(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to create standards for outdoor lighting so that it does not interfere with the reasonable use and enjoyment of property within the city and with astronomical observations. It is the intent of this chapter to encourage, through regulation of types, kind, construction, installations, and use of outdoor electrically powered illuminating devices, lighting practices and systems which will reduce light pollution while increasing nighttime safety, utility, security, and productivity.
(B) Exemptions. The standards of this section shall not apply to the following.
(1) Temporary holiday lighting. This chapter does not prohibit the use of temporary outdoor lighting used during customary holiday seasons.
(2) Civic event lighting. This chapter does not prohibit the use of temporary outdoor lighting used for civic celebrations and promotions.
(3) Airport lighting. Required for the safe operation of airplanes.
(4) Emergency lighting. By police, fire, and rescue authorities.
(C) Nonconforming uses.
(1) All outdoor lighting fixtures lawfully existing and legally installed prior to the effective date of this section are exempt from the regulations contained in this section.
(2) Whenever an outdoor light fixture that was existing on the effective date of this chapter is replaced by a new outdoor light fixture, the new fixture must meet the standards of this chapter.
(D) Method of measuring light intensity. The footcandle level of a light source shall be taken after dark with the light meter held 6 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 2 readings will be identified as the illumination intensity.
(E) Performance standards.
(1) Residential/agricultural district standards. In all residential/agriculture districts any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area or other structure or area shall be arranged to deflect light away from any adjoining residential property or from the public street.
(a) Shielding. The light source shall be hooded or controlled so as not to light adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity as defined below in division (E)(2) below. Bare light bulbs shall not be permitted in view of adjacent property or public right-of-way.
(b) Intensity. No light source or combination thereof which cast light on a public street shall exceed 1 footcandle meter reading as measured from the centerline of the street, nor shall any light source or combination thereof which casts light on adjacent property exceed 0.4 footcandles as measured at the property line.
(2) Business, commercial, mixed use, industrial districts and non-residential uses in residential districts. Any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area or other structure or area shall be arranged to deflect light away from any adjoining property or from the public street.
(a) Shielding. The luminaire shall contain a cutoff that directs and cuts off the light at an angle of 90 degrees or less.
(b) Intensity. No light source or combination thereof which cast light on a public street shall exceed 1 footcandle 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 0.4 footcandles as measured at the property line.
(c) Height. The maximum height above the ground grade permitted for light sources mounted on a pole is 25 feet except by conditional use permit (CUP). A light source mounted on a building shall not exceed the height of the building, and no light sources shall be located on the roof unless the light enhances the architectural features of the building and is approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(d) Location. The light source of an outdoor light fixture shall be set back a minimum of 5 feet from a street right-of-way and 5 feet from an interior side or rear lot line.
(e) Hours. The use of outdoor lighting for parking lots serving commercial and industrial businesses is restricted according to the following. Outdoor lighting that serves businesses that do not operate after dark must be turned off 1 hour after closing except for approved security lighting. For those businesses that offer services after dark, outdoor lighting may be utilized during the nighttime hours, provided the business is open for service. Once the business closes, the outdoor lighting must be turned off 1 hour after closing except for security lighting.
(f) Symbols, statues, sculptures, and integrated architectural features on buildings in business, mixed use, industrial, or non-residential uses in residential zoning districts may be illuminated by floodlights, provided the direct source of light is not visible from the public right-of-way or the adjacent residential district.
(g) Light sources, either pole mounted or wall mounted, located in the front or side yards, or other areas visible from public street, shall be a decorative design that blends with the architectural design of the building.
(h) Energy requirement. All new light fixtures must use LED technology unless otherwise approved by the City Council.
(3) Outdoor recreation. Outdoor recreational uses, such as, but not limited to, baseball fields, football fields, tennis courts, and snow skiing areas have special requirements for nighttime lighting as follows.
(a) No outdoor recreation facility, whether public or private, shall be illuminated after 11:00 p.m. unless the lighting fixtures conform to this chapter.
(b) Off-street parking areas for outdoor recreation uses which are illuminated shall meet the requirements stated in division (B)(2).
(F) Prohibitions. The following outdoor light fixtures are prohibited within the city:
(1) Search lights;
(2) Flashing lights.
(G) Submission of plans. The applicant for any permit requiring outdoor lighting must submit evidence that the proposed outdoor lighting will comply with this chapter. The submission shall contain the following in addition to other required data for the specific permit:
(1) Plans indicating the location on the premises and the type of illuminating devices, fixtures, lamps, supports, reflectors, and other devices;
(2) Descriptions of illuminating devices, fixtures, lamps, supports, reflectors, and other devices which may include, but are not limited to, catalog cuts by manufacturers and drawings (including sections where required);
(3) Photometric data, such as that furnished by manufacturers, or similar, showing the angle of the cutoff or light emissions.
(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010)