Lighting Regulations in Streamwood, Illinois: Balancing Growth, Safety, and Community Values

Introduction

Incorporated in 1957, Streamwood, Illinois has evolved from rural farmland to a thriving suburban community with a strong focus on creating a family-friendly environment. The village's approach to development emphasizes balancing growth with community values, which is clearly reflected in its lighting regulations.

With approximately 90% of residents living in traditional two-parent households and a median household income of nearly $89,000, Streamwood has established lighting standards that prioritize safety, functionality, and consideration for neighbors while supporting its ongoing development.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer in Streamwood, understanding these lighting regulations is essential for compliance and contributing to the community's welcoming atmosphere.

Quick Reference Guide

• All exterior lighting must use fully shielded, full cutoff fixtures
• Color temperature limit of 3,000K CCT for all luminaires
• Entertainment venues require minimum 1 foot-candle illumination in parking areas
• Entertainment venue interiors require minimum 2 foot-candle illumination
• Residential fixtures must have initial lumen output ≤1,500 lumens (or ≤3,000 if motion-controlled)
• Flag illumination has specific requirements based on mounting position
• Electronic message centers limited to 500 nits from dusk to dawn, 5,000 nits during daylight
• Parking lots require photometric plans showing 9.0 foot-candles under light sources, 0.5 foot-candle at lot lines

Outdoor Lighting Standards

General Requirements

Streamwood's comprehensive Outdoor Lighting Ordinance (9-6-2-7) establishes clear guidelines for all exterior lighting throughout the village. These regulations reflect the community's commitment to responsible development while maintaining a pleasant living environment.

All exterior lighting, including motion-sensitive or timed lighting, must be provided by fully shielded, full cutoff fixtures. These fixtures must be installed according to manufacturer specifications to minimize glare and light trespass onto neighboring properties.

Color Temperature Requirements

Color temperature significantly impacts the character and feel of lighting. Streamwood requires:

• All luminaires must have a Color Correlative Temperature (CCT) less than or equal to 3,000K
• Historic luminaires that are part of historical landmarks must have a CCT of no more than 2,200K if not fully shielded
• Minor accent lighting must not exceed 2,700K

Height Limitations

The maximum height of any luminaire cannot exceed the maximum building height specified by the property's zoning district, unless otherwise allowed with a Special Use Permit.

For parking lots specifically, pole-mounted lights cannot exceed 18 feet in height.

Residential Lighting Regulations

Streamwood's residential lighting regulations apply to all residential uses within the R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 zoning districts, as well as any luminaires used for residential purposes elsewhere.

Fixture Requirements

• Exterior lighting fixtures must be mounted no higher than 30 feet above flooring, decks, walkways, driveways, or other occupied areas
• All exterior lighting must have an initial lumen output less than or equal to 1,500 lumens
• Motion-controlled lighting can increase to 3,000 lumens if it extinguishes within 10 minutes of activation
• Underwater lighting in swimming pools must not emit perceivable illumination visible at property boundaries

Garage Lighting

The building code provides specific requirements for garage lighting:

• Attached garages must have at least one light fixture on the exterior, positioned to illuminate the address
• The light must be controlled by a permanently installed photocell (not a screw-in type)
• Detached garages require a minimum of one GFI receptacle inside, one interior light, and one exterior light

Commercial and Entertainment Venue Lighting

Parking Area Illumination

Entertainment venues expecting audiences over 25 people must:

• Implement an on-site security program including interior and exterior lighting plans
• Illuminate all off-street parking areas during all hours of operation
• Provide minimum maintained horizontal illumination of greater than one foot-candle on parking surfaces and walkways
• This requirement applies within a 100-foot radius of any entrance if parking is shared with other businesses

Interior Illumination

• All interior portions of entertainment venues must be illuminated during all hours of operation
• The lighting system must provide a minimum maintained horizontal illumination of not less than two foot-candles at floor level

Adult Regulated Businesses

Adult regulated businesses have similar requirements but must provide a minimum maintained horizontal illumination of not less than two foot-candles in exterior areas, including building, landscaping, and parking areas.

Special Lighting Applications

United States Flag Illumination

The flag code requires illumination during nighttime display, and Streamwood provides specific regulations:

• Flagpoles illuminated from below: maximum output of 1,300 lumens and 3,000K CCT, with the fixture mounted perpendicular to the flagpole
• Flagpoles illuminated from above: single light fixture not exceeding 800 initial lamp lumens and 3,000K, attached to the flagpole top

Recreational Facilities

Lighting for outdoor recreational fields and public gatherings must:

• Comply with all shielding and color temperature regulations
• Turn off by 11:00 p.m. except to conclude events that began before 11:00 p.m.

Temporary Outdoor Lighting

Temporary lighting is permitted in all zoning districts provided it:

• Is removed within 60 days, with at least 180 days before reinstallation
• Is installed per manufacturer specifications and the Village Building Code
• Is kept clear of flammable materials
• Has a responsible party present during operation

Sign Illumination Requirements

General Requirements

• All illuminated signs must be designed, located, shielded and directed so light does not create a nuisance or hazard
• No exposed neon tubing is permitted
• Signs in commercial or industrial districts must use internal illumination
• Signs must avoid casting glare or direct rays upon adjoining streets and properties

Electronic Message Centers

Electronic message centers have specific illumination limits:

• Maximum 5,000 nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours
• Maximum 500 nits between dusk and dawn
• Must have ambient light monitors to automatically adjust brightness based on conditions
• Must be constructed from non-reflective materials
• Messages must use uniform color, appearance, and font
• Messages cannot change more frequently than once every 10 seconds

Illumination Timing

Illuminated signs within 120 feet of a residential district must be extinguished at the close of business or at 11:00 P.M., whichever is later.

Supporting Streamwood's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Streamwood's approach to balancing growth with community values. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we recognize the importance of lighting regulations that enhance safety while maintaining neighborhood character.

Streamwood's relatively young but rapidly developing community presents unique lighting needs that differ from older, historically established towns. The village's regulations reflect a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes both functionality and aesthetic considerations.

Our experience with communities throughout the Midwest gives us insight into how lighting can support the family-friendly environment that Streamwood has cultivated. We're committed to helping property owners and businesses understand and navigate lighting regulations to support the village's vision for continued growth and development.

Bock Lighting shares Streamwood's commitment to responsible lighting practices that minimize light pollution while providing adequate illumination for safety and enjoyment. Our team can serve as a resource for understanding these regulations and finding solutions that meet both code requirements and community expectations.

Conclusion

Streamwood's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to creating a safe, attractive, and well-planned community. By establishing clear standards for exterior lighting, the village ensures that development supports rather than detracts from quality of life.

Property owners should pay particular attention to requirements for fully shielded fixtures, color temperature limits, and specific illumination levels for different applications. The detailed regulations for commercial properties, especially entertainment venues, demonstrate Streamwood's focus on safety while maintaining reasonable standards.

By understanding and following these lighting regulations, residents and businesses can contribute to Streamwood's continued development as a desirable suburban community that balances growth with neighborhood values.