Exterior use of lighting systems shall conform to the following provisions to reduce light pollution:
(A) Intensity.
(1) The cumulative light cast by all lights on the property shall not exceed 115 foot-candles at ground level measured at any point on the property.
(2) No light source or combination thereof which casts light on a public street shall exceed one foot-candle meter reading as measured at the right-of-way or property line.
(B) Commercial, industrial, and institutional uses. 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.
(1) Shielding.
(a) The light fixture shall contain a cutoff which directs the light at an angle of 90 degrees or less.
(b) For light fixtures located within 30 feet of residential zoned property, additional shielding shall be required on the property line side of the fixture below the 90 degree cutoff to direct light away from the residential property.
(c) Lighting of entire facades of a building shall only utilize illuminating devices mounted on top and facing downward onto the structure.
(d) The following shall be exempt from the shielding requirements established by divisions (B)(1)(a) through (B)(1)(c) of this section.
1. Internally illuminated signs and signs with electronic displays as may be allowed by Chapter 207 (Signs) of this title.
2. Light fixtures used to illuminate outdoor recreation areas subject to approval of an interim use permit.
(2) Searchlights. The use of searchlights, with incandescent lights only, shall require an administrative permit and shall be limited to not more than 2 events per calendar year. During any 1 event, the use of searchlights shall be limited to 5 days consecutively and shall only be used during business hours.
(C) Height.
(1) The maximum height above the ground grade permitted for poles, fixtures, and light sources mounted on a pole shall be 35 feet.
(2) A light source mounted on a building shall not exceed the height of the building.
(D) Location. Except for building mounted fixtures within the B-1 Downtown Business District, all outdoor light sources shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from a public right-of-way and 5 feet from an interior side or rear lot line.
(E) Glare. Direct or reflected glare from high temperature processes such as combustion or welding shall not be visible from any adjoining property.
(F) Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following:
(1) Temporary outdoor lighting used during customary holiday seasons or civic celebrations.
(2) Lighting required by a government agency for the safe operation of airplanes, or security lighting required on government buildings, structures, facilities, or public right-of-way.
(3) Emergency lighting by police, fire, and rescue authorities.
(4) Illumination of United States, Minnesota, or other flags with noncommercial speech.
(5) Public parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
(G) Prohibitions. The following outdoor lights are prohibited.
(1) Laser, strobe, or flashing lights.
(2) Bare light bulbs shall not be permitted in view of adjacent property or public right-of-way, unless part of a permanent fixture.
(H) Light on adjacent property. Any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area, sign, or other structures 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 floodlights or from high temperature processes such as combustion or welding shall not be directed into any adjoining property. The sources 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. Except for public streetlights, any light or combination of lights which cast light on a public street shall not exceed 1 foot candle (meter reading) as measured from the property line of said street. Any light or combination of lights which cast light on residential property shall not exceed 1 foot candle (meter reading) as measured from said property.
(Ord. 2011-06-07A, passed 6-7-2011)