Lighting Regulations in Savanna, Illinois: Preserving Historic Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Nestled along the Mississippi River, Savanna, Illinois boasts a rich historical legacy dating back to the mid-19th century. The city's downtown area, characterized by its late 19th-century architecture, has been thoughtfully revitalized with ornamental lighting that enhances its historic charm while meeting modern needs.

As Savanna continues to develop as a destination that rivals nearby Galena, understanding the city's lighting regulations becomes essential for property owners, businesses, and residents alike. While Savanna's lighting regulations are relatively limited in scope, they reflect the community's values of preserving its character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide to Savanna's Lighting Regulations

Before diving into details, here's a summary of the most important lighting requirements:

• Signs: Must have non-flashing illumination and cannot be illuminated between 11:00 PM (or closing time, whichever is later) and 7:00 AM
• Residential: Public halls and stairways in buildings with 4+ units must be adequately lit at all times
• Parking Areas: Lighting must be directed away from residential properties and typically extinguished 30 minutes after business closing
• Golf Courses: Site lighting prohibited between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM and must be directed away from residential properties
• Construction Sites: Must maintain lighted barricades from dusk until daylight
• Restaurants: All rooms must be "properly and adequately lighted" for inspection purposes

Residential Lighting Requirements

Multi-Unit Dwellings

Savanna's code places specific emphasis on adequate lighting in multi-unit residential buildings:

• Every public hall, stairway, and passageway in multiple dwellings with four or more units must be adequately lighted at all times
• Buildings with fewer than four units must have conveniently located light switches controlling an adequate lighting system that can be turned on as needed

Electrical Requirements for All Residential Properties

The code also specifies minimum electrical fixture requirements for all residential properties:

• Every habitable room must contain at least two separate floor or wall-type electric convenience outlets OR one outlet and one ceiling light fixture
• Water closet compartments, bathrooms, laundry rooms, furnace rooms, and public halls must contain at least one ceiling or wall-type electric light fixture
• All fixtures must be properly installed and maintained in good and safe working condition

Commercial and Business Lighting

Restaurant Lighting Standards

For food service establishments, the code states:

• All rooms or places in restaurants shall be properly and adequately lighted so that all parts may be readily inspected
• While the code doesn't specify exact light levels, the emphasis is on sufficient lighting for thorough inspection

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Savanna's regulations for sign illumination are relatively detailed:

• Hours of Operation: Signs cannot be illuminated between 11:00 PM (or business closing time, whichever is later) and 7:00 AM
• Color Restrictions: Signs in direct line of vision of traffic signals cannot have red, green, or amber illumination
• Light Direction: For illuminated signs, direct rays of light shall not beam upon residential buildings, into residential districts, or into streets
• Awning Signs: Must be non-illuminated and affixed flat to the surface

Outdoor and Public Space Lighting

Street Lighting and Tree Maintenance

Property owners have responsibilities related to street lighting:

• Tree Trimming Requirement: Property owners must trim tree branches that obstruct light from streetlights to adjacent streets or sidewalks
• This ensures public areas remain properly illuminated for safety and visibility

Parking Area Lighting

The code provides specific guidelines for parking area illumination:

• Lighting used to illuminate off-street parking must be directed away from residential properties to avoid creating a nuisance
• In parking areas with four or more spaces, lighting must be extinguished no later than 30 minutes after business closing
• Exceptions may be granted by the planning and zoning board for reduced illumination after hours

Recreational Facility Lighting

For recreational facilities like golf courses:

• Site lighting cannot be illuminated between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM
• Lighting must be directed away from residential properties to avoid creating a nuisance

Construction and Work Site Lighting

Safety is emphasized for construction areas:

• Work sites must be safeguarded by substantial lighted barricades or flares from dusk until daylight
• Permit holders are liable for injuries resulting from failure to properly barricade or light work sites

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding the Intent Behind Regulations

Savanna's lighting regulations, while not comprehensive, reflect several key community priorities:

• Preserving Historic Character: The revitalization of downtown with ornamental lighting demonstrates the value placed on historic preservation
• Safety and Security: Requirements for adequately lit common areas in multi-unit dwellings and lighted construction sites prioritize public safety
• Preventing Light Nuisance: Multiple regulations focus on directing light away from residential properties and limiting hours of illumination
• Balancing Needs: The regulations seek to balance modern lighting needs with preservation of community character

Navigating Approval Processes

Some lighting changes may require approval:

• Sign illumination requires approval by the city council after receiving recommendations from the planning and zoning board
• Bed and breakfast establishments must include lighting details in their site plans
• For parking areas, special permission may be needed for extended or reduced lighting hours

Supporting Savanna's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance that historic communities like Savanna must strike between preservation and progress. Though based in Northeast Ohio, we share Savanna's commitment to maintaining historic character while meeting modern lighting needs.

Our experience with riverfront communities has given us insight into the specific challenges of illuminating historic districts that respect both the architectural heritage and the natural environment. Savanna's location along the Mississippi River creates unique opportunities for lighting that enhances rather than detracts from the scenic beauty that has drawn people to the area since its founding in the 1830s.

As Savanna continues its development as a destination rivaling nearby Galena, thoughtful lighting that respects the city's 19th-century downtown architecture while providing adequate illumination becomes increasingly important. We're committed to supporting communities like Savanna through education and resources that help maintain their distinctive character.

Conclusion

Savanna's lighting regulations, though not exhaustive, provide a framework that supports the city's historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. From residential requirements to sign illumination restrictions, these guidelines help maintain the balance between modern needs and historic preservation.

As Savanna continues to enhance its appeal as a destination, thoughtful lighting will play an essential role in highlighting its architectural heritage and scenic riverfront location. By understanding and following these regulations, property owners and businesses can contribute to the ongoing revitalization of this historic Mississippi River community.

For specific projects or questions about compliance, property owners should consult with Savanna's planning and zoning board to ensure their lighting plans align with both the letter and spirit of local regulations.