(1) Purpose and scope.
(A) 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) Site lighting shall be designed to provide illumination for specific uses on the site and shall not generate excessive glare or spillover onto abutting properties. Lighting shall be used to promote safe circulation by vehicles and pedestrians, security of persons and property, and accenting of landscaping and building features. Use of lighting for advertising or attention-getting purposes shall be prohibited, except where permitted in signage.
(2) Applicability.
(A) The regulations of this section shall apply to all lighting that illuminates the exterior of a building, structure, open space, parking and loading areas or other feature of a lot.
(B) Photometric lighting plans shall be submitted for approval with all site plans for development in all zoning districts, except the R-R and R-1 Districts.
(3) Height.
(A) All outdoor lighting shall be designed, located and mounted at heights no greater than 12 feet above grade for noncutoff lights and 20 feet above grade for cutoff lights.
(B) Variation of heights greater than as specified above shall be subject to approval by the PZC based upon a lighting plan designed by an architect or engineer citing reasons for variations and methods used to comply with other subsections of this section.
(4) Location. The placement of light poles within raised curb planter areas or landscaped islands is encouraged, but conflicts with parking lot trees that can obscure the lighting shall be avoided through alternative lighting locations.
(5) Shielding. All outdoor lighting for nonresidential uses shall be located, screened or shielded so that adjacent residential lots are not impacted by illumination.
(6) Color and glare.
(A) No outdoor lighting shall be of such an intensity or color distortion as to cause glare or to impair the vision of drivers or pedestrians.
(B) Uniform lighting shall be provided to prevent various intensities of lighting throughout the parking area. Such uniform lighting shall be illustrated in the required photometric plan.
(7) Nonconforming outdoor lighting. The nonconforming use may continue until the luminaire is replaced.
(Prior Code, § 1229.11) (Ord. 2009-21, passed 10-27-2009)