Light Trespass: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do light trespass rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Chicago has fewer restrictions than Des Plaines.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago does not have a specific light trespass ordinance. Excessive lighting from commercial or residential properties that creates a nuisance may be addressed through general nuisance provisions in the Municipal Code.
View full Chicago rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines's zoning code limits light trespass onto adjacent residential properties. Commercial fixtures must be shielded and the illumination at residential property lines is typically capped at 0.1 to 0.5 foot-candles. Excessive residential security lighting that shines into a neighbor's home may be subject to nuisance enforcement.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Ordinance | None for light trespass | - |
| Nuisance Code | MCC 4-4-313 for commercial properties | - |
| Residential | General nuisance complaint through 311 | - |
| Planned Developments | May have lighting conditions | - |
| State Law | Common law nuisance principles apply | - |
| Residential Line | - | 0.1 fc typical |
| Non-Res Line | - | 0.5 fc typical |
| Shielding | - | Full cutoff required |
| Residential Limit | - | Nuisance standard |
| Enforcement | - | (847) 391-5300 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Is there a light trespass law in Chicago?
No specific ordinance exists. Excessive lighting from neighbors can be reported as a nuisance through 311, and commercial properties may face enforcement under MCC 4-4-313.
What can I do about a neighbor's bright floodlights in Chicago?
File a nuisance complaint through 311. While there is no specific light trespass ordinance, general nuisance provisions may apply. You may also pursue a common law nuisance claim in court.
Des Plaines FAQ
What is light trespass?
Light trespass is unwanted illumination spilling from one property onto another. Des Plaines limits commercial lighting to low levels at residential property lines and addresses egregious residential cases as nuisance.
My neighbor's floodlight shines into my bedroom — what can I do?
Try a friendly conversation first. If unresolved, contact Des Plaines Code Enforcement at (847) 391-5300; persistent significant light trespass may be addressed under nuisance provisions.
Are motion sensor lights better?
Yes. Motion sensor lights with short timers reduce light trespass and energy use compared to dusk-to-dawn floodlights, while still providing security benefits.
Compare other topics
See how Chicago and Des Plaines 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