A. Purpose: The general purpose of this section is to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare, the quality of life, by establishing regulations and a process of review for exterior lighting. This section establishes standards for exterior lighting in order to accomplish the following:
1. To protect against direct glare of excessive lighting;
2. To provide safe roadways for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians;
3. To prevent light trespass in all areas of the county;
4. To provide lighting guidelines.
B. Scope: All exterior lighting installed after the effective date hereof in any and all zoning districts in the city shall be in conformance with the requirements established by this title and any other applicable ordinances.
C. Definitions: Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this section shall be interpreted so as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this section its most reasonable application:
EXISTING LIGHTING: Any and all lighting installed prior to the effective date hereof.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING: Temporary or permanent lighting that is installed, located or used in such a manner to cause light rays to shine outside and includes all yard (100w HPS) and street (250w HPS) lamps.
LIGHT POLLUTION: Any adverse effect of manmade light including, but not limited to, light trespass, uplighting, the uncomfortable distraction to the eye, or any manmade light that diminishes the ability to view the night sky; often used to denote urban sky glow.
D. Criteria: The council and/or the planning and zoning commission shall have the authority to require any new lighting to meet the recommendations and guidelines, in addition to the requirements of this section.
Any new outdoor lighting installed or any existing lighting being replaced shall meet the requirements of the local electric company for high pressure sodium lamps including a full cutoff shade.
E. Violations And Legal Actions: If after investigation, the city finds that any provision of this section is being violated, the city shall give notice by hand delivery or by certified mail, return receipt requested, of such violation to the owner and/or to the occupant of such premises, demanding that the violation be abated within thirty (30) days of the date of mailing the notice. If the violation is not abated within the thirty (30) day period, the city may institute actions and proceedings, either legal or equitable, to enjoin, restrain or abate any violations of this chapter and to collect the penalties for such violations. (Ord. 499, 4-16-2009)