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Nestled southwest of Chicago, Palos Park is a village known for its picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, gentle valleys, and serene waterways. This scenic beauty, shaped by ancient glaciers, has been carefully preserved by a community deeply committed to maintaining its historical character and natural environment.
As Palos Park developed in the early 20th century, particularly after the arrival of train connections from Chicago, the village established guidelines to ensure that growth harmonized with its distinctive character. The community's lighting regulations reflect this thoughtful approach, balancing modern needs with the preservation of Palos Park's peaceful, scenic ambiance.
These regulations are designed not just for safety and functionality, but to maintain the village's aesthetic appeal and protect its natural darkness – a rare commodity in the greater Chicago metropolitan area.
For property owners and developers in Palos Park, here are the key lighting requirements:
Palos Park defines "light trespass" as light that shines beyond property boundaries. The village has established clear limits to prevent this common lighting issue:
Palos Park regulates how high lighting fixtures can be mounted, with different rules based on luminaire brightness:
To minimize unnecessary light pollution, Palos Park requires:
The village maintains strict oversight of public lighting installations:
Residential pool owners should note:
For business owners, sign lighting has specific requirements:
Before installing or modifying outdoor lighting in Palos Park:
If you need lighting that doesn't meet standard regulations:
During construction activities:
Bock Lighting recognizes the careful balance Palos Park maintains between modern lighting needs and preserving the village's natural character. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the importance of community-specific approaches to outdoor lighting.
Palos Park's commitment to minimizing light pollution while ensuring safety aligns with our philosophy of responsible, thoughtful lighting design. Our experience with communities that value their historical character and natural environments helps us appreciate Palos Park's approach to lighting regulations.
We believe that effective lighting should enhance, not detract from, a community's distinctive qualities. Whether it's preserving the ability to see the night sky or maintaining the peaceful ambiance of residential neighborhoods, we share Palos Park's values regarding thoughtful illumination.
As a regional lighting resource, we're committed to helping property owners understand and navigate lighting regulations, offering educational resources rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Dayton, Ohio
Palos Park's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving the village's natural beauty and historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. By controlling light trespass, regulating fixture heights, and requiring thoughtful planning for all lighting installations, these regulations help maintain the village's distinctive charm.
Property owners planning any outdoor lighting project should familiarize themselves with Chapter 1476 of the village code and incorporate these requirements into their plans from the beginning. This proactive approach can save time and resources while helping contribute to Palos Park's vision of a community that respects both its natural environment and the needs of its residents.
By balancing modern lighting needs with environmental stewardship, Palos Park continues its long tradition of thoughtful development that preserves what makes the village special for generations to come.