Lighting Regulations in West Dundee, Illinois: A Guide to Compliance and Community Character

Introduction

Nestled along the picturesque Fox River, West Dundee has maintained its distinct historical character since its founding in 1835. With elegant historic homes, some dating back to the Underground Railroad era, and natural beauty highlighted by the Fox River Riverwalk, the village places high value on preserving its unique aesthetic while meeting modern needs.

West Dundee's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to balance—ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality while preserving the village's historical charm and natural beauty. These regulations help maintain the village's character established since the days when D. Hill Nursery (founded in 1855) was showcasing its products at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements:

• Hallways and Stairways: Minimum of 3 lumens required in buildings with guests
• Parking Lots: Maximum 30-foot height for light standards
• Commercial/Industrial Near Residential Areas: Must use shielded light sources (45° maximum angle)
• Electronic Signs: Limited to 40% brightness at night, must include dimming technology
• Historic District: Direct illumination signs prohibited
• Timing: Parking lot lighting must be extinguished 30 minutes after business closing
• Street Lighting: Systems required for all public and private streets

Residential and Hospitality Lighting Standards

Hallway and Stairway Illumination

Safety is paramount in residential buildings, particularly those serving guests. West Dundee requires:

• Minimum illumination of 3 lumens in hallways and stairways when buildings are occupied by guests
• Exit and emergency lighting per the village fire prevention code for bed and breakfast establishments with guestrooms above the second floor

Hotel Common Areas and Parking

Hotels and extended stay properties have specific requirements:

• All common areas and parking lots must be illuminated whenever they are open
• Enhanced lighting may be required at properties designated as nuisance hotels

Residential Parking Lot Lighting

• Shielded light sources required for all residential parking lot lighting
• Light must not emit at an angle greater than 45 degrees from vertical
• Only security lighting permitted to remain on all night

Commercial and Business Lighting Requirements

Parking Lot Illumination Standards

Proper lighting in commercial areas balances safety with neighborhood considerations:

• Parking lots with 10+ spaces must provide adequate lighting
• Maximum height: 30 feet for light standards
• Commercial/industrial lots within 150 feet of residential property must use shielded light sources
• Light must not emit at angle greater than 45 degrees from vertical
• Timing restriction: Lights must be extinguished 30 minutes after business closing (except security lighting)

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Adult Businesses

• Minimum 10 foot-candles of light in public portions
• Minimum 1 foot-candle illumination in aisles
• Adult entertainment booths: Minimum 10 foot-candles when not in use

Tattooing Establishments

• Rooms must have "adequate lighting" along with proper ventilation and water access

Electronic and Illuminated Signage

Electronic Sign Technology Requirements

Electronic signage must meet strict specifications:

• Brightness control:
• Must include programmed dimming sequence and photocell adjustment
• Night/overcast brightness limited to 40% of daytime levels
• Must have default mechanism when programming malfunctions
• Display characteristics:
• Limited to 2 colors with dark background and light/contrasting text
• Cannot flash, blink, fade, scroll or have continuous movement
• Messages must display for minimum 10 seconds (commercial properties)
• Full screen replacement without motion techniques
• Resolution standards:
• For signs up to 35% of copy area: Maximum 14mm pixel pitch
• For signs 35-50% of copy area: Maximum 10mm pixel pitch
• For signs exceeding 50% of copy area: Maximum 8mm pixel pitch

Sign Illumination Restrictions

• Direct illumination signs prohibited in many areas, especially the Historic District
• Indirectly illuminated signs cannot beam light upon streets or residential areas
• All illuminated signs must comply with the National Electrical Code
• Neon signs discouraged in the Historic District

Street Lighting and Public Infrastructure

Requesting Street Lighting

West Dundee has established procedures for street lighting:

• Property owners may request street lights through the director of public works
• Director orders placement from the utility company with jurisdiction
• Village pays for electrical energy and maintains installations after acceptance

Decorative Light Standards

The village specifies particular lighting fixtures:

• Luminary model: #ALN610-H3, 150m watt, HPS lamp type
• Foundation: Minimum 2' diameter by 3.5' deep PC concrete foundation with specified reinforcement
• Pole style: Northampton style with minimum 5" O.D. aluminum shaft
• Underground cable must be suitable for wet locations

Tree Maintenance Requirements

Property owners must maintain trees to ensure proper lighting function:

• Prune branches that obstruct light from street lamps
• Ensure clear visibility of street signs and intersections

General Design Guidelines

West Dundee emphasizes tasteful, appropriate lighting design:

• Lighting should be restrained in design
• Avoid excessive brightness and brilliant colors
• Light must not adversely affect neighboring properties
• Adequate shielding required for light sources
• West Dundee style streetlights encouraged in private parking lots
• Gooseneck and architectural building lighting encouraged

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing lighting plans:

• Include lighting fixtures on site plans and landscape plans
• Submit detailed specifications including height, location, and fixture design
• Ensure lighting enhances building design and adjoining landscape
• Consider the historical character of the area, especially in historic districts

Maintenance Requirements

• Lighting must be fully operational at all times
• Broken, missing, or damaged lighting devices must be promptly replaced or repaired
• Regular inspection of tree growth around street lights is advisable

Supporting West Dundee's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique character of historic communities like West Dundee. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share West Dundee's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing necessary modern technology.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles helps communities maintain their distinctive aesthetic while meeting safety and functional requirements. We appreciate West Dundee's thoughtful approach to balancing illumination needs with historical preservation, especially in areas like the historic district and along the Fox River.

As a resource for understanding lighting regulations, we're committed to helping property owners navigate requirements while honoring the community's vision. Our experience with projects that respect community character makes us a valuable partner in maintaining the unique charm that makes West Dundee special.

Conclusion

West Dundee's lighting regulations reflect the village's dedication to preserving its historic character while ensuring safety and functionality. From specific requirements for businesses and parking lots to detailed specifications for street lighting, these standards help maintain the village's unique aesthetic.

Property owners should carefully consider these regulations when planning lighting installations or modifications. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to West Dundee's vision of a community that honors its rich historical roots while meeting contemporary needs.