that support safety and functionality without compromising community character.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here are the most critical lighting requirements to know in Orland Park:

• Maximum Color Temperature: No exterior light may exceed 4100K
• Light Trespass Limits: Vary by property type, with zero footcandles allowed from non-residential to residential properties
• Luminaire Heights: Maximum of 25 feet on private properties with specific setback requirements
• Prohibited Lighting: Flickering lights, searchlights, laser lights, and most high-intensity discharge lamps
• LED Street Lighting: Required at all street intersections, cul-de-sacs, and at intervals not exceeding 500 feet
• Patio Lighting: Must be contained within property boundaries with no attention-seeking or flashing elements

Exterior Lighting Classifications and Requirements

Orland Park uses a classification system that assigns different lighting standards based on property use. This tiered approach ensures appropriate illumination levels for various activities while protecting neighboring properties.

Lighting Class 1: Auto Dealerships and Large Retail Centers

• Maximum Footcandles at Property Line:
• 5.0 fc at non-residential boundaries
• 0 fc at residential boundaries
• 0.5 fc adjacent to public rights-of-way
• Maximum Lumens per Square Foot: 7.0 lm/sf
• Maximum Internal Light Level: 40 footcandles

Lighting Class 2: Manufacturing, Commercial, and Mixed Use

• Maximum Footcandles at Property Line:
• 5.0 fc at non-residential boundaries
• 0 fc at residential boundaries
• 0.5 fc adjacent to public rights-of-way
• Maximum Lumens per Square Foot: 3.0 lm/sf
• Maximum Internal Light Level: 15 footcandles

Lighting Class 3: Civic, Institutional, Multi-Family, and Office

• Maximum Footcandles at Property Line:
• 2.0 fc at non-residential boundaries
• 0 fc at residential boundaries
• 0.5 fc adjacent to public rights-of-way
• Maximum Lumens per Square Foot: 2.5 lm/sf
• Maximum Internal Light Level: 10 footcandles

Lighting Class 4: Single-Family Residential

• Maximum Footcandles at Property Line:
• 2.0 fc at non-residential boundaries
• 0.5 fc at residential boundaries
• 0.5 fc adjacent to public rights-of-way
• Maximum Lumens per Square Foot: 1.0 lm/sf
• Maximum Internal Light Level: 10 footcandles

Luminaire Height and Setback Requirements

Orland Park has established specific requirements for light fixture heights and their minimum distances from property lines based on the cutoff design of the fixture.

Required Setbacks Based on Height and Cutoff Degree

| Luminaire Height | Full Cutoff | Cutoff | Semi-Cutoff | No Cutoff | | :--------------- | :---------- | :----- | :---------- | :------------ | | 25 feet | 10ft | 20ft | 40ft | Not Permitted | | 20 feet | 8ft | 16ft | 32ft | Not Permitted | | 15 feet | 6ft | 12ft | 24ft | 30ft | | 10 feet | 4ft | 8ft | 16ft | 20ft | | 5 feet | 2ft | 4ft | 8ft | 10ft |

Understanding Cutoff Classifications

• Full Cutoff: No more than 2.5% of lamp lumens above horizontal, no more than 10% above 80°
• Cutoff: No more than 5% of lamp lumens above horizontal, no more than 20% above 80°
• Semi-Cutoff: Partial light control with some upward light allowed
• No Cutoff: Limited height applications only, not permitted for taller fixtures

Street Lighting Standards

Street lighting in Orland Park follows stringent standards to ensure safety, efficiency, and aesthetic consistency.

Required Locations for Street Lights

• Intersections: All cross and "T" intersections
• Street Endings: At the end of streets and cul-de-sacs
• Mid-Block: At maximum intervals of 500 feet
• Curves: At all major curves in street alignment

Technical Specifications

• Mounting Height: 30 feet for all poles (unless exception approved)
• Light Type: LED luminaires required
• Control: Singularly controlled with photo control cells
• Installation: Underground electric cables in unit ducts
• Color Temperature: 4000K for commercial roadways
• Warranty Requirement: 10-year warranty on fixtures

LED Luminaire Requirements

• Housing: Tool-less entry, gasketed and sealed, UL listed for wet locations
• Light Source: RoHS and DLC compliant
• Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to +40°C
• Maximum Power: 170W for residential, 200W for commercial roadways

Special Lighting Applications

Patio Lighting for Non-Residential Uses

• Permitted Fixtures: Lanterns, sconces, lighting posts, flameless torches, festoon/string lights, pendant lighting
• Prohibited Elements: Attention-seeking, blinking, flashing, color-changing lights
• Containment Requirement: All patio lighting must remain within property boundaries

Architectural Accent Lighting

• Interstate 80 Corridor: Special provisions for commercial buildings facing I-80
• LED Rope/Band Lighting: Permitted on south elevations of buildings at least 30 feet or 3 stories high
• Restrictions:
• Prohibited on north elevations
• Prohibited within 300 feet of residential properties
• Must be installed horizontally
• Must maintain consistent design across multi-tenant buildings

Canopy Lighting

• Recessed Requirement: Luminaires mounted under canopies must be recessed
• Containment: No part of the luminaire or lamp shall extend below the exterior edge of the canopy

What Property Owners Should Know

Navigating lighting regulations can be complex, but understanding these key points will help property owners comply with Orland Park's requirements:

When a Lighting Plan Is Required

A lighting plan must be submitted for:

• All non-residential uses near residential zones
• Multiple family developments (except duplexes)
• All commercial, industrial, institutional, and public uses
• Any property seeking special uses, planned unit developments, or variations

Components of a Required Lighting Plan

Your lighting plan must include:

• Site plan showing pole locations and mounted fixtures
• Specifications for luminaires, lamps, poles, and wiring
• Details on pole height, mounting height, and luminaire height
• Photometric plans showing footcandle measurements
• Initial luminaire lumens of all proposed light sources

Non-Conforming Lighting

• Existing non-conforming lighting may continue operation
• When illumination systems are replaced or modified by more than 50%, they must conform to current regulations
• Problematic non-conforming fixtures causing glare or dangerous conditions must be modified

Supporting Orland Park's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands and shares Orland Park's commitment to thoughtful illumination that balances development needs with community character.

As communities like Orland Park navigate the challenges of growth while preserving their distinctive identity, having knowledgeable partners becomes valuable. Bock Lighting's understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows them to serve as a resource for property owners seeking to align with local regulations.

With decades of experience in communities that value both historic character and modern functionality, Bock Lighting appreciates Orland Park's comprehensive approach to lighting regulations. Their commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices mirrors the village's vision for controlled growth and aesthetic priorities.

Bock's expertise in lighting solutions that respect community character while meeting safety and efficiency standards can help Orland Park residents and businesses navigate the technical aspects of lighting compliance.

Conclusion

Orland Park's lighting regulations reflect its evolution from an agricultural community to a thriving suburb. These thoughtfully developed standards ensure that as the village continues to grow, illumination enhances safety and functionality without sacrificing the aesthetic qualities that make Orland Park distinctive.

By carefully balancing technical requirements with community values, these regulations help maintain the character that residents value while accommodating modern development needs. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer, understanding these lighting standards is essential to contributing positively to Orland Park's visual landscape.

Through careful compliance with these regulations, property owners help maintain the balance between development and preservation that has guided Orland Park's growth for more than a century.