Lighting Regulations in Troy, Illinois: A Property Owner's Guide to Compliance & Community Character

Introduction: Troy's Lighting Vision

Founded in 1892, Troy, Illinois has grown from a small railroad stop into a charming suburban community in the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area. While Troy may not have designated historical districts, the city maintains a strong commitment to preserving its small-town charm and historical roots.

This commitment to community character is reflected in Troy's approach to lighting regulations. These standards help ensure that lighting throughout the city enhances safety and visibility while respecting Troy's aesthetic values and preventing nuisance conditions for residents and motorists.

As Troy continues to balance growth with preservation, understanding the city's lighting requirements is essential for property owners, businesses, and developers.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the most critical lighting regulations to know in Troy:

• Maximum Color Temperature: Exterior lighting must not exceed 3,200 Kelvin (warm light)
• Light Trespass Prevention: Lighting must be controlled to prevent spillage onto adjoining properties
• Parking Area Illumination: Minimum average of 2 footcandles required for nighttime use
• Fixture Height Limits:
• With cutoff luminaires: Maximum 25 feet
• Without cutoff luminaires: Maximum 15 feet
• Residential Adjacency: Maximum 0.1 footcandle at property lines abutting residential areas

Understanding Light Spillage & Trespass Requirements

The Core Principle: Good Neighbors Don't Share Light

The most consistently emphasized lighting regulation in Troy concerns light spillage. Multiple sections of the code require that "illumination of buildings and structures shall be controlled so as to preclude the spillage of light onto adjoining residential uses, lots, and streets."

Commercial Property Considerations

For commercial property owners, this means lighting must be carefully designed to illuminate only your property. This requirement appears across multiple zoning districts, emphasizing its importance to the community.

Technical Requirements Near Residential Areas

When commercial or industrial properties are adjacent to residential areas:

• Maximum illumination between building wall and property line: 1 footcandle
• Maximum illumination at residential property line: 0.1 footcandle

Why This Matters

Light trespass can disrupt sleep, create privacy concerns, and negatively impact quality of life. Troy's regulations protect residents while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and security.

Parking & Site Lighting Requirements

Illumination Standards

Nighttime safety is a priority in Troy's lighting code. For parking and loading areas used between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.:

• Minimum average illumination: 2 footcandles measured at ground level
• Lighting must enable safe access to parked vehicles

Fixture Height & Output Restrictions

Troy has specific requirements based on fixture type:

• Fixtures without cutoff luminaires:
• Maximum height: 15 feet
• Maximum output: 10,000 lumens
• Fixtures with cutoff luminaires:
• Maximum height: 25 feet
• Maximum average illumination: 5 footcandles

Installation Requirements

• All site lighting must use underground cable
• Freestanding light standards in parking areas must be placed in safety islands or around the perimeter
• Landscaping within 10 feet of light standards must not exceed 3 feet in height

Color Temperature & Light Quality

Understanding Color Temperature

Troy defines Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) as the characterization of the color content or spectrum ("warmness" or "coolness") of a light source measured in Kelvin (K).

Troy's CCT Requirement

• All exterior lighting must not exceed 3,200 Kelvin

What This Means for Property Owners

This requirement ensures lighting throughout Troy has a warm appearance rather than harsh, blue-tinted light. Lower Kelvin lighting (2700K-3200K) creates a warmer, more traditional atmosphere that complements Troy's community character while reducing glare and potential sleep disruption.

Special Requirements for Specific Properties

Mobile Home Parks

Mobile home parks have specific lighting requirements:

• All entrances, exits, and driveways must be lighted at night
• Minimum 100-watt electric light required for each 200 lineal feet of private street
• Lighting required at each entrance and exit

Drive-Through Establishments

• Must provide adequate screening to minimize spillover light
• Must control lighting to prevent nuisance to adjacent properties

On-Premises Alcohol Consumption

• Interior lighting must allow clear view into the establishment from outside
• No arrangement of lights should prevent full view of the entire interior space

Cannabis Dispensing Organizations

• Must install security lighting as specified in the special use permit
• Lighting must ensure safety of employees, customers and surrounding areas

Sign Illumination Requirements

General Sign Lighting Standards

• Light must be shaded, shielded, or directed to avoid creating nuisance or traffic hazards
• No exposed reflective-type bulbs exceeding 15 watts (or equivalent)
• No blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights with changing intensity

Operating Hours

• In certain districts, sign lighting must be off when business is closed

Electronic Message Centers

• Must have automatic dimmer and photocell sensor
• Maximum illumination: 7,500 nits during daylight hours
• Maximum illumination: 500 nits between dusk and dawn
• Variable message boards must be dimmed from dusk to dawn

Design Considerations

• Red, yellow, orange, or green lights prohibited within 200 feet of traffic signs/devices
• Beacon lights are prohibited
• "Glowing awnings" are prohibited, though awnings may be lit from above or below

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing lighting plans for your property:

• Submit manufacturer's catalog cut sheets for fixtures
• Include photometric curves showing vertical and horizontal candlepower distribution
• Provide a site plan with calculated footcandle levels on a grid of not more than 20 feet

Design Guidance for Community Character

Troy encourages thoughtful lighting design that:

• Uses concealed source, cut-off designs
• Incorporates pedestrian-scaled lighting where appropriate
• Utilizes accent lighting for design elements and safety (while avoiding light pollution)
• Ensures fixtures are compatible with building design and surrounding landscape

Street Lighting for New Developments

Developers should note that:

• Recommendations must be secured from the electric company for street lighting
• LED lighting is required when available from the electric company
• The city reserves the right to reject lighting plans based on style and photometrics
• Photometric studies may be requested to verify adequate lighting for public safety

Supporting Troy's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the importance of maintaining Troy's community character while meeting modern lighting needs. As a Midwest manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Troy's commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

Our team appreciates Troy's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations, which helps preserve the city's small-town charm while ensuring adequate illumination for public safety. We believe lighting should enhance community character rather than detract from it.

Bock Lighting is committed to helping property owners understand and navigate local lighting regulations. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and community-sensitive lighting design allows us to serve as a resource for Troy residents and businesses seeking to comply with local standards while achieving their lighting goals.

Conclusion

Troy's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to maintaining its distinctive character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and security. By addressing light trespass, limiting color temperature, and establishing clear standards for fixture height and illumination levels, Troy has created a framework that serves both practical and aesthetic goals.

Property owners who understand and follow these guidelines not only avoid compliance issues but also contribute to the community's vision for a well-lit, visually appealing environment that respects both history and modern needs.

For specific questions about your property's lighting requirements, always consult with Troy's planning department or a qualified lighting professional who understands local regulations.