(A) Intent and purpose. The provisions of this section are intended to control the use of outdoor, artificial illuminating devices emitting rays into the night sky by:
(1) Encouraging good lighting practices such that lighting systems are designed to save energy and money;
(2) Minimizing glare;
(3) Protecting the use and enjoyment of surrounding property;
(4) Increasing night time safety, utility, security and productivity; and
(5) Minimize dark sky light pollution.
(B) Exemptions. The following uses and activities shall be exempt from the standards of this section,
provided they do not create glare perceptible to persons operating motor vehicles in the public right-of-way.
(1) New technology. The Zoning Administrator may grant exceptions to the material, light source or method of installation standards in this section in consideration of any new state-of-the-art technology, so long as the exception still meets all other applicable standards of this section.
(2) Residential lighting. Low intensity residential decorative lighting, such as porch lights or low-level facade and landscape lighting, provided any such lights are directed toward the residential building or land.
(3) Holiday decorations. Provided the decorative exterior lighting shall not include searchlights, floodlights or stroboscopic lights.
(4) Flag lighting. Luminaires used for the illumination of the flag of the United States of America.
(5) Temporary lighting. Associated with an approved temporary event permitted by this chapter.
(6) Statutory authority. Circumstances where federal or state laws, rules or regulations take precedence over the provisions of this section, or where fire, police, emergency or repair personnel need light for temporary or emergency situations, or lighting that is only activated at the time of power outages.
(C) Shielding and filtration.
(1) All nonexempt exterior lighting shall by hooded and/or louvered to prevent light from spilling over onto neighboring properties and rights-of-way.
(2) All lighting fixtures shall have 100% cut-off shielding that prevents light from being emitted above a horizontal plane from the lowest direct light emitting part of the luminaire.
(3) Light sources shall be located as to minimize the hazards of glare, and all poles or standards used to support outdoor light fixtures shall be coated with a material that minimizes glare from the light source.
(D) Illumination. Illumination levels within a site shall ensure that a site is adequately, but not excessively lit, in order to provide visibility, safety, and security without unnecessarily contributing to light pollution and negatively impacting neighboring properties.
(1) Intensity.
(a) The maximum intensity of light within any site shall not exceed the following standards, measured in footcandles (fc) at grade:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING ILLUMINATION STANDARDS
| |
Lighting Location | Maximum Intensity (fc) |
At any lot boundary or right-of-way | 0.5 |
At any point within the site | 10.0 |
Average for the overall site | 5.0 |
(b) Exceptions are as follows.
1. Outdoor vehicle dealerships may permit a maximum lighting intensity of 20 footcandles for paved display areas. Fuel station canopy lights may permit a maximum lighting intensity of 20 footcandle under the canopy, provided that all light fixtures shall be recessed into the structure.
2. All other site lighting shall be in compliance with this chapter including average maximum intensity for the overall site.
(2) Color temperature. All exterior lighting shall emit light measuring 4,000 K or warmer (between 0 K and 4,000 K) on the Kelvin scale.
(E) Acceptable and unacceptable lighting fixtures.
(F) Exterior lighting site standards.
(1) Hours of operation. All exterior lighting shall be equipped with automatic timing devices and shall be shut off if no customers or staff are present between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and sunrise, except for lighting necessary for security purposes or for uses that continue after 10:00 p.m. or before sunrise.
(2) Pole height. The maximum pole height for exterior lighting shall not exceed 22 feet, or the maximum height of the principal building, whichever is less.
(3) Wall pack. Wall pack lighting shall be limited to above points of ingress and egress on side and rear facades for security purposes.
(4) Prohibitions. The following light sources and fixtures shall be prohibited:
(a) Unshielded luminous tube (neon), fluorescent or LED lighting used as accent lighting on facades;
(b) Metal halide;
(c) Mercury vapor;
(d) High pressure sodium;
(e) Halogen;
(f) Animated, flashing or moving lights;
(g) Laser sources of light;
(h) Search lights; and
(i) Tubular lighting.
(Ord. 160, passed 4-21-2022)