Winnebago County, IL Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Unshielded string lighting
- Banned except temporary carnivals/fairs
- Non-residential pole height
- 25 ft (60 ft for schools/parks)
- Wall-mounted fixture height
- Max 18 feet
- Single/two-family pole height
- Max 8 feet
- Multi-family/townhouse pole height
- Max 16 feet
Summary
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.
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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64).
Full Breakdown
Under UDO Article 18's exterior lighting standards, unshielded lighting, including incandescent bulbs strung on poles or wires, is prohibited on private property except temporarily at approved carnivals or fairs (holiday lighting is exempt). Non-residential light poles and building-mounted fixtures must use fully shielded luminaires, capped at 25 feet for poles and 18 feet for wall mounts, though schools and public outdoor recreation facilities may go up to 60 feet. Residential poles are capped at 8 feet for single/two-family lots and 16 feet for multi-family or townhouse sites, with dwelling-mounted lighting limited to 14 feet above the first floor. ATM lighting must recess luminaires under the canopy.
Violations & Fines
The Planning and Zoning Officer enforces the UDO and can order fixtures shielded, lowered, or removed. Article 18 sets no lighting-specific fine, so noncompliance defaults to the county's general Code penalty of up to $500 per day under Sec. 1-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I string unshielded bulb lights across my yard in Winnebago County?
How tall can a commercial light pole be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winnebago County
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