Pole and surface-mounted luminaires under this section must conform with Section 16.43.070.
A. Lighting mounted onto poles or any structures intended primarily for mounting of lighting shall not exceed a mounting height of 40% of the horizontal distance of the light pole from the property line, nor a maximum height according to Table 16.43.080, whichever is lower. The following exceptions apply:
1. Lighting for residential sports courts and pools shall not exceed 15 feet above court or pool deck surface.
2. Lights specifically for driveways, and then only at the intersection of the road providing access to the site, may be mounted at any distance relative to the property line, but may not exceed the mounting height listed in Table 16.43.080.
3. Mounting heights greater than 40% of the horizontal distance to the property line but no greater than permitted by Table 16.43.080 may be used provided that the luminaire is side-shielded toward the property line.
4. Landscape lighting installed in a tree. See the Definitions section.
5. Street and bicycle path lights.
B. Lighting mounted onto buildings or other structures shall not exceed a mounting height greater than 4 feet higher than the tallest part of the building or structure at the place where the lighting is installed, nor higher than 40% of the horizontal distance of the light from the property line, whichever is less. The following exceptions apply:
1. Lighting attached to single family residences shall not exceed the height of the eave. Lighting for driveways shall conform to Table 16.43.080.
2. Lighting for facades may be mounted at any height equal to or less than the total height of the structure being illuminated regardless of horizontal distance to property line.
3. For buildings less than 40 feet to the property line, including canopies or overhangs onto the sidewalk or public right of way, luminaires may be mounted to the vertical facade or the underside of canopies at 16 feet or less.
4. The top exterior deck of parking garages should be treated as normal pole mounted lighting rather than as lights mounted to buildings. The lights on the outside edges of such a deck must be side shielded to the property line.
Table 16.43.080 – Maximum Lighting Mounting Height in Feet
Lighting Zone | Lighting for Driveways, Parking and Transit | Lighting for Walkways, Plazas and other Pedestrian Areas | All Other Lighting |
LZ 1 | 35.0 | 18.0 | 8.0 |
LZ 2 | 37.5 | 18.0 | 15.0 |
Figure 16.43.2: Mounting Height
