Dark Sky Rules: Des Plaines vs Schaumburg
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Schaumburg, IL?
Des Plaines and Schaumburg 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 →Schaumburg, IL
Cook County
Schaumburg regulates outdoor lighting through its zoning ordinance to minimize glare and light pollution. Commercial and multi-family developments must use shielded fixtures directed downward to reduce sky glow and light trespass.
View full Schaumburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Fixtures | Full cutoff required | - |
| Property Line | 0.1-0.5 fc max | - |
| Uplighting | Restricted | - |
| Residential | Nuisance limit | - |
| Holiday Lights | Exempt | - |
| Fixture Type | - | Full-cutoff/shielded required |
| Property Line Limit | - | 0.5 footcandles max |
| Applies To | - | Commercial and multi-family |
| Review | - | Planning Dept site plan approval |
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.
Schaumburg FAQ
Do residential homeowners need to follow dark-sky rules?
The strict lighting standards primarily apply to commercial and multi-family developments. However, residential lighting that creates a nuisance or light trespass onto neighboring properties may be subject to code enforcement.
Can I install bright security lights on my commercial property?
Yes, but they must use shielded fixtures directed downward and cannot exceed the maximum footcandle limit at the property line. Unshielded floodlights aimed outward are not permitted.
Who reviews outdoor lighting plans?
The Schaumburg Planning Department reviews lighting plans as part of site plan approval for new developments and major renovations.
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