Lighting Regulations in Southern View, Illinois: A Community-Focused Approach to Illumination

Introduction

Nestled just south of Springfield in Sangamon County, the village of Southern View, Illinois carries a rich community heritage with many residents tracing their family histories back several generations. This small village of 398 acres balances residential neighborhoods with commercial districts, anchored by a beautiful 29-acre community park.

Southern View's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to maintaining community character while addressing modern safety needs. The village's lighting requirements, though modest compared to larger municipalities, focus on practical safety measures that preserve the area's small-town charm.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Emergency Lighting: Must provide at least one footcandle of illumination at floor level in specific areas
• Street Lighting: Required at all street intersections and at maximum intervals of 400 feet
• Commercial Parking: Illumination must not reflect light into adjacent districts and streets
• Adult Businesses: Minimum illumination of five foot-candles measured at floor level
• Telecommunication Facilities: Security lighting must not reflect into adjacent areas
• Site Plans: Must include location of all outdoor lighting
• Apartment Buildings: Require electric lighting at entry doors and in bathrooms/kitchens

Interior Lighting Requirements

Safety-Critical Areas

Southern View's code places particular emphasis on lighting for public safety in interior spaces. The regulations require adequate illumination in:

• Interior corridors
• Hallways
• Stairways
• Entrance and exit passageways

Emergency Lighting Standards

For rooms with an occupant load of 50 or more, Southern View requires:

• Emergency lights powered by batteries or suitable auxiliary emergency power
• Minimum illumination of one footcandle at floor level
• Installation in all corridors, hallways, stairways, and entrance/exit passageways
• Exit signs with backup power in all exit passageways

Residential Lighting Requirements

For residential buildings, particularly apartments, Southern View stipulates:

• Bathrooms must have at least one electric light
• Kitchens in apartment buildings must include electric lighting
• At least one electric light connected to a wall switch must be installed immediately adjacent to entry doors in hotels, motels, and apartments

Exterior and Street Lighting

Street Lighting Standards

The village's approach to street lighting emphasizes consistency and utility approval:

• Street lights must be installed along all public streets
• The utility company must design or approve the street lighting system
• Street lights are required at all intersection streets
• Maximum interval between street lights is 400 feet
• Developers must provide a letter from the utility company confirming the street lighting system meets minimum requirements

Parking and Commercial Lighting

For commercial properties and parking areas, Southern View focuses on preventing light trespass:

• Illumination of accessory, off-street parking areas must be arranged to not reflect rays of light into adjacent districts and streets
• Security lighting at commercial wireless telecommunications facilities must be designed to prevent light spillover
• Wireless telecommunication towers shall not be illuminated artificially unless specifically required by federal regulations

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Adult Business Establishments

Southern View maintains specific lighting requirements for adult businesses:

• Premises must be equipped with overhead lighting fixtures of sufficient intensity
• All areas accessible to patrons must be illuminated at not less than five foot-candles as measured at floor level
• This illumination level must be maintained whenever any patron is present
• Floor plans must specify locations of all overhead lighting fixtures

Cannabis Businesses

For adult-use cannabis businesses, the code requires:

• Installation of security cameras, lighting, or other improvements for safety
• Lighting improvements are determined based on the specific characteristics of the floor plan and site
• Must be consistent with requirements of the Act governing cannabis businesses

Sign Illumination Regulations

Illuminated Signs Defined

Southern View's code makes important distinctions between types of illuminated signage:

• Illuminated Sign: Any sign designed to reflect light from one or more sources, natural or artificial
• Flashing Sign: Any illuminated sign where artificial or reflected light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color

Measurement of Illuminated Signs

For signs illuminated by artificial light:

• When a sign is partly or entirely outlined by artificial light, all of the area circumscribed by the light is included in the sign's dimensions
• This applies to signs on plates or frames when circumscribed by a larger line or area of artificial light

Supporting Southern View's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance that communities like Southern View seek to maintain. As a manufacturer with deep regional understanding, we appreciate Southern View's commitment to preserving its small-town character while ensuring practical safety measures through sensible lighting regulations.

Our experience with communities similar to Southern View has shown that thoughtful lighting solutions can enhance community character while meeting regulatory requirements. We value Southern View's approach to lighting that focuses on safety while avoiding excessive illumination that could detract from its residential character.

As communities evolve their lighting standards, Bock Lighting remains committed to serving as an educational resource, helping property owners understand how lighting choices affect both compliance and community aesthetics. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with Southern View's vision of balanced development.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

If you're a property owner in Southern View, consider these practical steps:

• New Construction: Ensure your site development plans clearly indicate all outdoor lighting locations
• Commercial Properties: Design parking area lighting to prevent light spillover into adjacent areas
• Residential Apartments: Verify that entry points have proper lighting connected to wall switches
• Public Spaces: For areas accommodating 50+ people, include emergency lighting with proper backup power

Maintenance Considerations

Maintaining compliance requires ongoing attention:

• Regularly check that emergency lighting systems are functional
• Ensure backup power sources for critical safety lighting remain operational
• Monitor outdoor lighting to prevent unwanted light trespass as fixtures age or shift

Conclusion

Southern View's lighting regulations reflect its character as a close-knit community that values safety while preserving its distinctive small-town atmosphere. Though not extensive, the lighting requirements focus on essential safety measures in interior spaces, consistent street illumination, and preventing light pollution from commercial properties.

For property owners and developers, understanding these requirements helps ensure projects align with both regulatory compliance and community expectations. As Southern View continues to balance preservation with thoughtful development, its lighting approach remains an important element of its community planning vision.