(A) Purpose. It is the purpose of this section to encourage the use of lighting systems that will reduce light pollution and promote energy conservation while increasing night-time safety, utility, security and productivity.
(B) Exemptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following:
(1) Temporary outdoor lighting used during customary holiday seasons;
(2) Temporary outdoor lighting used for civic celebrations and promotions;
(3) Lighting required by a government agency for the safe operation of airplanes or security lighting required on government buildings or structures;
(4) Emergency lighting by police, fire and rescue authorities;
(5) Architectural/historical light fixtures and street lights that feature globes that are not shielded. In no case shall the light affect adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity defined in division (C)(1) below of this chapter; and
(6) All outdoor lighting fixtures existing and legally installed prior to the effective date of this chapter are exempt from regulations of this section but shall comply with the following standards:
(a) Glare. Any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area, sign or other structure, shall be arranged as to deflect light away from any adjoining residential zone or from the public streets. Direct or sky-reflected glare, where from flood lights or from high temperature processes such as combustion or welding shall not be directed into any adjoining property. The source of lights shall be hooded or controlled in some manner so as not to light adjacent property. Bare incandescent light bulbs shall not be permitted in view of adjacent property or public right-of-way. Any light or combination of lights which cast light on a public street shall not exceed one foot candle (meter reading) as measured from the centerline of the street. Any light or combination of lights which cast light on residential property shall not exceed four-tenths foot candles (meter reading) as measured from the property.
(b) Replacement. Whenever a light fixture that was existing on the effective date of this chapter is replaced by a new outdoor light fixture, the provisions of this section shall be complied with.
(C) Performance standards.
(1) Limitation. No light source or combination thereof which cast light on a public street shall exceed one foot candle meter reading as measured from the centerline of the street nor shall any light source or combination thereof which cast light on adjacent property exceed four-tenths foot candles as measured at the property line.
(2) Measurement. The foot candle level of a light source shall be taken after dark with the light meter held six inches above the ground with the meter facing the light source. A reading shall be taken with the light source on, then with the light source off. The difference between the two readings will be identified as the light intensity.
(3) Residential district standards. In all residential districts, any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area, structure or area shall be arranged as to deflect light away from any adjoining residential property or from any public right-of-way in accordance with the following provisions.
(a) The light source shall be hooded or controlled so as not to light adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity defined in division (C)(1) above of this chapter.
(b) Bare light bulbs shall not be permitted in view of adjacent property or public right-of-way, unless part of a permanent fixture.
(4) Commercial, industrial and institutional districts. Any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area, structure or area shall be arranged so as to deflect light away from any adjoining property or from any public right-of-way in accordance with the following provisions.
(a) Shielding. The light fixture shall contain a cutoff which directs the light at an angle of 90 degrees or less. Exposure of the light source shall not be permitted in view of adjacent property or public right-of-way.
(b) Lighting of entire facades or architectural features. Lighting of entire facades or architectural features of a building shall be approved by the City Council. Building facades or architectural features may not be internally illuminated and shall only utilize illuminating devices mounted on top and facing downward onto the structure. In no case shall the light affect adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity defined in division (C)(1) above of this chapter.
(c) Intensity. Light sources shall not be permitted so as to light adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity defined in division (C)(1) above of this chapter.
(5) Height. The maximum height above the ground grade permitted for poles, fixtures and light sources mounted on a pole is 25 feet. A light source mounted on a building shall not exceed the height of the building. Exceptions to the height limits for light sources may be approved by conditional use permit provided that all other requirements of this section are complied with.
(6) Location.
(a) All non-public outdoor light fixtures shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from a street right-of-way and five feet from an interior side or rear lot line.
(b) No light sources shall be located on the roof unless the light enhances the architectural features of the building and is approved by the City Council.
(7) Glare. Direct or reflected glare from high temperature processes such as combustion or welding shall not be visible from any adjoining property.
(8) Outdoor recreation. Outdoor recreational uses such as, but not limited to, baseball fields, football fields and tennis courts have special requirements for night-time lighting. Due to these unique circumstances, a conditional use permit shall be required for outdoor lighting systems for those uses that do not comply with regulations of this section, provided that:
(a) No public or private outdoor recreation facility shall be illuminated after 11:00 p.m., except for required security lighting;
(b) Off-street parking areas for outdoor recreation uses that are illuminated shall meet the requirements for commercial, industrial and institutional applications as found in division (C)(4) above of this chapter; and
(c) The provisions of § 152.072 of this chapter are considered and satisfactorily met.
(9) Outdoor signs.
(a) Outdoor signs constructed of translucent materials and wholly illuminated from within do not require shielding.
(b) All shall comply with all other provisions of this chapter.
(Prior Code, § 11-16-8) (Ord. 258, passed 5-4-2006)