Lighting Regulations in St. Joseph, Illinois: Preserving Small-Town Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

St. Joseph, Illinois, with its rich history dating back to 1856, has evolved from its strategic relocation along the Danville-Urbana-Bloomington-Pekin Railroad in the late 1860s into the charming village we know today. With a population of just 3,810 (as of the 2020 census) spread across 2.10 square miles, this close-knit community values its small-town atmosphere and residential character.

Like many historic communities, St. Joseph balances modern needs with preservation of its unique character—a balance reflected in its approach to lighting regulations. These guidelines aim to maintain the village's welcoming ambiance while addressing safety and functionality concerns for residents and visitors alike.

Quick Reference Guide to St. Joseph Lighting Regulations

• Property owners must maintain trees to prevent obstruction of streetlights
• Parking area lighting must be hooded/shielded to direct light downward and away from neighboring properties
• Solar energy systems cannot be artificially illuminated and must direct glare away from neighboring windows
• Activities producing glare must contain all light within property boundaries
• Wind energy systems cannot be illuminated unless required by FAA
• Adult use establishments are prohibited from using flashing lights, searchlights, or spotlights
• Special events requiring special street lighting need permits

Street Lighting and Tree Maintenance

Property Owner Responsibilities

The village code places specific responsibilities on property owners regarding street lighting effectiveness. Every owner of trees overhanging streets or rights-of-way must prune branches that would obstruct light from streetlamps.

Village Authority

St. Joseph's government maintains the right to prune any tree or shrub on private property when it:

• Interferes with proper spread of light from streetlights
• Impacts visibility of traffic control devices or signs
• Obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic

These measures ensure that public lighting installations remain effective for safety and navigation throughout the village.

Regulations for Specific Installations

Solar Energy Systems

St. Joseph has established clear guidelines for solar energy installations that address potential lighting concerns:

• No artificial illumination is permitted for small solar energy systems
• Concentrated sunlight or glare from solar collector panels must be oriented away from neighboring windows
• Self-contained solar components are prohibited in front yards, except for parking lot light poles

Wind Energy Systems

For wind energy systems, the village maintains strict lighting limitations:

• No illumination is allowed unless specifically required by the Federal Aviation Administration
• If lighting is required, designs must cause minimal disturbance to surrounding land uses

Parking Areas

When providing lighting for parking areas, property owners must ensure that fixtures are:

• Properly hooded or shielded to direct light downward
• Designed to reflect light away from abutting or neighboring property
• Configured to avoid light spillage onto public rights-of-way

Controlling Light Pollution and Nuisance

Glare and Heat Management

St. Joseph's code addresses the potential for lighting to create nuisances across property lines:

• Any activity producing glare must be conducted so that no glare is detectable off the property
• Flickering or intense light sources must be controlled or shielded to prevent nuisance across lot lines

These regulations help maintain the peaceful character of residential neighborhoods while still allowing for adequate lighting.

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Definitions and Limitations

The village code provides specific definitions related to illuminated signage:

• Illuminated Sign: Any sign with characters, letters, figures, designs, or outlines illuminated by electric lights or luminous tubes
• Flashing Sign: A sign containing intermittent or sequential flashing light sources (excluding electronic message centers and animated signs)
• Limited Illumination: Lighting permitted no earlier than two hours before a scheduled activity and ending at its conclusion

Sign Placement and Safety

Safety considerations factor significantly into sign illumination regulations:

• No sign may be positioned or illuminated in ways that interfere with traffic views
• Signs must not be confused with authorized traffic signals or devices

Permit Exemptions

Some signs are permitted without requiring specific permits, including:

• One temporary non-illuminated real estate sign not exceeding 6 square feet in residential zones or 12 square feet in other zones

Special Use Considerations

Athletic Fields and Recreation

The village distinguishes between different types of recreational lighting:

• Active open spaces, athletic fields, or golf courses without stadium lighting are permitted in certain zones
• Athletic fields or golf courses with stadium lighting require special permissions

Adult Use Establishments

Adult-oriented businesses face specific lighting restrictions:

• No flashing lights, searchlights, or spotlights are permitted on the exterior
• All exterior lighting must comply with sign ordinances specific to adult-oriented businesses

Special Events

Events that require special street lighting or electrical service must obtain a special event permit from the village.

Supporting St. Joseph's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the delicate balance communities like St. Joseph maintain between preserving historical character and embracing necessary modernization. As a manufacturer with over a century of experience, we appreciate St. Joseph's commitment to maintaining its small-town charm while ensuring safety and functionality.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs aligns with St. Joseph's approach to community development. We recognize that each lighting decision impacts the village's historical character and residential atmosphere. Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, offering guidance that respects local standards and preserves community character.

Through our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices, we support villages like St. Joseph in their efforts to create welcoming, well-lit environments that honor their historical roots while meeting modern needs.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Considerations

Property owners in St. Joseph should focus on these key points:

• Direct light downward and away from neighboring properties
• Maintain trees and vegetation to prevent obstruction of streetlights
• Control glare and flickering to prevent nuisance to neighbors
• Obtain necessary permits for special lighting installations or events

Best Practices

Even where specific technical requirements aren't detailed in the code, property owners should:

• Choose lighting that complements the village's historical character
• Opt for fixtures that minimize spillover and upward light
• Consider the impact of lighting choices on neighbors and the community atmosphere

Conclusion

St. Joseph's lighting regulations reflect its identity as a close-knit community that values its small-town character. While the village code doesn't prescribe extensive technical specifications for lighting, it establishes clear principles: minimize nuisance, prevent hazards, and maintain the community's aesthetic quality.

Property owners who respect these principles contribute to the preservation of St. Joseph's unique charm—a characteristic that has defined this community since its establishment in the mid-19th century and continues to shape its development today.

For specific guidance on lighting regulations or to verify current requirements, residents should contact the Village of St. Joseph offices directly.