Lighting Regulations in Winfield, Illinois: Balancing Modern Safety with Historic Character

Introduction

Nestled approximately 27 miles west of Chicago, the charming village of Winfield, Illinois has cultivated a careful balance between preserving its historical character and embracing modern development. From its origins near Gary's Mill to the rebuilding of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church after the 1906 fire, Winfield's community has consistently demonstrated a commitment to maintaining its unique identity while adapting to contemporary needs.

The village's lighting regulations reflect this thoughtful approach—designed to ensure safety and functionality while respecting the aesthetic and historical character that makes Winfield special. Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, businesses, and developers who wish to contribute positively to Winfield's community vision.

Quick Reference Guide

Before diving into the details, here's a summary of Winfield's critical lighting requirements:

• Maximum Light Levels at Property Lines:
• 0.2 foot-candles for residential properties
• 0.5 foot-candles for commercial properties
• Parking Lot Illumination:
• 1-3 foot-candles average maintained illumination
• Photometric plan required for lots with 40+ spaces
• Light Pole Height Restrictions:
• 12 feet maximum within residential projects or within 200 feet of property boundaries
• 30 feet maximum for commercial projects or beyond 200 feet of property boundaries
• Light Fixture Requirements:
• Cutoff fixtures required to prevent light trespass
• White, metal halide LED equivalent bulbs required
• Flush-mounted installation with no bulb/lens extending below housing
• Building Illumination Maximums:
• Light surfaces: 5.0 foot-candles
• Medium light surfaces: 10.0 foot-candles
• Medium dark surfaces: 15.0 foot-candles
• Dark surfaces: 20.0 foot-candles

Residential Lighting Requirements

Protecting Neighborhood Character

Winfield takes seriously the peaceful character of its residential neighborhoods. Lighting regulations help maintain this atmosphere while ensuring safety and functionality.

Light Trespass Prevention

• All exterior lighting must be arranged to prevent direct glare onto adjacent properties
• Luminary cutoffs are required to control light direction
• Maximum illumination at property lines: 0.2 foot-candles
• Home occupations must not produce stray lighting beyond the walls of the dwelling

Model Home Display Lighting

If you're showcasing a model home in Winfield, be aware of these specific regulations:

• Display illumination must be directed away from surrounding properties
• Lighting hours restricted: Illumination prohibited between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM
• These restrictions protect neighboring properties from light pollution while still allowing marketing of new homes

Mailbox Restrictions

• No electrical lighting shall be incorporated into any ornamental mailbox installation

Commercial Property Lighting

General Requirements

Commercial lighting in Winfield must balance visibility and safety with neighborhood compatibility:

• Light containment: Exterior lighting must be confined to the property
• No direct glare or spillage onto adjacent properties or public rights of way
• Fixture aesthetics: Light fixtures must aesthetically relate to the character of the development
• Village approval: Plans for parking lot, security, landscape, and building accent lighting require review and approval

Parking Area Illumination Standards

For commercial parking areas, specific technical requirements apply:

• Basic illumination requirement: Minimum average maintained horizontal illumination of 0.5 foot-candles
• Standard parking areas: 4.5 foot-candles maximum
• Building entrances and exits: 2.0 foot-candles maximum

Additional Requirements for Large Parking Lots

For parking lots with more than 40 spaces:

• Photometric plan requirement: A point-by-point photometric plan must be submitted
• Illumination range: Average maintained illumination must be between 1-3 foot-candles
• Light trespass limits: Not more than 0.5 foot-candles beyond property lines (except within 30 feet of entrances/exits)

Light Fixture Specifications

• Fixture type: Flush-mounted, cutoff lighting required
• Bulb containment: No part of bulb or fixture lens may extend below the fixture housing
• Light source: White, metal halide LED equivalent light bulbs required
• Higher illumination option: Village may authorize higher illumination levels if needed for public safety (requires demonstration that it won't negatively impact adjacent property)

Sign Illumination Requirements

Lighting Controls for Signs

Winfield's sign illumination regulations ensure that lighted signs enhance rather than detract from the village character:

• Prohibited effects: No flashing, scintillating, traveling or blinking lights, rotating beacons
• Time/temperature signs: Allowed with intermittent lighting if:
• Lights don't exceed 40 watts per lamp
• Changes limited to numerals indicating time/temperature

Technical Specifications

• External illumination: Light sources must be located, shielded, and directed to prevent glare onto streets or residences
• Internal illumination: Must permit light only through lettering and graphic elements
• Background requirements: Must be opaque or transmit light at substantially lower level than lettering
• Maximum intensity: Cannot exceed 75 foot-candles when measured perpendicular to sign face

Electronic Message Centers (EMCs)

• Automatic brightness adjustment: Photocell required to adjust EMC brightness to ambient light
• Prohibited effects: No flashing, blinking, scrolling, chasing, animation, or similar effects

Street Lighting Requirements

Location and Spacing

Winfield has detailed requirements for street lighting in new developments:

• Required locations: At least one streetlight at each:
• Street intersection
• Curve
• End of cul-de-sacs
• Other locations deemed necessary for public safety
• Maximum spacing between lights:
• Collector streets: 200 feet
• Local residential streets: 300 feet

Technical Requirements

• Pole placement: 3 feet back of curb to the face of the pole
• Light distribution: IES Type III-SCO distribution pattern
• Electrical specifications: 120-volt, single-phase, 3-wire system
• Luminaires: LED type required
• Mounting height: 15 feet or 25 feet, depending on pole type

Documentation Requirements

• Engineering plans: Must be prepared by an Illinois registered professional engineer
• Plan elements: Must show light pole locations, cable routes, power sources, and catalog cuts of poles/fixtures
• Timing: All street lighting must be completed and operating prior to occupancy permits

Supporting Winfield's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate the careful balance Winfield maintains between modern needs and historical preservation. Since 1918, our Northeast Ohio manufacturing roots have given us extensive experience with communities like Winfield that value their unique character.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting requirements can help residents and businesses navigate Winfield's specific regulations. We appreciate the village's thoughtful approach to lighting that enhances safety while preserving community character.

Bock Lighting shares Winfield's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices. We believe lighting should complement a community's identity rather than detract from it. Our team can serve as an educational resource for Winfield's property owners seeking to understand and comply with local lighting regulations while achieving their design and functional goals.

Conclusion

Winfield's lighting regulations demonstrate the village's commitment to maintaining its distinctive character while ensuring safe, functional lighting for residents and businesses. From residential properties to commercial developments, these standards help preserve the quality of life that makes Winfield special.

Property owners should work closely with the village during the planning process to ensure lighting plans meet both technical and aesthetic requirements. By understanding and embracing these regulations, new developments can contribute positively to Winfield's community vision of balancing historical character with modern needs.

Remember that lighting plans require village approval, and specialized projects may have additional requirements. When in doubt, consult with village officials to ensure your lighting design meets all applicable standards.