(a) Purpose. The purpose of this outdoor lighting section is to regulate outdoor lighting in order to reduce or prevent light pollution and to minimize lighting impacts on surrounding properties. This means to the extent reasonably possible the reduction or prevention of glare and light trespass, the conservation of energy, and promotion of safety and security.
(b) Applicability.
(1) All outdoor lighting fixtures shall be subject to review as part of this section unless exempted, below.
(2) A photometric plan showing the following shall be submitted as part of any site plan review application where any new light fixtures are being proposed on a site.
(3) Exemptions.
A. All outdoor lighting fixtures producing light directly by the combustion of fossil fuels, such as kerosene lanterns or gas lamps are exempt from the requirements of this section.
B. Lighting installed by the Village of Centerburg, Knox County, or the State of Ohio within a right-of-way shall be exempt.
C. All temporary emergency lighting needed by the police, fire department, other emergency service vehicles, and public service vehicles, as well as all luminaries on vehicles that are travelling on a roadway or driveway, shall be exempt from the requirements of this section including flashing or blinking lights.
D. Street lights shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.
(c) General Provisions Applicable to All Districts and Development.
(1) Outdoor lighting shall be installed in a manner to deflect from adjacent residential developments.
(2) All outdoor lighting for residential and nonresidential uses shall be located, screened, or shielded so adjacent lots located in residential districts or recorded subdivisions are not directly illuminated. Shielding may also be required for high intensity light fixtures to prevent glare to adjacent uses, public rights-of-way, and drives. Perimeter lighting, when adjoining residential districts or recorded subdivisions, shall be by shielded fixtures to prevent light trespass onto adjacent properties.
(3) No outdoor lighting shall be of such an intensity or color distortion as to cause glare or to impair the vision of drivers, pedestrians or adjacent properties. Shields and/or filters are required for light fixtures with high intensity and glare potential.
(4) No light shall be directed at a public right of way.
(d) Lighting Standards for Residential Uses. The following standards shall apply to single-family and two-family dwellings:
(1) There shall be a maximum height of eight feet from the finished grade adjacent to the base of the light fixture to the top most point of the fixture for any freestanding light fixtures on a lot with a single-family dwelling or two-family dwelling.
(2) The light bulb on such fixtures shall not produce more than 1,600 lumens.
(e) Lighting Standards for All Other Uses. The following standards shall apply to all development except for lots with a single-family and two-family dwellings:
(1) Prohibited Lights.
A. Search lights, beacons, laser source lights, or any similar high-intensity or flashing lights are prohibited, except in emergencies by police and/or fire department personnel.
B. No open lights, such as strings of light bulbs, shall be permitted. This prohibition shall not include holiday lighting or those used for decorative purposes over outdoor patios, seating areas, or similar places of gathering.
(2) Type of Fixtures.
A. All light fixtures shall be full cut-off type fixtures except for decorative light fixtures. See Figure 1111-L.
B. Decorative light fixtures shall not flash or otherwise create a sense of motion.
C. Non-cutoff lighting may only be used for decorative purposes when located adjacent to the building.
Figure 1111-L: Illustration of cutoff lighting versus non-cutoff lighting
(3) Height of Fixtures.
A. In all districts, the maximum height of any non-cutoff light fixture used for decorative purposes shall be twelve (12) feet.
B. All cut-off outdoor lighting shall be designed, located, and mounted with the maximum height as follows:
i. The maximum height of light fixtures in any residential zoning district districts shall be fifteen (15) feet.
ii. The maximum height of light fixtures in all nonresidential and special zoning district shall be twenty-eight (28) feet.
iii. The maximum height for residential uses or areas in a planned development shall be fifteen (15) feet while the maximum height for nonresidential uses shall be twenty-eight (28) feet.
C. In no case shall the height of light fixtures exceed the maximum permitted building height within the applicable zoning district.
D. Lighting located under canopies shall be flush mounted or recessed within the canopy.
E. Height shall be measured from the finished grade adjacent to the base of the light fixture to the top most point of the fixture.
(4) Building-Mounted Lighting Standards.
A. Lighting may be mounted to a building facade only at entrances, loading/service locations, or for the purpose of accent lighting.
B. Exposed light bulbs are prohibited. The light fixtures shall be a total cutoff fixture but may direct lighting upward or downward.
C. No colored or flashing lights shall be used to light the exterior of buildings.
D. In no case shall a light fixture mounted on a structure be mounted at a height where the fixture will exceed the height of the roofline.
(5) Illumination.
A. There shall be a maximum illumination of 0.5 footcandles at the lot line in all residential districts and for any nonresidential use that abuts a lot in a residential zoning district or lot occupied by an existing residential use.
B. Light levels shall be measured in foot-candles with a direct reading, portable light meter. Readings shall be taken only after the cell has been exposed long enough to take a constant reading.
C. Measurements shall be taken at the property line, along a horizontal plane at a height of three and one-half (3.5) feet above the ground.
D. The illumination across any nonresidential property shall be designed so as to not create excessively dark spots that may create safety issues.
E. All applicants for new development or redevelopment are strongly encouraged to use components that reduce light pollution including, but not limited to, automatic shut-off of fixtures, auto-dimming to adjust lighting based on ambient lighting, and the use of as little lighting as necessary without creating safety issues.
(6) Modifications. Should any exterior light fixture or the type of light source therein be changed after the permit has been issued, a change request must be submitted to the Zoning Administrator for approval, together with adequate information to assure compliance with this section, which must be received prior to substitution. (Ord. 2023-16. Passed 6-5-23.)