Outdoor Lighting in Waukegan, IL (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Waukegan, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Every new or replacement outdoor light fixture in Waukegan must be full cut-off or fully shielded. Fixtures within 20 feet of a residential property line must be aimed inward and shielded from the neighboring residence, and residential lots cap fixtures at 890 lumens.
Waukegan Requires Fully Shielded Outdoor Lighting
Some RestrictionsWaukegan UDO Sec. 11.10.B.3
3.Fixtures. All new and replacement outdoor lighting must have full cut-off or fully shielded fixtures. For non-residential uses, fixtures located within 20 feet of a residential property line must be directed toward the interior of the property and fully shielded from view of the adjacent residential property.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Waukegan's Unified Development Ordinance requires every new or replacement outdoor light fixture to be full cut-off or fully shielded and bars glare or light trespass onto neighboring lots. Fixtures within 20 feet of a residential property line must aim inward and stay fully shielded from that neighbor's view, with illumination capped at the lot line.
Waukegan Outdoor Lighting Light Trespass Rules
Some RestrictionsWaukegan Unified Development Ordinance (Appendix A) § 11.10.A, B.1-B.3
Outdoor lighting standards prevent light trespass, promote energy efficiency, minimize light pollution, and enhance public safety... Flashing lights, strobe lights, and laser lights are prohibited... All lighting must be designed to prevent glare and interference with residential lots and motor vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic... All new and replacement outdoor lighting must have full c...
Billboard Lighting
Waukegan requires illuminated billboards to be shielded whenever necessary so they don't cast bright light onto residential property or the public right-of-way. The rule sits inside the city's broader billboard code, which also caps sign area, height, and spacing, and is enforced by the building commissioner and the code enforcement board.
Waukegan Billboard Illumination Shielding
Some RestrictionsWaukegan City Code § 14-57(f)
(f)Illumination. Illuminated billboards shall be shielded whenever necessary to avoid casting bright light upon property located in any residential district and the public right-of-way.
Looking for Lake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Waukegan city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Lake County →