Dark Sky Rules: Arlington Heights vs Orland Park
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Orland Park, IL?
Arlington Heights has fewer restrictions than Orland Park.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Cook County does not have a specific dark sky ordinance for unincorporated areas. Lighting is regulated through zoning ordinance provisions and general nuisance standards. Cook County Forest Preserves maintain dark areas within the county.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Orland Park, IL
Cook County
Orland Park's Land Development Code requires outdoor lighting for new commercial and multi-family developments to meet shielding and intensity standards that minimize light spillover. Residential outdoor lighting is generally not subject to specific Village dark sky requirements but must comply with general light trespass and nuisance provisions.
View full Orland Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Sky Ordinance | None at county level | None comprehensive |
| Regulation | Zoning + nuisance provisions | - |
| Forest Preserves | Dark areas maintained | - |
| Fine | $100–$1,000 if nuisance | - |
| Commercial Standard | - | Full-cutoff/shielded |
| Photometric Plan | - | Required for commercial |
| Residential | - | General nuisance rules |
| HOA | - | Often add restrictions |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Does Cook County have dark sky rules?
No specific dark sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting is regulated through zoning provisions and general nuisance standards.
Can I complain about a neighbor's bright lights?
Yes. Excessive outdoor lighting that disturbs neighbors may be addressed through general nuisance provisions or zoning enforcement.
Orland Park FAQ
Does Orland Park have a dark sky ordinance?
Not a comprehensive one. The Village's outdoor lighting standards apply primarily to new commercial and multi-family developments, requiring shielded fixtures and limited light trespass. Residential lighting is regulated through general nuisance rules.
Is there a limit on landscape lighting at my home?
Not specifically through Village code, but lights that shine into a neighbor's windows or create excessive trespass may be cited as nuisances. HOA covenants may impose additional restrictions.
Are commercial parking lots over-lit?
New commercial developments must meet Village lighting standards including shielded fixtures and capped property-line illumination. Existing nonconforming lots may have legacy lighting that doesn't meet current standards.
Compare other topics
See how Arlington Heights and Orland Park compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool