Mount Prospect, IL Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Fixture design is governed by Section 14.314 of the Village of Mount Prospect zoning chapter. Every outdoor fixture other than a streetlight is covered, but the fixture list applies to everything except single-family residential properties and architectural facade lighting.

Full cutoff luminaires with a total cutoff angle of not more than ninety degrees must be used. The Director of Community Development can approve a wider cutoff angle, or fixtures that are not full cutoff, only when the applicant submits information conclusively demonstrating that the lighting will not cause glare on adjacent properties. Lighting mounted under a canopy, including luminaires on or recessed into the lower surface, must be full cutoff. Flat lenses are required on every fixture, and wall lights must be both full cutoff and fully shielded. Task focused lighting at gas stations, ATM drive-throughs and similar uses approved by the Director needs an internal louver so the light lands on the task area and does not spill onto the pavement.

Parking lot fixtures face a height cap: the pole, pole support, fixture and equipment together are limited to the district height limit or thirty feet, whichever is less. Poles must be metal or another material acceptable to the Village Engineer, and wood poles are prohibited.

Facade lighting has its own shielding standard. Upward aimed building facade lighting cannot exceed 900 lumens, and all upward aimed light must be fully shielded and confined from projecting into the sky by eaves, roofs or overhangs. Facade light above 900 lumens must be fully shielded and aimed downward. Facade lighting must stay within the vertical surface of the wall it illuminates, and any that is measurable at ground level counts toward the maximum allowable light levels.

Small ornamental fixtures of 100 lumens or less and seasonal displays under 75 days are exempt.