Light Trespass: Des Plaines vs Schaumburg
How do light trespass 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 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 →Schaumburg, IL
Cook County
Schaumburg prohibits outdoor lighting from unreasonably spilling onto adjacent properties. Maximum light levels at residential property boundaries are capped and enforced through Code Enforcement.
View full Schaumburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Max at Property Line | - | 0.5 footcandles (commercial) |
| Complaint Line | - | Code Enforcement (847) 895-4500 |
| Common Issues | - | Unshielded floods, sign lighting |
| Correction Period | - | 14–30 days after notice |
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.
Schaumburg FAQ
My neighbor's floodlight shines into my bedroom. What can I do?
File a complaint with Schaumburg Code Enforcement at (847) 895-4500. They will investigate and may require your neighbor to redirect or shield the light.
Are there specific footcandle limits for residential-to-residential lighting?
The zoning code sets explicit limits primarily for commercial-to-residential boundaries. Residential-to-residential issues are addressed through the general nuisance ordinance.
Can a business have illuminated signs facing my house?
Illuminated signs must comply with both the sign ordinance and lighting standards. If sign lighting creates excessive trespass onto your residential property, Code Enforcement can require modifications.
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