Lighting Regulations in Worth, Illinois: A Property Owner's Guide to Compliance

Introduction

Worth, Illinois, named after General William Jenkins Worth of the War of 1812 and Mexican War fame, has maintained its small-town charm since its establishment in the late 19th century. With approximately 10,000 residents in a relatively compact area, Worth has developed lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to preserving community character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Though Worth doesn't have designated historical districts, its lighting regulations demonstrate the village's dedication to maintaining its traditional aesthetic while accommodating modern needs. These regulations aim to reduce light pollution, prevent nuisance glare, and create a harmonious visual environment throughout the community.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here's a summary of Worth's most important lighting regulations:

• Parking lot lighting must be adequate for night use but directed away from residential properties
• Sign illumination has specific brightness limits: LED signs limited to 5,000 nits daytime/150 nits nighttime
• Parking area lighting must be extinguished 30 minutes after business closure
• Hallways and exits in multiple dwellings must be lit from one hour before sunset to one hour after dawn
• Commercial operations producing intense glare must be conducted in enclosed buildings
• Electronic message signs must display static messages (no flashing, blinking or strobing)
• Swimming pools cannot have underwater lighting

Residential Lighting Requirements

Multiple Dwelling Common Areas

Safety is a priority in Worth's residential lighting standards, particularly in multi-unit buildings:

• Hallway and exit areas in multiple dwellings must be "adequately lighted by electricity" from one hour before sunset to one hour after dawn
• Public halls, stairways and passageways in buildings with 4+ dwelling units must be "adequately lighted at all times"
• Buildings with fewer than 4 units must have conveniently located light switches controlling an adequate lighting system

Interior Room Requirements

The village code also specifies minimum lighting requirements inside residential units:

• Every habitable room must have at least two separate floor/wall electrical outlets OR one outlet plus one supplied electric light fixture
• Water closet compartments, bathrooms, halls, furnace rooms, and laundry rooms must have at least one wall or ceiling electric light fixture
• All fixtures must be properly installed, maintained in good condition, and safely connected to power

Emergency Lighting

The code requires special attention to exit marking in certain buildings:

• Exit signs, stairway signs, fire escape signs, and directional signs must be installed in:
• Multiple dwellings of the corridor type (2+ stories)
• Institutional buildings (2+ stories)
• Assembly units, schools, theaters, and churches
• Open-air assembly units with capacity over 250 persons when used during low natural light
• Certain business, mercantile, industrial, storage, and hazardous use units

Commercial Lighting Regulations

Business Property Lighting

Worth's regulations balance the need for adequate lighting with minimizing impact on neighbors:

• Operations producing intense glare must be performed in completely enclosed buildings
• Exposed light sources must be shielded to prevent nuisance across property lines
• Food service establishments must have well-lit food preparation areas and toilet facilities
• Laundromats must be equipped with "adequate lighting"

Parking Area Illumination

The village has specific requirements for parking lot lighting:

• Parking lots must be "adequately lighted" when night parking is permitted
• Lights must be arranged to direct illumination away from adjoining residential properties
• In parking areas with 4+ spaces, lighting must be extinguished 30 minutes after business closure (with some exceptions)
• The Real Estate Development Board may permit or require extended illumination in certain cases

Sign Illumination Standards

Technical Requirements

Worth has established detailed technical specifications for illuminated signs:

• LED signs must not exceed:
• 5,000 nits from dawn to dusk
• 150 nits from dusk to dawn
• Non-LED signs must not exceed one foot-candle at any time (measured at curb line)
• All sign illumination must be:
• Located, shielded, and directed to illuminate only the sign face
• Designed to prevent direct light or glare on adjacent rights-of-way/properties
• Not combined with reflective materials that increase glare
• External illumination must use steady, stationary, fully shielded light sources concentrated on the sign face

Sign Type-Specific Regulations

Different types of signs have specific illumination allowances:

• Neon signs are permitted for marquee and window signs
• Electronic message signs must:
• Display static messages only
• Not contain light sources that flash, blink, strobe, chase, rotate, or change in intensity/brightness/color
• Default to static display if mechanical failure occurs
• Temporary signs cannot be illuminated
• Awning signs cannot be back-lit (external illumination only)
• Window signs are allowed internal illumination, including neon (maximum 6 square feet per sign)

Special Situations

Construction and Obstruction Lighting

Safety lighting is required for construction activities:

• Any street/sidewalk obstruction requires two red lights placed at either end from dusk until sunrise
• Excavations must be "properly backfilled, barricaded and provided with protective lighting"

Street Lighting

• Private street lighting systems require approval by the village president and board of trustees
• Trees overhanging streets must be trimmed so branches don't obstruct street lamp light

Swimming Pools

• No underwater lighting is permitted in swimming pools

Supporting Worth's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique character of communities like Worth, Illinois. As a manufacturer with deep Midwestern roots, we appreciate Worth's commitment to maintaining its small-town charm while implementing practical lighting solutions.

Our expertise aligns with Worth's balanced approach to lighting regulation – ensuring safety and functionality while respecting the village's traditional character. We understand the technical specifications that Worth requires, from proper shielding to appropriate light levels that prevent nuisance glare across property lines.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting compliance. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs enables us to help community members implement lighting solutions that respect both regulatory requirements and local aesthetic values.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Considerations

When installing or modifying lighting on your Worth property:

• Consult the code before installing new exterior lighting or illuminated signs
• Consider neighbors – lighting directed toward residential properties may violate regulations
• Verify illumination levels with appropriate measuring equipment, especially for LED signs
• Remember timing requirements for parking areas (30 minutes after business closure)
• Plan for proper shielding to prevent light trespass across property lines

Approval Process

The building commissioner examines all plans for building permit purposes, including lighting. Private street lighting systems require specific approval from the village president and board of trustees.

Conclusion

Worth, Illinois, has established lighting regulations that balance safety, functionality, and aesthetics. These requirements reflect the village's commitment to maintaining its traditional small-town character while acknowledging modern lighting needs.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these regulations before installing or modifying lighting systems. By following Worth's guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to a well-lit community that respects neighboring properties and preserves the village's unique character.

Remember that this guide provides general information, and specific projects may require consultation with village officials. The goal is to implement lighting that enhances safety and visibility while maintaining Worth's welcoming community atmosphere.