12.110 Outdoor Lighting Standards

A. Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to provide regulations for outdoor lighting that will: 1. Reduce annoyance and inconvenience to property owners and traffic hazards to motorists; 2. Curtail light pollution, reduce skyglow, and improve the nighttime environment for astronomy; 3. Ensure that sufficient lighting can be provided where needed to promote safety and security, while also enhancing safety along roadways, pathways, and trails; 4. Help protect and enhance wildlife habitation and migration by minimizing light pollution into and adjacent to habitat areas; 5. Help protect the natural environment from the adverse effects of night lights from gas or electric sources; and 6. Promote lighting practices and systems that conserve energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. B. Definitions. 1. Clutter. Excessive groupings of light sources that are bright and confusing. 2. Foot-candle. A measurement of light intensity defined as the illuminance on a one-square foot surface from a uniform source of light. For the purposes of this code, lighting shall be measured in foot-candles. 3. Glare. Intense and blinding light that reduces visibility and causes discomfort. 4. Light pollution. Any adverse effect of artificial light including, but not limited to glare, light trespass, sky-glow, energy waste, compromised safety and security, and impacts on the nocturnal environment. 5. Light trespass. When light falls where it is not wanted or needed Figure 7 illustrates light trespass 6. Photometric design. A plan showing the amount of light trespass. For the purposes of this code, a photometric design shall be submitted for review at the time of development approval. 7. Skyglow. The brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas. C. General Regulations. All new and replacement outdoor lighting shall be installed in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance, applicable building and development codes, and other City regulations. Where conflicting provisions occur, the more restrictive shall govern. 1. Shielding of fixtures. Outdoor lighting shall be fully shielded and installed in such a manner that light is directed downward and the area of direct illumination is contained on the site. All fixtures shall be appropriately shielded, as per Figure 2: Figure 8 illustrates the acceptable and unacceptable lighting fixtures. 2. Direction. Direct lighting downward and inward, towards the interior of the site, to minimize sky glow, glare, and light trespass. The allowable maximum intensity measured at a residential property line shall be 0.2 foot-candles. 3. Height. Light poles on private property shall conform to the following: (a) When adjacent to residential uses, no light pole shall be erected unless set back a distance equal to its height from all residential property (b) On tracts or lots over three acres in size, the maximum height for poles with lights is 30 feet. (c) On tracts or lots less than three acres, the maximum height of poles with lights is 20 feet. (d) Special lighting or lighting higher than 30 feet may be approved as specifically noted on an approved site plan. (e) Lighting materials shall be of a non-galvanized material and color to be approved at final site plan. (f) On properties less than three acres, but greater than one acre, the maximum height of poles with lights shall be 30 feet provided: (i) the subject property has a minimum 300-foot separation from any residentially zoned property as measured from the property lines; (ii) the property is located adjacent to an arterial or State road; and (iii) the lighting fixtures used shall be new precision luminaires with flat lenses. Fixtures shall conform to the light trespass requirements in this section, and a photometric design shall be submitted as part of the site plan requirements. 4. Light curfew. All outdoor lighting shall be turned off by 10:00 pm or within one hour after the close of business, whichever is later, except for the following: (a) Residential uses; (b) Lighting to illuminate the entrance of the building; (c) Safety lighting of parking lots and pedestrian areas; (d) Lighting necessary for after-hours businesses; and (e) All lighting exempt by Section 12.110 (D) of this code. 5. Lighting levels. Limit the total amount of light installed by designing for appropriate light levels. This can be achieved by the following: (a) Use the lowest adequate bulb intensity (b) Use timers, motion sensors, dimmer switches, and turn lights off when not in use. 6. Lighting color. Blue-rich lighting brightens the night sky, increases glare, and compromises human vision. It should not be used. Warm-colored, or long-wavelength lighting, with a color temperature of 3,000 Kelvin or less, shall be used. Limit high-temperature LED lighting, as they emit an excessive amount of blue light. Figure 9. shows the permitted color range for lighting 7. Residential lighting and glare standards. Residential lighting for security and night recreation use is permitted in all Residential Zoning Districts provided: (a) Direct lighting over ten feet in height is shielded from adjacent property; (b) No light pole or other stand-alone light source on private residential property shall exceed 20 feet in height; and (c) Lighting shall not directly shine on adjacent dwellings. D. Exemptions. The following are not regulated by this ordinance: 1. Lighting within public right-of-way for the purpose of illuminating streets or roads; 2. Traffic control devices consistent with the manual on uniform Traffic Control Devices; 3. Temporary and seasonal lighting, provided individual lamps are less than 10 watts and 70 lumens; 4. Lighting that is used under emergency conditions; 5. Lawfully permitted fireworks displays; and 6. Short-term lighting associated with sporting events, special event permits, or other activities authorized by a valid temporary use permit.