(a) Conformance. All proposed outdoor artificial illumination devices for a special use shall be installed in conformance with the provisions of this section and the state building code. For existing nonconforming commercial lighting, refer to section 36-234. Where there is a conflict between the provisions of this section and applicable provisions of the state building code, the most restrictive shall govern.
(b) Materials and installation. The provisions of this section are not intended to prevent the use of any equipment, material or method of installation not specifically prescribed by this section provided the board of adjustment has approved the alternative. The board of adjustment may approve any such alternative provided that the proposed design provides the approximate equivalence to the specific requirements of this section.
(c) Shielding. All outdoor lighting fixtures, including decorative luminaries, except those exempted by subsection (g) of this section shall be fully shielded as specified in this section. A fully shielded outdoor lighting fixture must be shielded or constructed so that all light emitted is projected below a horizontal plane which is parallel to the ground and runs through the lowest part of the fixture.
(d) Light trespass. The maximum illumination at five feet inside an adjacent residential area, or public right- of-way, or beyond, from light emitted from an artificial light source is 0.5 horizontal footcandles and 0.5 vertical footcandles. No line of site to a bulb is permitted five feet or more beyond a residential property line or public right-of-way line by an observer viewing from a position that is level with or higher than the ground below the fixture. Compliance is achieved with fixture shielding, directional control designed into the fixture, fixture location, fixture height, fixture aim, or a combination of these factors.
(e) Duration of use. All unnecessary outdoor lighting fixtures shall be turned off after the close of business. However, fixtures nearest building entryways may remain lighted at minimum intensity for safety and security.
(f) Canopies. The lighting fixture bulbs shall be recessed into a canopy ceiling so that the bottom of the fixture is flush with the ceiling so that light is restrained to no more than 85 degrees from vertical. As an alternative to recessed ceiling lights, indirect lighting may be used where the light is directed upward and then reflected down from the underside of the canopy. In this case, light fixtures shall be shielded so that direct illumination is focused exclusively on the underside of the canopy. The lighting for such facilities, such as pump islands and under canopies, shall have a maximum of 15 footcandles average, maintained at grade.
(g) Exemptions. Fixtures including the following are exempt from regulation: incandescent fixtures (other than floodlights or spotlights) less than 160 watts, natural gas or liquid propane lights, and any light source of 1,800 lumens or less.
(Code 1989, § 92.058; Ord. of 11-15-2005; Ord. of 3-12-2019; Ord. No. 21-05-11, 5-11-2021)