Outdoor Lighting in Winnebago County, IL (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Winnebago County, Illinois.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Outdoor lighting on private property in unincorporated Winnebago County must use fully shielded, downward-directed fixtures. Unshielded string lighting is banned outright, and pole heights are capped by land use to cut glare and light spill onto neighboring properties.
Winnebago County Outdoor Lighting Shielding Rules
Some RestrictionsWinnebago County UDO § 18.3.5(A)
A. Unshielded Lighting. The use of unshielded lighting, including incandescent light bulbs hung or strung on poles, wires, or any other type of support, are prohibited, except on a temporary basis in areas where approved carnivals, fairs or other similar activities are held and only when such activities are taking place. This does not include holiday lighting on private property.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Winnebago County's zoning code bans unshielded outdoor light fixtures countywide and requires non-residential light poles to use fully shielded luminaires, with height caps to limit glare onto neighboring properties.
Winnebago County bans unshielded exterior lighting
Some RestrictionsWinnebago County UDO Sec. 18.3.5(A)
The use of unshielded lighting, including incandescent light bulbs hung or strung on poles, wires, or any other type of support, are prohibited, except on a temporary basis in areas where approved carnivals, fairs or other similar activities are held and only when such activities are taking place. This does not include holiday lighting on private property.
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