The purpose of this Section is to control the installation of exterior lighting fixtures to prevent light pollution in the forms of light trespass and glare and to preserve, protect, and enhance the character of the City.
(a) Lighting shall be controlled to prevent direct lighting into the sky or on neighboring properties. Examples of methods to accomplish this directive include the use of fully shielded cut off fixtures, directing light fixtures downward rather than upward, or shielding the light to reduce light emission from the fixture so it cannot be seen at a reasonable distance.
(b) Only fully shielded cut off style light fixtures shall be permitted for security or to illuminate walkways, roadways, equipment yards, or parking lots. See Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Full cut-off lighting directs light down
and to the sides.
(c) Flashing, rotating, moving, and digital lights are prohibited.
(d) An outdoor light fixture shall not exceed a maximum height of thirty (30) feet measured from the finish grade established not closer than fifteen (15) feet from the pole.
(e) The illumination level at the property line of a parcel adjacent to a residence shall not exceed one-foot candle power.
(f) In addition to the requirements set forth in this Section, outdoor light fixtures shall be installed in conformity with all other applicable provisions of the codified ordinances of the City of Bedford Heights, Ohio.
(g) An outdoor light fixture used to illuminate a sign or recreational facility or for decorative effects, such as building, landscape, or recreational field illumination, shall be equipped with an automatic timing device and shielded and focused to reduce light shining into the sky or upon neighboring properties.
(h) An outdoor light fixture installed and maintained upon private property within all zoning districts shall be turned off between 11:00 pm and sunrise, except when used for security purposes or to illuminate walkways and roadways.
(i) An illuminated sign for commercial purposes shall be turned off between 11:00 pm and sunrise, except that signs may be illuminated while the business facility is open to the public.
(Ord. 2023-029. Passed 4-18-23.)