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Parking Lot Lighting

Applicable Codes:
2024 International Building Code
2023 National Electrical Code

Please submit the following information for NEW installations or replacing fixtures or bulbs:

  1. Manufacturer’s product information cut sheets to include shoebox style light fixtures, light bulb type and wattage, 24/7 lighting controls, light shields, and similar.
  2. A photometric study of the parking lot, which indicates the foot candle levels at the property lines.

Please submit the following information when installing poles and/or bases:

  1. Manufacturer’s product information cut sheets for light poles and anchor bolts.
  2. Concrete pier design that is signed and sealed by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer.
  3. Legal Plat of survey at original scale or Site Plan of the parking lot identifying the location of light poles, routing of power, depth of cable, type of cable, and any underground or overhead power lines.
  4. (Electrical license provided at contractor registration.)

Significant Code Requirements

Wheaton Zoning Ordinance, 22.4 Off-Street Parking Design, and Construction Standards. All open off-street parking facilities shall comply with the following standards:

  • Lighting: Parking lot lighting shall be required for all parking lots containing more than twenty (20) spaces. All lighting, except necessary for security purposes, shall be extinguished one-half (½) hour after the close of business.
  • Lighting for off-street parking facilities shall be of a shoe-box style luminaire with a flat lens installed parallel to the ground to prevent glare at eye level on surrounding public or private property. The footcandle illumination of the lighting shall not exceed 0.5-foot candles at the property line. The maximum luminaire shall be 400 watts, and the maximum pole height shall be 30 feet.

Inspections

The inspections listed below are required for all Parking Lot Lighting installations. Additional inspections may be needed based upon the scope of work. If additional inspections are required, they will be listed on the Plan Approval Notice attached to the approved plans.

To schedule an inspection, please call 630-260-2050 a minimum of 24 hours in advance, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Type of Inspection When to Call
Post Hole Once rebar and anchor bolts are installed, but prior to pouring concrete.
Rough Electric Once underground conduit and conduit into posts are installed, but prior to pouring concrete or concealment.
Final Completion of the entire project once fixtures and appurtenances are installed (Light fixture shipping box shall be on-site to allow confirmation of the “approved” fixtures).

Permit Fees

For associated Building fees, please refer to Appendix B7 Fee Schedule per the Wheaton City Code - Building Fee Schedule.

To apply for a permit

Maintstar - h2.maintstar.co/wheaton/portal/#/

Contractor Registration Requirements

Webpage - www.wheaton.il.us/890/Contractor-Registration-Requirements

Websites

Contact Us

City of Wheaton Building & Code Enforcement Department
Address: 303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone Calls:
Questions regarding this information: 630-260-2050
Fixture/Lumen Questions: 630-260-2008
Business hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fax: 630-260-2195

Revised 12/3/2025