Dark Sky Rules: Des Plaines vs Tinley Park
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Tinley Park, IL?
Des Plaines and Tinley 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 →Tinley Park, IL
Cook County
Tinley Park does not have a comprehensive dark-sky ordinance but regulates outdoor lighting through general nuisance, light trespass, and commercial site lighting standards. Residential lighting that spills onto neighboring properties may be addressed under nuisance provisions. Commercial developments are subject to zoning-based lighting standards requiring full-cutoff fixtures and lumens limits.
View full Tinley Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Tinley Park |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Fixtures | Full cutoff required | - |
| Property Line | 0.1-0.5 fc max | - |
| Uplighting | Restricted | - |
| Residential | Nuisance limit | - |
| Holiday Lights | Exempt | - |
| Dark-Sky Ordinance | - | None comprehensive |
| Commercial Standard | - | Full-cutoff fixtures |
| Residential Property Line | - | 0.5 fc max typical |
| Commercial Property Line | - | 1.0 fc max typical |
| Photometric Plans | - | Required commercial |
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.
Tinley Park FAQ
Does Tinley Park have a dark-sky ordinance?
Not a comprehensive one. Commercial lighting has full-cutoff and photometric standards, but residential lighting is addressed through general nuisance and light trespass principles.
How bright can commercial property lighting be?
Photometric plans typically must show that light levels at residential property lines do not exceed 0.5 foot-candles and at commercial property lines do not exceed 1.0 foot-candle. Fixtures must be full-cutoff.
Can I stargaze in Tinley Park?
Urban light pollution makes dark-sky viewing difficult within Tinley Park. Driving to rural areas outside the metro, such as near Kankakee, provides better sky darkness for astronomy.
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