Lighting Regulations in Sherman, Illinois: Balancing Community Character with Modern Illumination Needs

Introduction: Preserving Sherman's Small-Town Charm

Sherman, Illinois, a village of approximately 3,500 residents in Sangamon County, has a rich history dating back to its mid-19th century coal mining roots. As Sherman experienced significant growth in the 1970s due to its proximity to Springfield and Interstate 55, the community has carefully balanced development with preservation of its distinctive character.

The village's lighting regulations reflect this thoughtful approach—ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality while maintaining the community's aesthetic values. These standards help Sherman maintain its welcoming atmosphere while accommodating growth in areas like the Route 66 Crossing retail district and Sherman Village Park.

Quick Reference Guide to Sherman's Lighting Requirements

Critical lighting requirements at a glance:

• Full cutoff fixtures required for site lighting to prevent light trespass
• Downward-directed light required for all outdoor lighting
• Underground wiring mandatory for all site lighting
• Harmonious design with building architecture and surrounding properties required
• High-pressure sodium lighting specified for streetlights (200W at intersections, 150W at alternating lot lines)
• Light trespass prohibited onto adjacent properties and streets
• Operating hours limitations for non-security lighting
• Flashing signs and uplighting generally prohibited

General Outdoor Lighting Principles

Directional Requirements

Any outdoor lighting installed in Sherman must follow these core principles:

• Light fixtures must be placed so light rays are generally directed downward
• Illumination must be directed away from properties
• Light must be directed away from the vision of passing motorists

Prevention of Nuisance Lighting

Sherman's regulations specifically address nuisance lighting:

• Operations producing intense glare must be performed within enclosed buildings
• Exposed light sources must be shielded to prevent nuisance across lot lines
• Light must not project into residential areas or public rights-of-way

Home Occupation Restrictions

For home-based businesses, lighting must not:

• Produce additional light detectable to normal senses outside the dwelling unit
• Create visual disturbances to neighbors

Site Lighting Standards

Definition and Scope

Site lighting in Sherman is defined as "all lighting on property, other than lighting within a fully enclosed building."

Design Requirements

All site lighting must meet these aesthetic standards:

• Must be compatible with building design and adjoining landscape
• Cannot be used to turn the building itself into "signage"
• Must use consistent fixture styles throughout development areas
• Varying styles permitted only if contributing to an overall theme

Technical Specifications

Sherman requires strict technical compliance:

• Full cutoff fixtures required to control lighting pattern and shield adjacent properties
• Underground cable installation mandatory for all site lighting
• No uplighting, radiating patterns, or moving/sweeping patterns allowed
• Light cannot be directed at angles that illuminate surfaces other than building walls, parking areas, pedestrian areas, or landscaped areas

Operating Restrictions

• Non-security lighting must be turned off when facilities are closed or vacant
• Outdoor display lots must reduce illumination within 30 minutes after closing
• After 11:00 PM, illumination must be reduced to levels sufficient for security only

Documentation Requirements

For building permits involving exterior lighting:

• Detailed drawings of all exterior fixtures required
• Documentation must show mounting angles in relation to grade
• Site plan showing fixture locations must be submitted
• Photometric pattern showing foot-candle values at all property lines required within 90 days of application

Specific Use Lighting Standards

Liquor Establishments

• Rooms where liquor is sold for consumption must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Lighting must be sufficient so all parts of interior are clearly visible
• Can be natural light or artificial white light

Swimming Pools

• Pool lights must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining premises
• Must also direct light away from vision of passing motorists

Recreational Facilities

For golf driving ranges and amusement parks:

• Floodlights must be directed and shielded to avoid annoying developed residential properties

Parking Areas

For parking facilities in Sherman:

• Lighting required for all parking areas with 5+ spaces
• Illumination mandatory between dusk and dawn when premises are open
• Pole-mounted fixtures permitted for parking areas with 20+ spaces
• Building-mounted fixtures primarily for aesthetic and security purposes
• All lighting must be directed downward and not shine on residences or streets

Building and Architectural Lighting

Design Integration

Sherman emphasizes thoughtful lighting design for buildings:

• Special building lighting required to add visual interest and increase nighttime visibility and safety
• Building lighting must be carefully planned and integrated into the design/style of the building and streetscape
• Electrical conduit and mechanical equipment for building or signage lighting must be hidden from view or carefully integrated into building design

Awnings and Lighting Coordination

• Building awnings must be consistent and complementary in color and style with building facades
• Excessively bright and brilliant awning colors not allowed
• Letter style on awnings for multi-tenant buildings must be consistent

Sign Illumination Standards

Design Requirements

Sign lighting in Sherman must be:

• Harmonious with building design
• Compatible with signs on adjoining buildings
• Carefully considered in the overall building design

Technical Limitations

• Sign brackets, hardware, and lighting systems must be kept to a minimum and screened wherever possible
• When external spot or flood lighting is used, the light source must be shielded from view
• Neon signage and lighting limited to one sign per business
• Neon lighting outlining entire windows is not permitted

Prohibited Sign Types

The following are prohibited in all zoning districts:

• Flashing signs
• Signs with moving parts or mechanical movement
• Signs with lighting that projects into residential areas or public right-of-way

Streetlight Standards for Developers

Placement Requirements

Developers must provide streetlights according to these specifications:

• 200W high-pressure sodium bulbs at every intersection
• 150W high-pressure sodium bulbs at every other lot line on alternating sides of the street
• Locations must be shown on construction plans approved by the village engineer

Technical Specifications

For decorative lighting on decorative poles:

• Mounting height must be approximately 16 feet from base to center of bulb
• Poles must be designed for 80 mph wind loading
• Acorn type polycarbonate or polyacryl luminaires required
• Type III lighting pattern as defined in the American National Standard Practice for Roadway Lighting

Installation Standards

For direct burial light pole foundations:

• Embedment depth must follow manufacturer's recommendations but not less than 5 feet
• Diameter of embedment hole must be at least 2 feet larger than the buried portion of the pole

Timing Requirements

• Streetlights must be installed and operative within 60 days of curb completion or electrical service line installation

Maintenance Responsibilities

• Developers responsible for maintenance for one year after subdivision plat acceptance
• Village, with utility companies, maintains streetlights after the one-year period

What Property Owners Should Know

Key Compliance Points

When planning exterior lighting for your Sherman property:

• Always direct light downward and away from neighboring properties
• Choose fixtures that complement your building's architecture
• Submit detailed lighting plans with building permit applications
• Be aware of operating hour restrictions for non-security lighting
• Understand that all site lighting requires underground wiring
• Remember that flashing or moving lights are generally prohibited

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Using uplighting or directing light toward residential areas
• Installing fixtures that cause glare or light trespass
• Failing to shield light sources from street view
• Installing inconsistent lighting styles across developments
• Using excessively bright lighting that affects neighbors

Supporting Sherman's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of community character that Sherman aims to preserve through its lighting regulations. As a regional lighting manufacturer, we appreciate Sherman's thoughtful approach to balancing safety needs with aesthetic preservation.

We share Sherman's commitment to responsible lighting practices that enhance community spaces while respecting neighboring properties. Our experience with communities throughout the Midwest has taught us the importance of lighting solutions that complement local architectural styles while meeting modern technical standards.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities like Sherman, helping property owners and developers understand lighting regulations and how to implement them effectively. We believe that well-designed lighting can enhance Sherman's welcoming atmosphere and distinctive character while meeting all safety requirements.

Our team can provide guidance on full cutoff fixtures, light trespass prevention, and integrated lighting designs that align with Sherman's vision for thoughtful community development.

Conclusion

Sherman's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to balanced development that preserves its small-town character while meeting modern needs. By focusing on downward-directed light, prevention of light trespass, and harmonious design integration, these standards help maintain the quality of life that residents value.

Whether you're a business owner, developer, or homeowner, understanding and following these lighting requirements ensures your property contributes positively to Sherman's welcoming atmosphere. With careful planning and appropriate fixture selection, you can achieve both the functionality you need and compliance with all village regulations.