Lighting Regulations in South Barrington, Illinois: Balancing Aesthetics, Function & Neighborhood Character

Introduction: Preserving South Barrington's Character Through Thoughtful Lighting

South Barrington, Illinois, a village incorporated in 1959, has always valued the delicate balance between development and preservation. With its commitment to maintaining natural landscapes and architectural integrity, it's no surprise that the village's lighting regulations reflect these core community values.

The lighting regulations in South Barrington demonstrate the village's dedication to preserving its residential character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. As a community that emerged from the broader Barrington area with its rich historical backdrop, South Barrington continues to prioritize regulations that maintain the village's aesthetic appeal and ecological integrity.

Let's explore how these lighting regulations support South Barrington's vision of a harmonious, well-designed community.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a quick overview of South Barrington's most important lighting regulations:

• Architectural Integration: Exterior lighting must be part of the overall architectural concept with fixtures harmonious with building design
• Light Trespass Prevention: All exterior lighting must be directed away from adjacent highways, streets, and properties
• Design Restraint: Shielded, restrained lighting design is required; excessive brightness, flashing lights, and brilliant colors should be avoided
• Pool Lighting: Pools must use below-water lighting only; floodlights are prohibited
• Signage Illumination: Identification signs may only be illuminated by light cast from concealed sources
• Path Lighting: Fixtures cannot exceed 2 feet in height and must project light downward
• Parking Areas: Lighting for off-street parking must be directed away from residential properties

Architectural Integration Requirements

Harmony with Building Design

South Barrington places significant emphasis on ensuring that lighting complements the architectural character of buildings and properties. The village code specifically states that "exterior lighting shall be part of the architectural concept." This means lighting isn't merely functional but should be considered an integral design element.

Compatible Fixture Selection

When selecting lighting fixtures and standards, property owners must ensure they are "of a design and size compatible with the building and adjacent areas." This requirement helps maintain visual cohesion throughout the village.

Restrained Design Approach

The village values subtlety in lighting design, specifically noting that "lighting should be shielded and restrained in design." This approach prevents lighting from becoming a visual distraction or nuisance while still providing necessary illumination.

Avoiding Visual Disruption

The code explicitly states that "excessive brightness, flashing lights and brilliant colors should be avoided." This ensures that lighting enhances rather than detracts from the village's aesthetic appeal.

Light Trespass and Direction Controls

Preventing Neighborhood Light Pollution

One of the most explicit requirements in South Barrington's code is that "all exterior lighting including lighting of buildings, interior street lighting and landscape lighting shall be directed away from adjacent highways, streets and properties." This provision helps prevent light trespass that could disturb neighbors.

Parking Area Illumination

For commercial properties with parking areas, the regulations specify that "any lighting used to illuminate off street parking areas shall be directed away from residential properties in such a way as not to create a nuisance."

Planning and Approval Process

Lighting plans aren't considered in isolation but are "considered as part of the required landscape plan standard." This integrated planning approach ensures lighting works harmoniously with other site elements.

Specific Lighting Applications

Pool Lighting Requirements

South Barrington has very specific requirements for pool lighting:

• "Floodlights or other artificial lighting shall not be used to illuminate a pool"
• "Pools shall be illuminated with below water lighting only"

Path and Landscape Lighting

For pathway illumination, the code specifies that "path lighting fixtures shall not exceed two feet (2') in height and shall project the light downward toward the ground." This requirement helps minimize light scatter while maintaining safe illumination for walkways.

Flagpole Illumination

Property owners wishing to illuminate flagpoles must submit "illumination details" with their building permit application, allowing the village to review and approve the lighting approach.

Signage Lighting Controls

For business identification:

• Signs may be "illuminated only by light cast upon such signs from a concealed light source"
• Many other types of signs are only permitted if they "are not illuminated"

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Liquor-Selling Establishments

Businesses selling liquor have specific lighting requirements:

• Interior lighting must allow "a full view of the entire interior" from the street
• All rooms where liquor is sold must be "continuously lighted during business hours" by either natural or artificial white light

Specialized Technical Requirements

For certain specialized structures, specific lighting safety standards apply:

• Pumphouses with electrical lighting must use "vaporproof type" lights with wiring in sealed conduit
• Light switches must be "explosionproof type, oil bath type or shall be placed outside the building"
• Landfill gas management systems "shall only be operated in a manner which does not generate any visible light"

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding the Approval Process

South Barrington's lighting regulations are administered through its permit and approval processes. The village board may require a bond from applicants to secure the installation and maintenance of exterior lighting, not exceeding "one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the estimated costs" of construction and installation.

Comprehensive Planning Approach

When submitting landscape plans, property owners should include "location and description of other landscape improvements, such as fountains, benches, and/or lighting." This information helps the village evaluate the complete aesthetic impact of proposed improvements.

Infrastructure Requirements

The village requires that "all utility lines including electric power and telephone lines shall be located underground," contributing to a cleaner visual environment without overhead wires.

Home Occupation Considerations

For residents operating businesses from their homes, the regulations specify that the home occupation "shall not generate any noise, vibrations, odor, heat, glare, or electrical or media interference beyond the boundaries of the structure." This includes controlling light emanating from the property.

Supporting South Barrington's Lighting Vision

South Barrington's lighting regulations reflect its community values of architectural harmony, neighborhood consideration, and environmental stewardship. Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares these values and understands the importance of preserving community character while meeting modern lighting needs.

As a regional manufacturer, Bock Lighting appreciates South Barrington's thoughtful approach to balancing safety and functionality with aesthetic preservation. Our experience with communities throughout the Midwest gives us unique insight into how lighting can enhance architectural character while respecting local regulations.

Bock's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with South Barrington's vision of directing light where it's needed while minimizing impact on neighbors and the environment. As a community partner, we're dedicated to helping property owners navigate lighting regulations and find solutions that respect both community standards and individual needs.

Conclusion

South Barrington's lighting regulations demonstrate the village's commitment to maintaining its distinctive character and quality of life. By requiring thoughtful integration of lighting with architecture, preventing light trespass, and establishing specific guidelines for different applications, the village ensures that illumination enhances rather than detracts from its community atmosphere.

For property owners, understanding these regulations is essential when planning exterior improvements or new construction. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to preserving South Barrington's unique blend of natural beauty and architectural harmony for generations to come.

Whether you're installing landscape lighting, illuminating a commercial property, or simply updating fixtures on your home, these regulations provide a framework for creating lighting that's both functional and respectful of South Barrington's community vision.