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HB 5474

OUTDOOR LIGHTING CONTROL

104th Regular Session Introduced by Laura Faver Dias and 3 co-sponsors

The bill tightens outdoor lighting rules to reduce glare and light trespass, requires low color temperatures (≤2700K, ≤2200K in sensitive areas), and limits uplighting for statues/

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Bill Summary · HB 5474

Summary: HB5474 (104th Illinois General Assembly) – Outdoor Lighting Control

Purpose and Intent

HB5474 amends the Responsible Outdoor Lighting Control Act to tighten requirements for outdoor lighting in Illinois. The bill aims to reduce light pollution, limit spillage beyond property boundaries, and promote energy-conscious, dark-sky friendly lighting. It also introduces new oversight for uplighting related to State historic statuary and State historical façades.

Key shifts include:
- A gradual transition timeline for color temperature requirements.
- Tightened glare and trespass limits.
- Special rules governing uplighting when necessary for statuary or historical façades, with added post-2027 oversight.

What the Bill Would Change (Key Provisions)

1) Correlated Color Temperature (CCT)

  • All new luminaires purchased or installed after June 30, 2032 must have a CCT ≤ 2,700 Kelvin.
  • For luminaires installed on or before June 30, 2032, the CCT remains ≤ 2,700 Kelvin.
  • Exceptions: In residential areas, dark sky locations, or environmentally sensitive areas (e.g., State parks, outdoor recreation facilities), CCT may be limited to ≤ 2,200 Kelvin.

2) Shielding, Direction, and Light Emission (Section 15)

  • Permanent outdoor luminaires must be fully shielded with an IES BUG rating.
  • Luminaires must emit less than 1% of light above 80 degrees from nadir; no light emissions above 60 degrees from downward vertical.
  • Light trespass limit: illuminance at the property boundary must not exceed 1 lux (both horizontally and vertically).

3) Overall Brightness and Utility

  • Outdoor lighting must be minimized to no more than 25% above ANSI/IES standards or USDOT recommendations (i.e., controlled increase relative to established standards).

4) Facade and Roadway Lighting (Section 15(5) and related)

  • Facade lighting must be minimized to ≤ 25% above ANSI/IES standards, project downward, and not violate light trespass limits.
  • Roadway lighting should prioritize reflective markings and signage where feasible; traditional lighting is considered only if reflective measures do not achieve safety.

5) Uplighting for Special Cases (Statues and Historic Facades)

  • Uplighting for statuary lighting and historical façade lighting is allowed only when it is the only viable solution, subject to:
    • Color temperature no more than 2,700 Kelvin.
    • Uplighting minimized to ≤ 25% above ANSI/IES standards.
    • Light trespass limits maintained (no more than 1 lux at the property boundary).
    • Lighting extinguished by 12:00 a.m. nightly.
  • Post-2027: Any new placement or replacement of uplighting for State historic statuary or State historical façade lighting requires approval from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

6) Exceptions and Exclusions (Section 20)

  • Several exceptions mirror typical permissible exemptions (e.g., preemption or more stringent local/state/federal rules, safety/security needs, temporary emergencies, sport/event exemptions with glare controls, flags lighting, seasonal holiday lighting up to 45 days, etc.).
  • Specific uplighting exception for statuary/historic façades noted above.

7) Other Provisions (Section 25)

  • If this Act conflicts with more stringent federal, state, or local lighting laws, the more stringent standard controls.

Who Is Affected

  • State-funded or state-managed luminaires and outdoor lighting on:
    • Department of Natural Resources properties, roadways, facilities, monuments, public right-of-ways, sidewalks.
    • State historic statuary and State historical façades (subject to SHPO review after 2027).
  • Local governments and private entities in Illinois that install or replace outdoor lighting on structures or lands, due to the overarching standards and potential local adoption of more stringent provisions.
  • Organizations involved in historic preservation and maintenance of state historic properties (via SHPO oversight for uplighting post-2027).

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Effective timing:
    • Post-2032: All new luminaires must have CCT ≤ 2,700 K (with earlier installations adhering to ≤ 2,700 K).
    • 2027: Any new installation or replacement of uplighting for state historic statuary or state historical façades requires SHPO approval.
  • Ongoing: Compliance with shielding, glare, and light trespass limits applies to new and existing installations within scope; exemptions permit certain conditions (e.g., safety needs, temporary use, aviation/nautical considerations).

Overall Impact

  • Tightens light quality and glare control standards to reduce sky glow and light trespass.
  • Promotes energy-conscious lighting with lower color temperatures, particularly in sensitive areas.
  • Adds federal/state/local coordination for historic lighting projects, balancing preservation with modern lighting efficiency.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law or a quick FAQ addressing common scenarios (e.g., how the 1 lux trespass limit is measured, or examples of compliant uplighting configurations).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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