Lighting Regulations in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois: Balancing Residential Character with Recreational Needs

Introduction

Nestled along the northern border of Illinois on the shores of Lake Michigan, Winthrop Harbor is a charming village with a rich history dating back to its incorporation in 1901. Originally planned for industrial development, it has maintained its primarily residential character through the decades, with neighborhoods dominated by single-family homes.

The village's crown jewel is the North Point Marina, opened in 1989, which stands as the largest marina on the Great Lakes with over 1,500 boat slips and attracts nearly one million visitors each summer. This unique blend of residential tranquility and recreational vibrancy shapes the community's approach to lighting regulations.

Winthrop Harbor's lighting standards aim to preserve the peaceful residential atmosphere while addressing the needs of its marina and recreational facilities. These regulations reflect the community's values and commitment to maintaining a family-friendly environment with natural beauty.

Quick Reference Guide

Key lighting requirements in Winthrop Harbor include:

• Street Lighting:
• One standard light at each intersection and inside each cul-de-sac
• Maximum 300-foot intervals in residential areas
• 23-foot standards with 8-foot bracket arms in residential areas
• 30-foot standards in commercial/industrial areas (bracket length subject to Village Board approval)
• 175-watt sodium vapor type for residential areas
• 250-400 watt sodium vapor type for commercial/industrial areas (as approved by Village Board)
• Exterior Lighting:
• Must be shielded to prevent direct light on residential properties or public streets/parks
• No direct glare permitted beyond property lines
• Sign Illumination:
• Internal illumination must be contained within signs with translucent surfaces
• External illumination must concentrate on sign and prevent glare
• Flashing signs and exposed neon/bulbs prohibited
• Residential illuminated signs generally prohibited

Street Lighting Requirements

Technical Specifications

Street lighting in Winthrop Harbor must follow specific technical standards:

• Lamp Types:
• Sodium vapor type fixtures (Commonwealth Edison acceptable)
• Wattage Requirements: Residential areas: 175 watt Commercial/industrial areas: 250-400 watt (as approved by Village Board)
• Ballasts must be constant wattage type

• Residential areas: 175 watt
• Commercial/industrial areas: 250-400 watt (as approved by Village Board)

Pole Requirements

The village has detailed specifications for lighting poles:

• Heights and Brackets:
• Residential areas: 23-foot standards with 8-foot bracket arms
• Commercial areas: 30-foot standards with bracket length approved by Village Board
• Construction:
• Aluminum construction (#83-40-8423-0621 aluminum equal to Kaiser Catalogue or equal)
• One piece, seamless, round tapered tube of alloy 6063
• Heat treated to produce T6 temper
• Must include handhole, frame and cover
• "Breakaway" type with bolt down base required

Placement Requirements

Street light placement follows these standards:

• One standard light at each intersection
• One light in the interior of each cul-de-sac
• Maximum 300-foot intervals in residential areas
• Must be indicated on development key map

Installation & Maintenance

The village has specific requirements for who maintains street lighting:

• Private parties may apply for village to maintain street lights if:
• They were instrumental in contracting for installation
• They maintained the lights for at least two years
• Lighting conforms to Board of Trustees specifications
• The Department of Public Works assumes responsibility when criteria are met

Exterior Lighting for Properties

General Requirements

All exterior lighting in Winthrop Harbor must follow these guidelines:

• Light Trespass Prevention:
• Exterior fixtures must be shaded to avoid casting direct light upon: Any property in residential districts Public streets Parks
• Commercial and Manufacturing Districts:
• All exterior lighting must be shaded to avoid illuminating adjacent properties or streets

• Any property in residential districts
• Public streets
• Parks

Home Occupation Lighting

For home-based businesses, additional restrictions apply:

• Lighting must not alter the residential character of the property
• No offensive glare is permitted at or beyond the property line
• The appearance of the structure shall not differ from its residential character

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

Sign illumination in Winthrop Harbor is subject to these regulations:

• Illuminated signs require an electrical permit
• Power must be from permanent installations (no temporary lines or extension cords)
• Illumination must be constant (not flashing or animated)

Specific Sign Types

Different sign types have unique illumination requirements:

• Wall Signs:
• May be internally or externally illuminated
• Internal light sources must be contained within the sign
• Light visible only through translucent surfaces
• Ground Signs:
• May be internally or externally illuminated
• Must follow same standards as wall signs
• Canopy/Marquee Signs:
• Only internal illumination permitted
• Backlit canopy/marquee signs prohibited
• Window Signs:
• Illumination only permitted for: Instructional signs Open/closed signs Business name signs
• Temporary Signs:
• No illumination permitted

• Instructional signs
• Open/closed signs
• Business name signs

Prohibitions

The following sign illumination types are explicitly prohibited:

• Flashing signs and devices
• Exposed neon tubing
• Exposed light bulbs
• Exterior strings of lights (except holiday decorations displayed ≤60 days)

Special Building Requirements

Multiple Dwellings

Multi-family buildings have specific lighting requirements:

• Every public hall and stairway in buildings with 5+ units must be adequately lighted at all times
• Buildings with 4 or fewer units must have conveniently located light switches
• Every rooming unit must have either:
• Two separate floor/wall electric outlets, OR
• One outlet and one ceiling light fixture

Liquor Establishments

Businesses serving alcohol must follow these lighting standards:

• Rooms where liquor is sold or consumed must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Must use natural light or artificial white light
• All parts of the interior must be clearly visible

Sprinkler Systems

For fire safety purposes:

• A white strobe light must be installed over the Fire Department connection on all residences with automatic sprinkler systems
• Must be clearly visible from the Fire Department's normal access route

Supporting Winthrop Harbor's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands communities like Winthrop Harbor that balance residential character with recreational needs. Our experience working with waterfront communities has given us insight into the unique lighting challenges faced by areas with both residential neighborhoods and popular attractions like North Point Marina.

We appreciate Winthrop Harbor's careful approach to lighting regulations, which protect the serene residential environment while providing appropriate illumination for safety and recreation. Our team understands the regional architectural styles and lighting needs specific to Great Lakes communities.

As a resource for communities, we focus on helping property owners and businesses understand and comply with local lighting regulations. We believe in supporting the distinctive character that makes communities like Winthrop Harbor special places to live and visit.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Winthrop Harbor's vision for preserving its residential tranquility while enhancing its recreational amenities.

Conclusion

Winthrop Harbor's lighting regulations reflect its unique character as both a residential community and a recreational destination. The village's approach focuses on maintaining appropriate lighting for safety and functionality while preventing light pollution and trespass that could disrupt its peaceful residential areas.

Property owners should pay particular attention to shielding requirements for exterior lighting and specific regulations for their building type or district. By understanding and following these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to preserving the village's charming character and natural beauty.

For specific questions about lighting requirements for your property, contact the Winthrop Harbor Building Department for the most current information and guidance.