Lighting Regulations in Quincy, Illinois: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Quincy, Illinois, affectionately known as the "Gem City," boasts a rich architectural heritage spanning nearly two centuries. Founded in 1825 by future Illinois governor John Wood, this Mississippi River community features stunning historic districts showcasing various architectural styles that tell the story of the city's development.

From the Downtown Quincy Historic District's early 20th-century buildings to the South Side German Historic District's unique structures (including the Temple B'nai Sholom, one of America's earliest Moorish Revival synagogues), Quincy takes pride in preserving its architectural character while ensuring public safety.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance between historical preservation and modern safety requirements. These guidelines help maintain Quincy's distinctive ambiance while providing adequate illumination for businesses, public spaces, and residential areas.

Quick Reference Guide

• Signs: Electronic message signs must automatically adjust brightness (not exceeding 0.3 footcandles above ambient light)
• Parking Lots: Lighting fixtures limited to 15 feet height, with 2.0-3.0 footcandles at grade level
• Exit Lighting: Red illuminated EXIT signs required in theaters and public meeting halls
• Mobile Home Parks: Minimum 100-watt light required per 200 linear feet of private street
• General Restrictions: No offensive glare allowed that causes nuisance to neighboring properties

Sign Lighting Requirements

Brightness Control and Certification

Electronic message signs in Quincy must include technology that responds to ambient lighting conditions. This ensures signs aren't excessively bright at night or too dim during daylight hours.

Key requirements include:

• Automatic dimming: Signs must have sensors to adjust brightness based on ambient light
• Maximum brightness: Cannot exceed 0.3 footcandles above ambient light
• Certification required: Manufacturers must provide written certification that:
• Light intensity is factory preset within allowable limits
• Settings are protected from user manipulation through password protection

Display Restrictions

To maintain a visually pleasant environment and prevent distractions:

• No animations: Signs cannot flash, scroll, twirl, or change color in ways that imitate movement
• Default freeze: Electronic signs must include a mechanism that freezes the display if a malfunction occurs
• Message timing: For certain institutional signs, a new message is permitted only every 60 seconds

Operating Hours

Some lighting restrictions apply to specific hours:

• General signs: Most signs cannot be illuminated between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Institutional signs: Illumination limited to 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for public buildings, charitable, or religious institutions

Parking Lot Lighting

Safety and Security Standards

Quincy requires adequate parking lot lighting to ensure public safety while preventing light pollution:

• Minimum illumination: One foot-candle maintained uniformly across the parking lot surface
• Fixture requirements:
• Non-spill type fixtures, hooded to prevent glare
• Indirect, diffused, or shielded-type fixtures required
• Between 2.0-3.0 footcandles measured at grade level under each fixture

Height and Placement Restrictions

To maintain aesthetic appeal and minimize light spillage:

• Maximum height: Fixtures cannot exceed 15 feet above finished grade
• Mounting options: Lighting standards may be attached to buildings or pole-mounted
• Adjacent properties: Light must not reflect direct rays or spill over into residential districts
• Approval process: All parking lot lighting arrangements require approval by the Director of Utilities and Engineering

Exit Lighting for Public Venues

Theater and Public Meeting Hall Requirements

Safety is paramount in public gathering spaces:

• Red illumination: A red light illuminating the word "EXIT" must be installed over each regular and emergency exit
• Operating requirements: Must remain lit whenever the venue is occupied and until audiences have completely exited
• Additional signage: Some venues require a light with a red globe placed at or over exit signs

Mobile Home Park Lighting

Pathway Illumination

Mobile home parks have specific lighting requirements for safety:

• Nighttime lighting: All entrances, exits, and driveways must be lighted at night
• Minimum illumination: Not less than a 100-watt electric light for:
• Each 200 linear feet of private street
• Each entrance and exit to the mobile home park
• Public street conformity: Street lighting on public streets must conform to subdivision regulations and the city's Electric Code

Specialized Facility Requirements

Self-Storage Facilities

• All exterior light sources must be indirect, diffused, or shielded-type fixtures
• Installation must reduce glare and interference with boundary streets and adjacent properties

Pumphouses

• If electrically lighted, lights must be vapor-proof type
• Wiring must be in sealed conduit
• Light switches must be explosion-proof or placed outside the building

Business Premises

• Areas where liquor is sold must be "reasonably lighted to afford patrons safe movement"
• Electrical lighting must be activated when natural light is insufficient
• Premises must be able to be fully lighted in case of emergency or for inspection

Site Plan Requirements

Many development projects in Quincy require lighting details as part of the approval process:

• New developments must show exterior lighting locations, type of light, and illumination patterns
• Certain special uses require detailed lighting plans showing how illumination affects neighboring properties
• Changes to lighting are considered "material changes" requiring permit review

Prohibited Lighting

Several lighting types are explicitly prohibited:

• Open lights or flames in storage yards or hazardous areas
• Flame lanterns or exposed flame lights during loading/unloading processes
• Search lights or spotlights that shine into the air (when not focused on a sign or building)
• Any lighting producing "offensive glare" affecting neighboring properties

Supporting Quincy's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the importance of appropriate lighting in historically significant communities like Quincy. As a manufacturer with experience in historic preservation contexts, we appreciate Quincy's commitment to maintaining its architectural character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Preserving Historical Character

Quincy's rich architectural heritage, from its riverfront districts to its historic neighborhoods, deserves lighting solutions that complement rather than detract from these treasures. Bock Lighting shares Quincy's vision of preserving historical character while incorporating modern lighting technology.

Community-Focused Approach

Understanding local regulations is essential for successful lighting projects. Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource, helping community members navigate technical requirements while respecting Quincy's unique aesthetic. Our experience with regional architectural styles allows us to recommend solutions that align with both regulatory requirements and community values.

Sustainable Solutions

Like Quincy, Bock Lighting is committed to responsible practices that benefit communities long-term. Our focus on sustainable lighting aligns with modern municipal goals of energy efficiency while maintaining the distinctive character that makes communities like Quincy special.

Conclusion

Quincy's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to balancing historical preservation with public safety needs. Property owners should:

1. Consider both aesthetic and functional aspects of lighting
2. Ensure compliance with specific technical requirements for their property type
3. Seek approval when making lighting changes, especially in historically significant areas
4. Remember that properly designed lighting enhances both safety and community character

By understanding and following these regulations, residents and business owners contribute to maintaining Quincy's unique charm while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and security.