Lighting Regulations in Staunton, Illinois: Preserving Historical Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Staunton, Illinois, a city rich in historical significance dating back to its founding in 1817, has evolved from a small settlement into a vibrant community that values its architectural heritage and historical roots. As one of the largest cities in southern Illinois during the early 20th century, Staunton's growth was significantly influenced by the introduction of railroads and coal mining in the 1860s.

Today, Staunton's approach to urban planning, including its lighting regulations, reflects a community that values both its historical character and modern safety needs. Understanding these lighting requirements is essential for property owners, developers, and businesses operating within city limits.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Directional Lighting Required: All lights for signs, swimming pools, or other purposes must be arranged to direct light away from neighboring residential properties and passing motorists
• Parking Area Lighting: Must be shielded to confine light rays within parking area boundaries
• Home Occupations: Cannot generate offensive glare beyond property lines
• Signs: Illumination is prohibited
• Flashing Lights: Rotating or flashing beacons are prohibited in view of streets or highways
• New Developments: Developers must install and guarantee street lights as part of subdivision requirements
• Utility Poles: Use of existing utility poles and light standards is strongly encouraged

General Lighting Controls for Property Owners

Directing Light Away from Neighbors

According to Section 40-4-16 of Staunton's code, any light used for illumination of signs, swimming pools, or any other purpose must be arranged to confine direct light rays away from neighboring residential properties. This requirement helps maintain privacy between adjacent properties while reducing light pollution.

Protecting Motorist Safety

The same section requires that lighting be arranged to direct light away from the vision of passing motorists. This safety-focused regulation prevents dangerous glare that could temporarily blind drivers or cause distraction.

Parking Area Illumination Requirements

When illuminating parking areas, lights must be arranged or shielded to confine direct light rays within the parking area boundary lines to the greatest extent practicable. This requirement balances the need for safe, well-lit parking areas while preventing light spillover onto neighboring properties.

Business and Commercial Lighting Restrictions

Home Occupation Limitations

For residents operating businesses from their homes, the code specifically prohibits generating any offensive glare noticeable at or beyond the lot lines. This ensures that home-based businesses maintain the residential character of neighborhoods.

Sign Illumination Restrictions

The code is straightforward regarding signage: signs shall not be illuminated. This regulation likely helps preserve Staunton's historical aesthetic while preventing potentially distracting or out-of-character illuminated advertising.

Prohibition on Flashing Lights

The code expressly states that it is unlawful to maintain or operate any flashing or rotating beacon of light in view of any street or highway. This prohibition helps maintain traffic safety and preserves the traditional character of the community.

Development Requirements and Infrastructure

Street Light Installation

Developers are required to install street lights as part of new subdivisions. The code specifically mentions that:

• Street lights are considered standard improvements for new residential developments
• Developers must execute a Bill of Sale for street lights upon final completion
• The Plan Commission establishes requirements governing street lights

Utility Pole Guidelines

When installing lighting, the code strongly encourages using existing utility poles and light standards wherever practicable. The installation of additional utility poles is "strongly discouraged," likely to prevent visual clutter and preserve aesthetic appeal.

Mobile Home Park Lighting

Developers of mobile home parks must include a proposed method of lighting the structures and land as part of their application. While specific requirements aren't detailed, this indicates that lighting plans are reviewed as part of the approval process.

Safety and Hazard Warning Lights

Construction and Excavation Lighting

For construction sites or excavations that might pose hazards, warning lights must be used:

• Warning lights must be in place from sunset of each day to sunrise of the next day
• Lights must be electrical markers or flashers
• They must emit light at sufficient intensity and frequency to be visible at a reasonable distance for safety
• Reflectors or reflecting material may supplement, but not replace, light sources

Material Storage Lighting

Any person placing materials on public ways must keep an illuminated warning light on such material at night. This requirement ensures visibility and safety for pedestrians and vehicles.

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding the Intent Behind Regulations

Staunton's lighting regulations appear to serve two primary purposes: preserving the city's historical character while ensuring public safety. As a community with roots in the 19th century and significant architectural heritage, Staunton has developed lighting requirements that prevent modern lighting from detracting from its traditional atmosphere.

Focus on Shielding and Direction Rather Than Specifications

Unlike some municipalities that specify exact lumens, color temperature, or mounting heights, Staunton's regulations focus primarily on the direction and containment of light. This gives property owners flexibility in choosing fixtures while still requiring thoughtful placement and shielding.

Planning for Compliance

When installing new exterior lighting on your property, consider:

• Using shielded fixtures that direct light downward
• Positioning lights to avoid spillover onto neighboring properties
• Avoiding any lights that might create glare for passing motorists
• Consulting with professionals for parking area lighting design

Supporting Staunton's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Staunton's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing appropriate modern technology. We understand how communities like Staunton value their architectural heritage and seek lighting solutions that enhance rather than detract from their distinctive character.

Our experience with historically-sensitive communities throughout the Midwest has given us insight into the balance between safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation that towns like Staunton strive to achieve. We appreciate Staunton's approach to lighting regulations that focus on directing light appropriately while maintaining the city's historical ambiance.

As a resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, we're committed to helping property owners understand how lighting choices impact both compliance and community character. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs makes us a valuable partner for projects that respect Staunton's unique heritage.

Conclusion

Staunton's lighting regulations reflect its dual commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. While not as technically detailed as some municipalities' codes, the focus on directing light away from residential properties and motorists creates a framework that protects community aesthetics and prevents nuisance lighting.

Property owners should focus particularly on shielding lights properly, preventing glare beyond property lines, and understanding the prohibition on illuminated signs and flashing lights. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to maintaining Staunton's distinctive character while ensuring proper illumination for safety and visibility.