Outdoor Lighting in Chicago, IL (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Chicago, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Light Trespass & Shielding
Chicago's zoning code requires outdoor lighting at gas stations, industrial and waste-related sites, and multi-level parking garages to be directed downward and shielded so it doesn't spill onto neighboring properties.
Chicago Outdoor Lighting Shielding Rules
Some RestrictionsChicago Zoning Ordinance § 17-9-0117-G.3
All lighting must be directed downward and shielded to prevent illumination of adjoining properties.
Billboard Lighting
Chicago caps digital billboard and dynamic sign brightness at 7,000 nits by day, dropping to 250-300 nits after sunset, and bars illumination from midnight to 5 a.m. for most signs.
Chicago Digital Billboard Brightness Limits
Some RestrictionsMunicipal Code of Chicago § 13-20-675(a)
(1) For signs located within a designated expressway corridor, the maximum luminance for any such sign shall not be greater than: (A) 7,000 nits between 5 a.m. and sunset; and (B) 300 nits between sunset and midnight. ... (3) No sign shall be illuminated between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.; provided that an entity may keep its on-premise sign illuminated to no greater than 250 nits between...
Looking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chicago city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Cook County →