Hinsdale May Pass Stricter Lighting Rules

HINSDALE, IL – Let there be light, but not too much.

That appears to be the Hinsdale Village Board's position on standards for exterior lights. On Tuesday, trustees unanimously approved sending the issue to the Plan Commission for consideration.

The board wants the commission to review a proposal that would require property owners to get the village's approval for lighting plans. The requirement would be triggered if an owner planned to replace at least four exterior lights or more than 20 percent of the lighting.

Trustee Luke Stifflear told the board that the village needed an updated lighting code. In recent years, he said, the village has addressed the issue of lighting spillover for at least two projects – the Land Rover dealership and Hinsdale Animal Hospital.

"I think we've gone beyond what our code afforded us," Stifflear said.

He also noted interior lights at Hinsdale Middle School prompted neighbors' concerns last year. He said the regulations should apply to interior lights that shine brightly toward neighbors.

"The neighbors complained about that, rightfully so," Stifflear said.

Any commission proposal would need the Village Board's approval.