Dark Sky Rules: Des Plaines vs Orland Park
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Orland Park, IL?
Des Plaines and Orland Park have similar restriction levels.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines's zoning ordinance regulates outdoor lighting to minimize glare, light trespass, and skyglow. Commercial and parking lot lighting must use full cutoff fixtures and meet maximum illumination limits at property lines. Residential lighting is less strictly regulated but must not create nuisance glare on neighboring properties.
View full Des Plaines 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 | Des Plaines | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Fixtures | Full cutoff required | - |
| Property Line | 0.1-0.5 fc max | - |
| Uplighting | Restricted | - |
| Residential | Nuisance limit | General nuisance rules |
| Holiday Lights | Exempt | - |
| Commercial Standard | - | Full-cutoff/shielded |
| Photometric Plan | - | Required for commercial |
| Dark Sky Ordinance | - | None comprehensive |
| HOA | - | Often add restrictions |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
Does Des Plaines have a dark sky ordinance?
The City does not have a formal dark sky designation, but its zoning lighting standards require full cutoff fixtures for commercial lighting and limit light trespass at residential property lines.
Can my neighbor's bright security light shine into my window?
Excessive light trespass into a living area may be a nuisance violation. Try a neighborly conversation first; if unresolved, contact Code Enforcement at (847) 391-5300.
What lighting rules apply to my yard?
Residential outdoor lighting is loosely regulated, but fixtures should be aimed and shielded to avoid significant glare or light trespass onto neighboring properties.
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.
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