Lighting Regulations in Roxana, Illinois: Balancing Industry and Community Standards

Introduction

Nestled in Madison County, Roxana, Illinois carries a rich industrial heritage dating back to its incorporation in 1921. Originally developed to support the Roxana Petroleum Company (now part of Phillips 66), this small but vibrant community has always balanced industrial needs with residential quality of life.

With only 1,542 residents as of the 2010 census, Roxana maintains its close-knit community character while supporting significant industrial operations. This unique combination has shaped the village's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to ensure safety, visibility, and appropriate illumination without creating nuisance or hazards.

The following guide outlines Roxana's lighting regulations as extracted from the village's building codes and ordinances.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Commercial Interior Lighting: Adult businesses require 60-watt minimum bulbs in public areas
• Multi-Family Common Areas: Minimum 5 foot-candles of illumination required in shared halls and stairways
• Street Lighting: Minimum one streetlight per 400 feet with 175-watt equivalent illumination
• Light Pollution Control: No glare or unreasonable light reflection beyond property lines
• Parking Areas: One light required per 25 parking spaces in multi-family, business, and industrial zones

Residential Lighting Requirements

Interior Lighting Standards

Roxana's code establishes minimum lighting requirements to ensure safe and habitable residential spaces:

• Every room must contain at least one working ceiling light fixture or switch-operated outlet
• Rooms may alternatively be adequately illuminated by lighting from an adjacent room for safe passage
• Dwellings may be declared unfit for human habitation if they are "deficient with respect to illumination" creating a serious hazard

Multi-Family Dwelling Requirements

Special lighting requirements apply to shared spaces in multi-family buildings:

• Every shared/public hall and stairway must maintain a minimum of 5 foot-candles of electric illumination at all times
• This higher standard ensures resident safety in common areas

Halloween Safety Regulations

The village has a specific lighting regulation related to trick-or-treating:

• It is unlawful to trick-or-treat "at any residence where a light is not burning therein"
• This regulation helps ensure children's safety during Halloween activities

Commercial Establishment Lighting

Adult Business Lighting Requirements

The village maintains strict lighting requirements for adult businesses to ensure visibility and safety:

• All public areas must be lit by light bulbs of at least 60 watts when open for business
• Private viewing booths, rooms, or cubicles must be lit by light bulbs of at least 25 watts
• No arrangement of lights shall prevent a full view of the entire interior from the street, road, or sidewalk

Liquor Establishment Lighting

Establishments serving alcohol have specific lighting requirements:

• All rooms where liquor is sold for consumption must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Lighting must be either natural light or artificial white light
• All parts of the interior premises must be clearly visible

Outdoor Lighting and Light Pollution Controls

Property Boundary Light Control

Roxana's code addresses light pollution and nuisance concerns:

• No "unreasonable reflection or direct glare" is permitted at or beyond any property line
• No "offensive glare" is allowed to be noticeable at or beyond the property line
• "Unreasonable interferences" explicitly include excessive glare
• These regulations help maintain good neighbor relations and prevent light trespass

Facility Lighting Requirements

For larger facilities, additional requirements apply:

• Lighting installed for security and safety purposes must be shielded to prevent glare from extending substantially beyond facility boundaries
• The only exception is for FAA and FCC required lighting

Street and Public Lighting Standards

Streetlight Placement Requirements

The village has established specific requirements for streetlight placement:

• Streetlights must be provided at each intersection of streets or alleys within subdivisions
• Streetlights are required at each cul-de-sac
• A minimum of one streetlight per 400 feet of street frontage between intersections is required
• These requirements ensure consistent illumination throughout the village

Streetlight Technical Specifications

Each streetlight must meet specific technical criteria:

• Lighting intensity must be equivalent to a minimum 175-watt lamp or 6800 mercury luminaire lamp
• Each streetlight standard (post) must be at least 16 feet high
• The design and installation must be reviewed by the municipal engineer, appropriate electric utility company, and chief officer of the appropriate street lighting district (if applicable)

Parking Area Illumination

The village code specifies lighting requirements for parking areas:

• In multi-family dwelling, business, and manufacturing/industrial zoning districts, lighting is required at a minimum rate of one light per 25 parking spaces or fraction thereof
• This ensures adequate visibility and safety in larger parking facilities

Signage Lighting Regulations

Sign Illumination Restrictions

Roxana's code includes several provisions regarding sign lighting:

• No flashing, intermittent or moving lights are permitted on signs (with limited exceptions for those changed at reasonable intervals by electronic process)
• Signs may not project beams or rays at highways or cause glare that impairs drivers' vision
• No moving signs or signs with varying intermittent lighting intensity are permitted in any district (with specific exceptions)

Construction Requirements

The village code notes that:

• Light poles, signposts, and similar structures may be constructed without individual permits
• This provision streamlines the process for standard lighting installations

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Roxana's lighting regulations is essential for both residential and commercial property owners. Here are the key takeaways:

• Light containment is a priority – keep your lighting within your property boundaries
• Interior lighting must meet minimum standards for habitation
• Commercial establishments have specific requirements to ensure visibility and safety
• Documentation of lighting plans is required for new developments
• Streetlights follow specific placement and intensity requirements

Property owners should consult the full village code or speak with local officials if planning significant lighting changes or installations.

Supporting Roxana's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique balance that Roxana maintains between its industrial heritage and community values. As a manufacturer with decades of experience serving communities like Roxana, we appreciate the village's practical approach to lighting regulations that prioritize safety while preventing nuisance.

Our team recognizes that Roxana's lighting regulations reflect its dual identity as both an industrial center and a close-knit residential community. We're committed to helping property owners navigate these regulations with solutions that meet code requirements while enhancing the village's character.

With expertise in both industrial-grade lighting and residential applications, Bock can serve as a resource for Roxana residents and businesses seeking to comply with local regulations. We share Roxana's commitment to practical, effective lighting that supports both safety and community well-being.

Conclusion

Roxana's lighting regulations reflect its unique history and community values. From ensuring adequate illumination in public spaces to preventing light pollution between properties, these standards help maintain the village's quality of life.

Whether you're a homeowner, business operator, or developer, understanding these lighting requirements is an important part of being a responsible community member in Roxana. By following these guidelines, you'll contribute to the village's safety, aesthetic appeal, and neighborly atmosphere.

For specific questions about lighting compliance or permit requirements, contact the Village of Roxana's building department or municipal offices.