Bloomington, IL Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Section 44-911.D(8), Light Levels
- Property-line cap
- 1 fc from new outdoor lighting
- Residential average cap
- 1 fc average in residential districts
- Other districts average cap
- 2 fc average in other districts
- Uniformity ratio
- 20:1 maximum
- Canopy exception
- Up to 25 fc average under canopy
- Enforcing agency
- Department of Development Services
Summary
In the City of Bloomington, section 44-911.D(8) of the zoning code caps how bright outdoor lighting can be at the edge of a property. New outdoor lighting cannot exceed 1 foot-candle at the property line, average light levels in residential districts are capped at 1 fc, other districts are capped at 2 fc, and a 20:1 uniformity ratio applies citywide.
(8) Light levels, Luminaire Mounting Position, and Timing of Parking Areas. ... (b) Average initial light levels may not exceed 1 fc in residential zoning districts and shall not exceed 2 fc in other districts regulated by this Code. (c) Light levels created by proposed new outdoor lighting shall not exceed 1 fc at the property line.
Full Breakdown
' The rule sets three separate ceilings. First, a uniformity ratio: lighting levels cannot exceed a 20:1 ratio between the brightest and dimmest points on a site. Second, an average level by district: initial average light levels cannot exceed 1 foot-candle in residential zoning districts and cannot exceed 2 foot-candles in every other district regulated by the zoning code. Third, and most directly aimed at neighbors, a property-line limit: any light created by newly installed outdoor lighting cannot exceed 1 foot-candle measured at the property line, regardless of the district.
The section carves out two higher-intensity exceptions tied to specific site features rather than the property line: canopy lighting can reach an average of 25 fc under the canopy as long as fixtures are cutoff or recessed with no lens dropping below the canopy's horizontal plane, and merchandise display areas can run up to an average of 10 fc. D(2) showing foot-candle levels at the lot lines so the Department of Development Services can confirm compliance with these caps before signing off on the installation.
Violations & Fines
The Department of Development Services checks the required photometric plan against these caps before approving a lighting installation, and can withhold sign-off if the plan shows light exceeding 1 fc at the property line. Because section 44-911 carries no dedicated fine, a violation defaults to Bloomington City Code section 1-106's general penalty: not less than $50 nor more than $500, with each day the excess light continues counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright can outdoor lighting be at a Bloomington property line?
Are residential districts held to a stricter lighting limit?
Does Bloomington limit light uniformity, not just brightness?
Can canopy or display lighting run brighter than the general cap?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomington
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