Westmont Council Overhauls Outdoor Lighting Regulations for Commercial Properties

The Village of Westmont's Planning and Zoning Special Meeting on June 25, 2025, focused on significant updates to outdoor lighting regulations, which aim to enhance safety while balancing community aesthetics and environmental concerns.

Key discussions centered around a comprehensive overhaul of the village's outdoor lighting code, which currently has limited clauses. The proposed changes include stricter requirements for photometric plans and the introduction of alternative compliance measures, allowing for flexibility in meeting lighting standards. The updates also expand intersection visibility provisions to include alleyways, addressing safety concerns that have arisen in nearby suburbs.

A notable point of contention was the proposed lumen limits for outdoor lighting, with discussions reflecting a desire to avoid overregulation of residential properties while ensuring safety and compliance for commercial establishments. The committee acknowledged the need for a balance between adequate lighting for security and minimizing light pollution, particularly in line with dark sky initiatives aimed at reducing light trespass and preserving nighttime visibility.

Concerns were raised about the enforcement of these new regulations, particularly regarding existing nonconforming lighting fixtures. The committee discussed the potential challenges of measuring light intensity and the implications for property owners who may inadvertently exceed the new limits. Suggestions included considering nuisance codes to address complaints about excessively bright lights without placing undue burdens on code enforcement.

In addition to lighting regulations, the meeting touched on other zoning matters, including updates to sight vision triangles and nonconformities, which aim to clarify existing codes and improve safety standards. The committee plans to further refine these proposals and will continue discussions in future meetings.

As Westmont moves forward with these regulatory updates, the community can expect a more structured approach to outdoor lighting that prioritizes safety while considering the needs and rights of residents and businesses alike. The next steps will involve further consultations and potential adjustments based on community feedback and expert recommendations.