Light Trespass: Des Plaines vs Orland Park
How do light trespass 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 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 →Orland Park, IL
Cook County
Orland Park addresses light trespass through general nuisance and property maintenance provisions and through specific outdoor lighting standards for commercial and multi-family developments. Residential outdoor lights that shine directly into neighbors' windows or create excessive glare may be cited as nuisances. Commercial property-line illumination is capped.
View full Orland Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | (708) 403-6150 |
| Commercial | - | Property-line illumination capped |
| Residential | - | Nuisance basis |
| Common Issue | - | Unshielded floodlights |
| First Step | - | Talk to neighbor |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Orland Park FAQ
My neighbor's lights shine into my bedroom. What can I do?
Start with a polite conversation requesting shielding. If unresolved, contact Code Enforcement at (708) 403-6150. Persistent excessive light trespass may be cited as a nuisance, and HOA enforcement may be faster in covenant-bound subdivisions.
Do residential outdoor lights need to be shielded?
There is no specific shielding requirement for residential lighting in Orland Park's code, but lights that create excessive trespass onto neighbors may be cited as nuisances. Shielded fixtures with motion sensors prevent most complaints.
What about streetlight glare?
Contact the Village or ComEd depending on who operates the streetlight. In some cases shielding can be added to direct light away from windows.
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