Outdoor Lighting in Springfield, IL (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Springfield, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Springfield Requires Full Cut-Off Light Fixtures
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances Sec. 155.480(k)(2)(ii) & (k)(3)(ix) (Ord. No. 411A-07-01, § 1(Exh. A), 07-24-01; Doc. No. 2004-087, § 1(Exh. A), 11-3-04)
(ii)Full cut-off type fixture. A luminaire or light fixture that by the design of the housing, does not allow any light dispersion or direct glare to shine above a 90-degree, horizontal plane from the base of the fixture. Full cut-off fixtures must be installed in a horizontal position as designed, or the purpose of the design is defeated, and disability glare will result...(ix)Except where oth...
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.
Springfield Bans Site Lighting Trespass on Neighbors
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances Sec. 155.480(k)(2)(iii) & (k)(3)(iv)-(v) (Ord. No. 411A-07-01, § 1(Exh. A), 07-24-01; Doc. No. 2004-087, § 1(Exh. A), 11-3-04)
(iii)Light trespass. Light from an artificial light source that is intruding into or spills over to adjoining sites, streets, public and private property...(iv)Site lighting shall not result in light trespass by spilling over to adjacent sites or properties.(v)Site lighting shall not result in disability glare that is directed toward or reflected onto adjoining properties.
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.
Springfield Billboard Lighting May Not Spill Over
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances Sec. 155.340(i)(1)-(3) (Doc. No. 99-119, 01-18-00; Ord. No. 411A-07-01, § 1(Exh. A), 07-24-01; Ord. No. 553-10-01, § 1, 10-16-01)
(i)The number of permits issued by the city shall be limited to the number on the date of enactment of this ordinance and shall decrease as signs are removed on a four for one basis in accordance with subsection (j) below. All replacement signs authorized by subsection (j) comply with the following minimum requirements:(1)All lighting shall be designed in a way that the lighting does not spill ...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Springfield city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Sangamon County →