Lighting Regulations in Palos Park, Illinois: Preserving Natural Beauty While Ensuring Safety

Introduction: Palos Park's Commitment to Thoughtful Lighting

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.

Quick Reference Guide to Palos Park Lighting Regulations

For property owners and developers in Palos Park, here are the key lighting requirements:

• Outdoor Lighting Control: All public and private outdoor lighting must conform to Chapter 1476 requirements
• Light Trespass Limits: Maximum of one-half foot-candle of light at property lines
• Height Restrictions:
• Standard luminaires: Maximum 18 feet
• Formula-based height calculation: 3 + D/3 (where D is distance to property line in feet)
• Luminaires under 1100 lumens: Maximum 25 feet
• Post-Closing Requirements: Lighting must be reduced to security lighting one hour after normal closing
• Residential Pool Lighting: Must be shielded to prevent light extending beyond lot lines
• Building Permits: Must include information about planned outdoor lighting

Understanding Basic Lighting Requirements

Light Trespass Prevention

Palos Park defines "light trespass" as light that shines beyond property boundaries. The village has established clear limits to prevent this common lighting issue:

• Light from any luminaire cannot exceed one-half foot-candle at the property line
• Exceptions exist for adjacent parking areas used in conjunction with the lit property
• Fixtures must be properly aimed to prevent direct light from becoming a nuisance to nearby residential buildings

Height and Visibility Requirements

Palos Park regulates how high lighting fixtures can be mounted, with different rules based on luminaire brightness:

• For luminaires rated at 1100 lumens or less:
• Maximum mounting height of 25 feet
• Must not cause nuisance to residential buildings on adjacent land
• Must not create glare for motorists on public ways
• For luminaires rated above 1100 lumens:
• Light-emitting portion of the luminaire must not be visible at property boundary
• Height must follow the formula: 3 + (D/3), where D equals distance to nearest property line in feet
• Maximum height of 18 feet regardless of distance calculation

After-Hours Lighting Requirements

To minimize unnecessary light pollution, Palos Park requires:

• Lighting must be reduced to security levels one hour after normal closing
• This requirement helps preserve the village's natural darkness while maintaining essential safety lighting

Special Lighting Applications

Public Roadway and Area Lighting

The village maintains strict oversight of public lighting installations:

• Roadway luminaires have a maximum height allowance of 25 feet
• Installation of lighting in any new public area requires specific Plan Commission approval
• New multiple public roadway lighting fixtures require a public hearing
• Public notice must be provided in a local newspaper at least 10 days before hearings

Swimming Pool Lighting

Residential pool owners should note:

• Artificial lighting for outdoor private residential pools must be shielded
• No appreciable amount of light should extend beyond lot lines
• Underwater lights require proper grounding with a deck junction box
• All materials, including fixtures, must be Underwriters' Laboratories listed

Signage Lighting

For business owners, sign lighting has specific requirements:

• Gooseneck reflectors and lights are permitted on ground signs and wall signs
• Lights must be concentrated on the sign itself
• Proper glass lenses must prevent glare from striking streets or nearby properties
• Commercial variable message and flashing signs are prohibited
• Existing non-conforming signs (as of October 10, 2005) have brightness limits:
• Maximum 5,000 nits from dawn to dusk
• Maximum 2,500 nits from dusk to dawn

What Property Owners Should Know

Permit Requirements

Before installing or modifying outdoor lighting in Palos Park:

• Building permit applications must include information about planned outdoor lighting
• Commercial developments must provide detailed lighting plans including:
• Fixture cuts
• Light spread charts
• All exterior lighting specifications

Temporary and Non-Conforming Lighting

If you need lighting that doesn't meet standard regulations:

• Temporary non-conforming lighting requires a variance from the Plan Commission
• Adjacent neighbors must receive notice by mail before the Plan Commission meeting
• The Commission will consider:
• Public/private benefits of the temporary lighting
• Potential annoyance or safety concerns
• Duration of the temporary lighting

Construction Site Lighting

During construction activities:

• Barricades must be protected at night by red or amber lights
• Developers must follow strict instructions from the Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvements regarding lighting at night

Supporting Palos Park's Lighting Vision

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.

Conclusion

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.