Des Plaines, IL Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Des Plaines's zoning ordinance includes outdoor lighting standards intended to minimize light pollution, protect neighboring properties from glare and light trespass, and maintain neighborhood character. Commercial, industrial, and multi-family parking lot lighting typically must use full cutoff or fully shielded fixtures that direct light downward without emitting light above the horizontal plane. Maximum illumination at residential property lines is generally limited to a low foot-candle value (commonly 0.1 to 0.5 fc). Pole heights are limited and uplighting of building facades and landscape features is restricted. Sign illumination must be shielded and meet brightness limits. Residential outdoor lighting (porch lights, security lights, landscape lighting) is less heavily regulated, but excessive glare or light trespass into a neighbor's living space may be a nuisance violation under the City's general nuisance ordinance. The City does not have a formal 'dark sky' designation but its ordinance follows similar principles. Holiday decorative lighting is generally exempt during seasonal periods.