Cook County does not have a specific dark sky ordinance for unincorporated areas. Lighting is regulated through zoning ordinance provisions and general nuisance standards. Cook County Forest Preserves maintain dark areas within the county.
Cook County does not have a dedicated dark sky or light pollution ordinance for unincorporated areas. Outdoor lighting is regulated through the Cook County Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 01-O-30), which includes provisions for lighting standards in different zoning districts. General nuisance provisions may be used to address excessively bright outdoor lights that disturb neighbors. Commercial and industrial properties have lighting standards that address spillover and glare. The Cook County Forest Preserve District maintains relatively dark areas across its 70,000+ acres. Individual municipalities within Cook County may have their own outdoor lighting ordinances. Illinois state law does not have a statewide light pollution statute.
Light nuisance complaint: enforcement under general nuisance provisions, $100–$1,000 fine. Zoning lighting standard violation: Building & Zoning enforcement.
Evanston, IL
Evanston City Code Title 9 prohibits dogs from barking, howling, or making noise continuously for 15 or more minutes, or intermittently for 30 or more minute...
Evanston, IL
Evanston restricts leaf blower use to the hours of 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays. Both gas and electric leaf ...
Evanston, IL
Evanston regulates noise from commercial and industrial operations near residential areas. The city's noise ordinance sets limits on sound levels that may be...
Evanston, IL
Evanston permits construction activity from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and city-recognized holidays. S...
Evanston, IL
Evanston enforces extensive street parking regulations including residential permit zones, time limits of 2 to 4 hours in most areas, and seasonal snow emerg...
Evanston, IL
Evanston regulates driveway construction, width, materials, and use. Driveways require a permit and must be constructed of approved hard surfaces. Parking on...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle dark sky rules.
See how Evanston's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.