Outdoor Lighting in Bloomington, IL (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Bloomington, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
In the City of Bloomington, section 44-911 of the zoning code requires every outdoor light fixture in any zoning district to be shielded and directed away from adjoining lots and the street. Non-decorative wall-mounted and area luminaires must use full cutoff fixtures with the cutoff effect maximized, tilt arms are banned, and decorative fixtures need internal louvers approved by the Department of Development Services to cut glare.
Bloomington IL Outdoor Lighting Shielding Rules
Some RestrictionsBloomington City Code § 44-911.D
Outdoor lighting. (1) General. All outdoor lights used to illuminate any lot in any district shall be so shielded and directed as to protect adjacent lot or lots across the street from direct or reflected glare. ... (4) Prohibition against glare. Outdoor lighting shall not create a glare that may be hazardous for motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. (5) Luminaires. To prevent unreasonable lig...
Light Trespass & Shielding
In the City of Bloomington, section 44-911.D(8) of the zoning code caps how bright outdoor lighting can be at the edge of a property. New outdoor lighting cannot exceed 1 foot-candle at the property line, average light levels in residential districts are capped at 1 fc, other districts are capped at 2 fc, and a 20:1 uniformity ratio applies citywide.
Bloomington IL Light Trespass Limits
Some RestrictionsBloomington City Code § 44-911.D(8)
(8) Light levels, Luminaire Mounting Position, and Timing of Parking Areas. ... (b) Average initial light levels may not exceed 1 fc in residential zoning districts and shall not exceed 2 fc in other districts regulated by this Code. (c) Light levels created by proposed new outdoor lighting shall not exceed 1 fc at the property line.