Lighting Regulations in Spaulding, Illinois: Preserving Rural Character Through Considerate Illumination

Introduction: Lighting in the Context of Spaulding's History

Nestled in Sangamon County, the village of Spaulding, Illinois offers residents a perfect blend of small-town charm and convenient access to nearby Springfield. Incorporated in 1886 during the expansion of railroads and agriculture across the Midwest, Spaulding has maintained its rural character over the decades.

The village's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to preserving this rural aesthetic while ensuring safety and functionality. With a modest population and a focus on residential living, Spaulding's lighting guidelines aim to minimize light pollution and maintain the tranquil atmosphere that residents value.

Quick Reference Guide: Spaulding's Key Lighting Requirements

Based on the available building code information, Spaulding maintains several lighting-related regulations:

• Parking Areas: Lights must be arranged or shielded to confine direct light rays within lot lines
• Signs: Illumination must be steady (not flashing) with light sources shaded and shielded
• Construction Areas: Illuminated warning lights required on certain materials at night
• Industrial Areas: Excessive glare is classified as an "unreasonable interference"
• Prohibited Elements: Strings of light bulbs, pennants, streamers, and similar decorative lighting are strictly prohibited throughout the village

Workplace and Business Lighting Requirements

Adequate Illumination for Employee Safety

Spaulding's code addresses the importance of proper lighting in workplaces. Property owners, lessees, managers, and superintendents of any store, factory, workshop, or other place of employment must ensure:

• Adequate Light: All work areas must have sufficient illumination
• No Overcrowding: Spaces must not be overcrowded in ways that impede proper lighting
• Proper Maintenance: Lighting systems must not be faulty

Temporary Work and Construction Sites

Safety remains a priority even for temporary work sites and construction areas:

• Nighttime Warning Lights: Materials left in public areas must include illuminated warning lights at night
• Visibility Requirements: The goal is to ensure visibility and safety for pedestrians and vehicles

Property and Development Lighting Guidelines

Mobile Home Park Requirements

Anyone seeking to establish a mobile home park in Spaulding must address lighting as part of their permit application:

• Documentation Required: Applications must include "the proposed method of lighting any structures and land upon which the mobile home park is to be located"
• Planning Focus: Lighting plans are considered part of essential infrastructure development

Street Lighting in New Developments

Developers creating new subdivisions or residential areas have specific obligations regarding street lighting:

• Required Documentation: Street light plans must include:
• Pole locations and spacing
• Average maintained footcandle illumination (calculated)
• Type of base and pole
• Bracket or arm specifications
• Luminaire details, including lamp type and wattage
• Mounting height
• Installation Responsibility: Developers must install street lights in accordance with village standards
• Maintenance Period: Developers must maintain street lighting for one year after acceptance by the Village Board

Special Structure Lighting Regulations

Tower Illumination

Spaulding has specific regulations regarding the lighting of towers:

• Minimum Lighting: Towers shall not be artificially lit unless required by the FAA or other applicable authority
• Design Guidelines: If lighting is required, "the lighting alternatives and design chosen must cause the least disturbance to the surrounding views"
• Environmental Consideration: This requirement demonstrates Spaulding's commitment to minimizing light pollution

Waterfront Requirements

For properties with water access or structures:

• Safety Markers: Dock posts must be marked by reflective devices
• Permitting: Construction of light poles near waterways falls under IDNR/OWR Statewide Permit Number 6

Sign Illumination Standards

Lighting Methods and Restrictions

Spaulding maintains clear guidelines for how signs may be illuminated:

• Light Direction: Light sources must be "shaded, shielded, or directed" to avoid creating any nuisance or traffic hazard
• Steady Illumination Only: Only steady illumination is permitted—blinking or flashing lights are prohibited
• Nuisance Prevention: The primary concern is preventing light from becoming a disturbance to neighbors or drivers

Prohibited Lighting Elements

The village explicitly prohibits certain decorative lighting elements:

• Banned Throughout Village: "Pennants, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners or similar devices" are not allowed
• Consistent Aesthetic: This regulation helps maintain Spaulding's rural character and prevent visual clutter

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Your Lighting Responsibilities

If you own property in Spaulding, several key points should guide your lighting decisions:

• Containment is Key: Light should be contained within your property boundaries when possible
• Shielding Matters: Proper shields and directional fixtures help prevent light trespass
• Steady Illumination: Avoid flashing, blinking, or moving lights which are generally prohibited
• Context Sensitivity: Remember that Spaulding values its rural character—excessive or urban-style lighting may not be appropriate

Planning for New Construction

When developing property or planning renovations:

• Include Lighting in Plans: Lighting should be considered early in the planning process
• Document Methods: Be prepared to explain your lighting approach in permit applications
• Consider Neighbors: Design lighting that maintains neighborhood character and prevents nuisance

Supporting Spaulding's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting: Understanding Small Community Values

As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique character and needs of communities like Spaulding. We recognize the importance of balancing modern lighting requirements with the preservation of rural and small-town character.

Our experience with Midwestern communities similar to Spaulding has given us insight into how lighting contributes to community identity. We appreciate Spaulding's emphasis on minimizing light pollution while ensuring safety and functionality.

Resources for Regulatory Compliance

Understanding local lighting regulations can be challenging. Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating these requirements, helping property owners maintain compliance while achieving their illumination needs.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Spaulding's vision of preserving its rural atmosphere while providing necessary illumination for safety and convenience.

Conclusion

Spaulding's lighting regulations, though not extensive, reflect the village's commitment to maintaining its rural character while ensuring safety and functionality. By focusing on light containment, preventing nuisance, and requiring thoughtful planning for new developments, these guidelines help preserve the quiet charm that makes Spaulding special.

Property owners who understand and respect these regulations contribute to the village's ongoing efforts to balance growth with preservation. As Spaulding continues to evolve, its approach to lighting will remain an important aspect of maintaining the community's distinctive character and quality of life.