Lighting Regulations in River Grove, Illinois: Balancing Safety, Aesthetics, and History

Introduction

River Grove, Illinois, a village with roots dating back to the early 19th century, carefully balances growth with preservation of its unique character. With approximately 50% of its 2.39 square miles dedicated to open spaces, River Grove's commitment to maintaining its natural environment and historical heritage is reflected in its approach to community regulations, including those governing lighting.

The village's lighting regulations aim to ensure safety while minimizing light pollution and preserving the aesthetic quality that makes River Grove special. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer, understanding these regulations is essential to maintaining compliance while contributing to the community's vision.

Quick Reference Guide

• Maximum Light Trespass: 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines, 1 foot-candle at nonresidential property lines
• Gas Station Canopy Lighting: Maximum 10 foot-candles, recessed fixtures required
• Residential Light Pole Heights: 8 feet (single to three-unit), 12 feet (multi-unit)
• Commercial Light Pole Heights: 20 feet (C1/C2 districts), 35 feet (other nonresidential)
• Parking Lot Lighting: Minimum 150 watts for 1-6 spaces (maximum 600 watts)
• Unshielded Lighting: Prohibited except for temporary events
• Electronic Signs: Must reduce intensity to 75% from dusk to midnight; off from midnight-6am near residential areas

Exterior Lighting Requirements

Light Trespass Limitations

River Grove's regulations are clear about preventing unwanted light from affecting neighboring properties:

• No exterior lighting shall glare into surrounding areas or residential premises
• Light levels must not exceed 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines
• Light levels must not exceed 1 foot-candle at nonresidential property lines
• No interference with safe movement of vehicles on public thoroughfares

Fixture Design and Mounting

The village regulates not just the intensity of light but also how it's installed:

• Fully shielded fixtures are defined as those where light rays are projected below the horizontal plane
• Unshielded lighting that allows light above the horizontal plane is generally prohibited
• Existing utility poles and light standards should be used whenever practicable
• Installing additional utility poles is strongly discouraged

Height Restrictions for Light Poles

River Grove has established clear height limitations for light poles based on zoning and use:

Nonresidential Districts

• C1 and C2 districts: Maximum 20 feet
• Other nonresidential districts: Maximum 35 feet
• School sites and public recreation areas: Maximum 60 feet

Residential Districts

• Single-, two-, and three-unit properties: Maximum 8 feet
• Multi-unit, townhouse, and nonresidential uses in residential zones: Maximum 12 feet

Specific Lighting Applications

Gas Station Canopy Lighting

Gas stations must adhere to specific lighting standards for their canopies:

• Recessed luminaires required to minimize light pollution
• Maximum intensity of 10 foot-candles at any location under the canopy
• All lighting under canopy (including auxiliary lighting in signage and pump panels) counts toward the 10 foot-candle limit

Parking Lot Illumination

Parking areas have their own set of lighting requirements:

• Must be illuminated from dusk until dawn throughout the year
• Minimum 150 watts required for lots with 1-6 parking spaces
• Maximum 600 watts unless specifically approved by the Village Building Department
• Light must be arranged to deflect direct rays away from adjacent properties and streets

Multi-Family Building Lighting

For buildings with more than two families:

• Vestibules, halls, corridors, and stairways must be adequately lit by electricity from sunset to sunrise
• Emergency lighting must be installed to enable evacuation if the general illumination system fails
• Battery units must conform to electrical code section 18-27-700.66
• Lighting plans must be submitted to the building department for approval

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

River Grove has comprehensive regulations governing illuminated signage:

• No flashing or blinking lights or illumination with changing intensity or color
• Gooseneck reflectors and lights are permitted on freestanding, roof, and wall signs if they concentrate illumination on the sign area
• No glare permitted on streets or adjacent property
• All illuminated signs must be UL certified or approved by another nationally recognized testing laboratory

Electronic Signs

Electronic and digital displays have additional requirements:

• Must reduce luminous intensity to 75% of daylight operation from dusk until midnight
• Must be turned off from midnight to 6:00 A.M. if located adjacent to a residential district
• No illumination may interfere with the safe movement of motor vehicles

Neon and LED Window Signage

• Prohibited entirely in R1, R2, and R3 districts
• Not permitted above first floor in R4 district
• Limited to 25% of the total window area
• Included in calculation of permanent window signage

What Property Owners Should Know

Site Plan Requirements

When submitting plans for development or redevelopment:

• Photometric grid showing light intensity in foot-candles across the site and at property lines required if site lighting is proposed
• Exterior safety plans must include adequate exterior lighting
• Maintenance obligations for public improvements include light poles

Minimizing Nuisance Conditions

Several regulations address potential nuisance conditions:

• Tree management: Branches must be pruned to avoid obstructing light from street lamps
• Home occupations: Cannot produce glare detectable beyond property lines
• Damage to public lighting: It's prohibited to break, deface, or damage public lamp posts or fixtures

Supporting River Grove's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares River Grove's commitment to balancing community safety, functionality, and preservation of character. With over a century of experience, Bock understands the unique challenges faced by communities like River Grove that seek to maintain their historic character while meeting modern lighting needs.

Our team appreciates River Grove's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that protect the village's abundant open spaces from light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for safety. Bock's expertise in compliant, community-sensitive lighting solutions aligns with River Grove's careful balance of growth and preservation.

As a resource for understanding and implementing lighting regulations, Bock can help property owners navigate technical requirements while honoring the village's aesthetic standards. Our commitment to sustainable lighting practices parallels River Grove's dedication to preserving its natural environment for future generations.

Conclusion

River Grove's lighting regulations reflect its broader commitment to maintaining a community that honors its historical roots while providing for the needs of current residents. By establishing clear standards for light trespass, fixture design, and illumination levels, the village protects residential areas from unwanted glare while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and commercial activity.

Property owners and developers should work closely with the Village Building Department to ensure compliance with these regulations. By doing so, they contribute to River Grove's vision of a community that balances growth with preservation of its unique character and abundant open spaces.

Understanding and following these regulations helps maintain River Grove as a special place that respects both its historical heritage and the needs of its residents and businesses today.