a. The bulbs in outdoor light fixtures emitting from between six hundred (600) to twelve hundred (1,200) lumens shall be frosted glass or shall be covered by frosted glass or another similar translucent cover. An outdoor fixture emitting more than twelve hundred (1,200) lumens shall be a full cutoff fixture.
b. A spotlight or floodlight emitting less than eighteen hundred (1,800) lumens need not be full cutoff or covered by a translucent cover if:
(1) Its center beam is aimed at a point not beyond any property lines upon which the light is situated,
(2) If it is pointed at no higher than forty five degree below horizontal,
(3) Is motion detector activated, and
(4) The light cycles off after five (5) minutes or less.
c. The use of search lights, laser lighting, or lights that pulse, flash, rotate or simulate motion for advertising or promotions is prohibited. This shall not apply to such lights that are used in approved and permitted signage. Emergency lighting and traffic control lighting is exempt from this prohibition. Tower lighting shall not be permitted unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Lighting required by the FAA shall be of the lowest allowed intensity permitted and shall be red unless specifically forbidden under FAA requirements.
d. At the close of business, all outdoor lighting shall be reduced by shutting off half of the lighting sources. Lighting from the top downward as opposed to upward lighting, shall be encouraged.
e. Buildings and Other Vertical Structures.
1. Lighting fixtures designed to illuminate a building or vertical surface shall be located, aimed and shielded so that light is directed only onto said surface. Lighting fixtures shall not be directed toward adjacent streets or roads.
2. Outside lighting fixtures shall be directed below the horizontal rather than above the horizontal unless there is a method employed which prevents light from such a fixture from projecting beyond the highest point of any building on the property.
f. Landscaping.
1. When landscaping is to be illuminated, the Plan Commission, or its designee, shall first be presented with a landscape lighting plan for review. Approval will be considered for any landscape lighting plan that:
(1) Presents the purpose and objective of the lighting,
(2) Shows the location of all lighting fixtures,
(3) Shows which items of landscaping each fixture is to illuminate, and
(4) Demonstrates that the installation of the fixtures will not generate excessive light levels, cause excessive glare, or direct light beyond the landscaping into the night sky.
g. Parking Lot Lighting. Parking lot lighting shall be designed to provide the minimum lighting necessary to ensure adequate vision and comfort in parking areas, and to not cause excessive glare or direct illumination onto adjacent properties or streets. In addition:
1. All lighting fixtures serving parking lots shall be full cut-off fixtures.
2. Mounting heights of lighting fixtures shall not exceed thirty (30) feet as measured from the grade at the base of th pole to the glass pane of the full cutoff lighting fixture.
3. The minimum illumination level during business hours shall be no less than 0.4 footcandles. The ratio of maximum to minimum illumination shall not exceed 15:1.
h. Lighting of Exterior Display/Sales Areas. Lighting levels on exterior display/sales areas shall be adequate to facilitate the activities taking place in such locations. Lighting of such areas shall not be used to attract attention to the business. Only signs permitted by applicable provisions of the Town Code are to be used for that purpose. An applicant shall designate areas to be considered display/sales areas and areas to be used as parking or passive vehicle storage areas, which designations shall be approved by the Plan Commission, or its designee. In addition:
1. Areas designated as parking or passive vehicle storage areas shall be illuminated in accordance with the requirements for parking areas detailed in subsection g. of this section.
2. Areas designated as exterior display/sales areas shall be illuminated so that the average horizontal illuminance at grade level is no more than 5.0 footcandles. The average horizontal illuminance at grade level relative to this section shall be computed for only that area designated as exterior display/sales area.
3. Light fixtures shall be full cut-off fixtures and be located, mounted, aimed, and shielded so that direct light is not cast onto adjacent streets or properties.
4. Fixtures shall be mounted no more than thirty (30) feet above grade.
i. Lighting of Walkways/Bikeways and Parks. Where special lighting is to be provided for walkways, bikeways, or parks, the following requirements shall apply:
1. The walkway, pathway, or ground area shall be illuminated to a level of no less than 0.4 and not greater than an average of 4 footcandles across the site.
2. Lighting fixtures shall be designed to direct light downward, and light sources shall have an initial output of no more than one thousand (1,000) lumens.
j. Lighting of Gasoline Station/Convenience Store Aprons and Canopies. Lighting levels on gasoline station/convenience store aprons and under canopies shall be adequate to facilitate the activities taking place in such locations. Lighting of such areas shall not be used to attract attention to the business. Only signs permitted by applicable provisions of the Town Code are to be used for that purpose.
1. Areas on the apron away from the gasoline pump islands used for parking or vehicle storage shall be illuminated in accordance with the requirements for parking areas set forth in subsection g. of this section. If no gasoline pumps are provided, the entire apron shall be treated as a parking area for purposes of this ordinance and regulations.
2. Areas around the pump islands and under canopies shall be illuminated so that the average illumination level of not greater than 22.0 footcandles.
3. Light fixtures mounted on canopies shall be recessed so that the lens cover is recessed or flush with the bottom surface of the canopy and/ or shielded by the fixture or the edge of the canopy so that light is restrained to no more than eighty-five degrees (85º) beyond the vertical plane.
4. Lights shall not be mounted on the top or sides of the canopy, and the sides of the canopy shall not be illuminated.
5. Existing gasoline stations will be required to conform to the provisions of this ordinance and these regulations when any remodeling or revamping of the station occurs.
k. Lighting of Outdoor Facilities. It is recognized that outdoor nighttime facilities and activities (concerts, athletic contests, and the like) have unique lighting requirements and that illumination levels vary, depending on the nature of the activity. The regulations of this ordinance, are intended to permit adequate lighting for such events, while minimizing sky glow, reducing energy consumption and reducing glare and unwanted illumination of surrounding streets and properties. A lighting design plan shall address the lighting requirements of the various adjacent areas and affected properties, and how the requirements of this ordinance for the specific outdoor nighttime facility and/or activity will be met.
(Ord. No. 2007-33, 12-27-07)