Dark Sky Community and Lighting Requirements

On December 18, 2007, the Village Board passed an ordinance regulating outdoor lighting. For more information, please contact Village Hall at 708-301-0632.

The Village was honored on March 26, 2008 by Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn for our Lighting Ordinance.

Earth Hour Celebration

During the Earth Hour celebration on Saturday, March 28, 2009, Homer Glen Mayor Jim Daley presented Representative Judy Biggert with a copy of the Homer Glen Lighting Ordinance, encouraging her to "spread it around the world." Homer Glen’s efforts to bring awareness to light pollution has attracted national attention. The concept to “not use light that you don’t need and shine the light you need, where you need it” is an instrumental part of the ordinance. Mayor Daley noted that the night sky is a natural resource that Homer Glen is dedicated to preserving.

Outdoor Lighting Examples

View Examples of Fully Shielded and Not Fully Shielded Lighting (PDF). (Dated May 28, 2013)

Resource Websites


Trustee Russell Knaack, Mayor Jim Daley, Lieutenant Governor Quinn, Trustee Margaret Sabo and Debra

Trustee Russell Knaack, Mayor Jim Daley, Lieutenant Governor Quinn, Trustee Margaret Sabo and Debra 

Resource Documents


International Dark Sky Association (IDSA)

To keep the International Dark Sky Places program current IDA is releasing an updated set of guidelines (PDF). Since the 1st International Dark Sky Place, Flagstaff AZ, was designated an International Dark Sky Community in 2001 IDA has seen enthusiastic interest in the program. That interest has continued to grow, welcoming a total of 8 communities, as of December 2014 - including Homer Glen, Illinois - 20 parks, and 9 reserves with locations ranging from the southwest of the U.S.A. to New Zealand and Africa. Even today, many more aspiring locations are developing applications. These guidelines are now available on IDA website.

International Dark Skies Association Award

A reception and award presentation took place on Tuesday, July 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Homer Glen Village Hall in the Board Room, 14917 South Founders Crossing in Homer Glen in honor of the Village of Homer Glen’s recognition as an International Dark Sky Community. Homer Glen is only the 4th community in the world and the 1st municipality in the State of Illinois to be awarded this honorable designation. The Village of Homer Glen is receiving this award because of its “exceptional dedication to the preservation of the night sky through the implementation and enforcement of quality lighting codes, dark sky education and citizen support of dark skies. The Village was privileged to have Mr. Bob Parks, Executive Director of the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), in attendance on July 10th to present the award. The public was invited to attend this very special occasion.

  1. Environment Committee with Mayor Daley and Mr. Bob Parks

  1. Representative Jim Durkin

  1. Jerry Hurckes Representing Congressman Dan Lipinski

  1. Allison Norvil, Mayor Daley, Bob Parks and Trustee Sabo

  1. Renee Kosel

    Representative Renee Kosel

  1. Mayor Daley and Bob Parks

Starry Night Awards

Local businesses were also recognized for being the 1st properties developed using the Village’s Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, contributing to the Village’s receipt of this distinguished award, reducing light pollution, energy consumption, preserving natural resources, and for their commitment to preserving the natural night sky. The following commercial developments were presented with the “Starry Night”:

  • Eagle Rock Community Church
  • Firestone Complete Auto Care
  • Midland Federal Savings and Loan
  • Silver Cross Health Center - Homer Glen

Mrs. Debra Briggs Luginbuhl will also receive recognition for her valuable contribution and dedication to the development of the lighting ordinance.

  1. Eagle Rock Church - Pastor Aaron Mills and Mayor Daley

  1. Firestone - Corey Chatman and Mayor Daley

  1. Silver Cross - Theresa Quinn and Mayor Daley


References