Lighting Regulations in South Elgin, Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide to Exterior & Architectural Standards

Introduction

Located in the picturesque Fox River Valley of eastern Kane County, South Elgin has evolved from its rural roots as "Clintonville" to become a vibrant community that values both progress and preservation. Officially incorporated in 1897, South Elgin has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Live in the United States by Money Magazine - a testament to its careful balance of growth and quality of life.

The village's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balance. As South Elgin has grown, its lighting standards have been developed to preserve the community's character, ensure public safety, minimize light pollution, and maintain the natural beauty of the Fox River Valley region.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in South Elgin:

• Outdoor Lighting Purpose: Prevent light trespass, promote energy efficiency, minimize light pollution
• Light Level Limits:
• Non-residential properties: Maximum 1 foot-candle at lot line
• Residential properties: Maximum 0.5 foot-candle at lot line
• Fixture Requirements: All new and replacement outdoor lighting must employ full cut-off or fully shielded fixtures
• Height Restrictions:
• Non-residential uses: Light poles and building-mounted fixtures maximum 24 feet
• Residential uses: Light poles maximum 24 feet
• Building-mounted fixtures: Maximum 15 feet
• Sign Illumination: LED signs limited to 5,000 nits dawn to dusk and 150 nits dusk to dawn
• Automatic Controls: Required for non-residential properties (photo sensor, occupancy sensor, or timer)

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Coverage & Applicability

South Elgin's outdoor lighting regulations (§156.09.H) apply to all new or replacement outdoor lighting throughout the village. The only exceptions are for holiday decorations and certain permitted temporary uses.

For businesses and other non-residential uses, a professional photometric plan must be approved by the Zoning Administrator before installing any outdoor lighting fixtures.

Design Standards for All Properties

The village prioritizes lighting designs that prevent glare and minimize interference with:

• Residential properties
• Motor vehicle traffic
• Bicycle traffic
• Pedestrian traffic

All new and replacement outdoor lighting must use full cut-off or fully shielded fixtures - an important requirement that helps reduce light pollution and trespass.

Facade Illumination

When illuminating building facades, lights must be:

• Fully shielded fixtures
• Directed specifically towards the facade
• Concentrated on the exterior wall surface being illuminated

This approach prevents stray light from creating nuisances for neighboring properties or contributing to overall light pollution.

Technology Requirements

South Elgin encourages the use of energy-efficient lighting technologies:

• LED lighting or similar energy-efficient technology is specifically recommended
• Non-residential properties must implement automatic lighting controls
• Controls must be photo sensors, occupancy sensors, or timers
• Systems must automatically reduce lighting when daylight is sufficient
• Lights must automatically turn off within one hour after business closure (excluding security lighting)

Maximum Light Levels & Height Restrictions

Light Level Limits by Property Type

The village sets specific limits on light levels at property boundaries:

• Non-residential properties: Maximum 1 foot-candle at any point on a lot line
• Residential properties: Maximum 0.5 foot-candle at any point on a lot line
• Recreational facilities:
• General recreation: Maximum average 50 foot-candles
• Golf courses: Maximum average 5 foot-candles
• Driving ranges: Maximum average 20 foot-candles

Maximum Height Requirements

Height restrictions vary by use and fixture type:

• Non-residential uses:
• Light poles and building-mounted fixtures maximum 24 feet
• Educational/recreational facilities: Light poles maximum 60 feet
• Residential uses:
• Light poles maximum 24 feet
• All properties:
• Building-mounted fixtures (including under-soffit lighting): Maximum 15 feet
• Pedestrian-scale lighting:
• Decorative lighting on building facades fronting public right-of-way maximum 9 feet

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

All illuminated signs in South Elgin must comply with these core requirements:

• All illumination must be located, shielded, and directed to light only the sign face
• Lighting must prevent direct light or glare from spilling onto adjacent rights-of-way and surrounding properties
• Sign illumination cannot be combined with reflective materials that would increase glare
• Externally illuminated signs must use steady, stationary, fully shielded light sources concentrated on the face of the sign

Light Level Specifications

Sign brightness is strictly regulated:

• LED signs: Maximum 5,000 nits from dawn to dusk, maximum 150 nits from dusk to dawn
• Non-LED signs: Maximum 1 foot-candle at any time as measured at the curb line

Illumination Hours

To reduce light pollution and energy usage:

• Illuminated signs must be turned off from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am
• Alternative: Signs can remain lit until 30 minutes after business closure (whichever is later)
• Businesses operating between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am are exempt during their hours of operation

Sign Type-Specific Regulations

Different types of signs have specific illumination allowances:

• Marquee signs: Internal illumination allowed, may include neon
• Monument signs: Internal and external illumination allowed
• Canopy-mounted signs: Internal and external illumination allowed
• Drive-thru signs: Internal illumination allowed
• Awning signs: External illumination allowed, back-lighting prohibited
• Projecting and wall signs: Internal and external illumination allowed
• Window signs: Internal illumination (including neon) allowed for signs up to 6 square feet
• Electronic message signs: Internal illumination allowed, must display static messages (no flashing, blinking, strobing, chasing, rotating)
• Manually changeable copy signs: Internal illumination allowed

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Liquor-Selling Establishments

Establishments selling alcohol have unique lighting requirements:

• All rooms serving liquor must be continuously lit during business hours
• Lighting must be bright enough that all parts of interior are clearly visible
• Outdoor liquor sales areas must maintain adequate lighting for law enforcement to identify patrons
• No screens, blinds, curtains, partitions, or lighting arrangements that prevent clear view from outside

Other Special Uses

• Outdoor sales/display areas: Maximum illumination 10 foot-candles
• Manufacturing uses: Reviewed to ensure they don't create offensive glare or heat
• Multi-use paths: Must have lighting approved by Zoning Administrator
• Cannabis dispensaries: Must demonstrate adequate lighting in site plan
• Wireless telecommunication facilities: No lights unless required by FCC, FAA, or Village
• Home-based businesses: Must not create glare discernible at property lines

Street and Public Area Lighting

Street Lighting

The Director of Public Works supervises lighting of public streets and alleys, keeping the lighting system in efficient operation and good repair. All street lighting must:

• Conform to requirements in the Village of South Elgin Engineering Design and Inspection Policy Manual
• Use LED or similar energy-efficient technology
• Include pedestrian-scale elements on building facades fronting public rights-of-way

Park Lighting

Village-owned properties with artificial lighting have specific operating hours:

• Parks with artificial lighting remain open until 10:00 pm when lit for recreational activities
• No persons (except peace officers and park officials) allowed after sunset when lighting is absent

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning New Lighting Installations

When installing new lighting, remember these key points:

• Start with a plan: For non-residential properties, you'll need a professional photometric plan approved before installation
• Choose compliant fixtures: Full cut-off or fully shielded fixtures are required
• Consider automatic controls: Required for non-residential properties
• Check height restrictions: Ensure your fixtures don't exceed the maximum allowed height for your property type
• Verify light levels: Make sure illumination at your property line won't exceed allowable limits

Common Compliance Issues

Watch out for these frequent compliance challenges:

• Light trespass: Light spilling across property lines above permitted levels
• Unshielded fixtures: Older fixtures may not meet current shielding requirements
• Excessive heights: Light poles taller than allowed for your property type
• Sign illumination timing: Not turning off sign lighting during required hours
• Glare: Improper fixture placement creating visibility issues for neighbors or traffic

Supporting South Elgin's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with manufacturing roots dating back to 1918, shares South Elgin's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with community character. We understand how important appropriate lighting is to preserving the village's natural beauty and historic charm while ensuring safety and functionality.

As a regional manufacturer, Bock appreciates South Elgin's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that prevent light pollution while enhancing community spaces. Our expertise in appropriate lighting solutions aligns with South Elgin's standards, which protect residential areas from light trespass while providing adequate illumination for commercial and public spaces.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities like South Elgin, helping property owners understand and implement lighting that complies with local regulations while meeting their functional needs. Our commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient lighting practices supports South Elgin's environmental priorities and community vision.

Conclusion

South Elgin's lighting regulations reflect the village's dedication to maintaining its character as it grows. By setting clear standards for illumination levels, fixture types, and installation practices, the village ensures that lighting enhances safety and functionality without detracting from the community's quality of life.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to South Elgin's status as one of America's best places to live - a community that successfully balances growth with preservation of its unique character and natural beauty.

For specific questions about lighting requirements for your property, contact the Village of South Elgin's Community Development Department or consult the complete ordinance text in the municipal code.