Outdoor Lighting in Springfield, IL

If you live in Springfield or are thinking about moving there, outdoor lighting are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Springfield has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of outdoor lighting, and some of them might surprise you.

Billboard Lighting

Springfield hasn't allowed a new off-premises billboard permit since its sign-permit cap took effect: the total number can only shrink, four old permits surrendered for one new one. Zoning Code Sec. 155.340(i)(1) requires any replacement billboard built under that swap program to be lit so the light does not spill over to adjoining properties or rights-of-way.

Key details: New billboard permits: None issued since program enactment. Replacement ratio: 4 surrendered permits for 1 new. Lighting rule: No spillover onto adjoining property/ROW. Size cap on replacements: 175 square feet display area. Sign faces: One face per replacement location.

A replacement billboard whose lighting spills onto an adjoining property or public right-of-way fails the minimum requirements in Sec. 155.340(i)(1) and is not a valid replacement sign under the permit-swap program, exposing the operator to permit denial or revocation and the general zoning penalty in Sec. 155.999. Building a new off-premises sign without surrendering the required four existing permits under Sec. 155.340(j) is a separate violation.

Dark Sky Rules

Parking lots and site lighting in Springfield have to use shielded, full cut-off fixtures, the kind that keep light from spilling above the horizontal. Zoning Code Sec. 155.480(k)(3)(ix) requires cut-off fixture heads on site lighting except where otherwise provided, and Sec. 155.480(k)(2)(ii) defines the standard: no light dispersion or glare above a 90-degree plane from the fixture's base.

Key details: Fixture standard: Full cut-off type required. Glare limit: No light above 90-degree horizontal plane. Applies to: Lots with 5+ parking spaces. Up-lighting: Prohibited except government flags. Photometric plan: Due within 90 days of permit.

Installing parking-lot or site fixtures that aren't full cut-off type, or mounting them off the horizontal so they create disability glare, violates Sec. 155.480(k)(3)(ix) and is enforced through the zoning administrator's building-permit review and the general penalty in Sec. 155.999. Failing to file the required photometric plan within 90 days of a lighting-related building permit under Sec. 155.480(k)(4) is a separate compliance failure that can hold up permit sign-off.

Light Trespass & Shielding

Springfield's zoning code names the problem directly: light trespass is light from an artificial source that intrudes into or spills over onto adjoining sites, streets or public and private property, and Sec. 155.480(k)(3)(iv) simply bans it for every parking lot and site lighting installation covered by the landscaping and lighting article.

Key details: Light trespass defined: Artificial light spilling onto neighboring property. Rule: Site lighting may not trespass onto adjacent lots. Related ban: No disability glare toward neighbors or streets. Fixture fix required: Full cut-off type fixture heads. Compliance check: Photometric plan at all property lines.

Site or parking-area lighting that spills onto a neighboring lot, street or right-of-way violates the light-trespass ban in Sec. 155.480(k)(3)(iv) and is enforced through the zoning administrator's plan review and the general penalty in Sec. 155.999. Fixtures that create disability glare toward an adjoining property or a public street violate Sec. 155.480(k)(3)(v)-(vi) even if the light itself doesn't cross the property line, and an owner who fails to correct a cited violation risks a fine under Sec. 155.999 in addition to any required fixture replacement.

The Bottom Line

Springfield's outdoor lighting rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Springfield is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Springfield's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.