509.17 UNREASONABLE LIGHTING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA.

   (a)   Definitions.

      (1)   Floodlight or spotlight: Any light fixture or lamp that incorporates a reflector or a refractor to concentrate the light output into a directed beam in a particular direction.

      (2)   Fully Shielded (light Fixture): A light fixture constructed in such a manner that all light emitted by the fixture, either directly from the lamp or a diffusing element, or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the fixture, is projected below the horizontal. Any structural part of the light fixture providing this shielding must be permanently affixed, and part of the fixture, not part of any surrounding building or architectural elements. Table 509.17(a) provides examples of fully shielded lighting fixtures; Table 509.17(b) provides examples of lighting fixtures not fully shielded.

Table 509.17(a): Examples of Fully Shielded Lighting Fixtures

 

Table 509.17(b): Examples of Lighting Fixtures NOT Fully Shielded

 

      (3)    Glare: Light emitting from a lighting fixture with an intensity great enough to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss of visual performance and visibility.

      (4)   Light trespass: The unwanted shining of direct light produced by a lighting fixture beyond the boundaries of the property on which it is located. Light trespass is of an intrusive and objectionable nature.

      (5)   Lighting Fixture: A complete lighting assembly (including the lamp, housing, reflectors, lenses and shields), less the support assembly (pole or mounting bracket). Includes luminous tubes, lamps or similar devices, permanently installed or portable, used for illumination or decoration. For purposes of determining total light output from a lighting fixture, lighting assemblies which include multiple lamps within a single lighting fixture or on a single pole or standard shall be considered as a single unit. See Table 509.17(c) below:

Table 509.17 (c): Examples for determining total light output from lighting fixture

 

      (6)   Lumen: Unit of luminous flux; used to measure the amount of light emitted by lamps. Lumens can be measured based on the lamp type and wattage. Table 509.17(d) presents wattage levels and the resulting lumen output:

Table 509.17 (d): Lamp Type and Wattage with Outputs below 2000 lumens and 1000 lumens

 

Lamp Type	2000 lumens	1000 lumens
Standard incandescent and less	100 watt	60 watt
Tungsten-halogen (quartz) and less	100 watt	60 watt
Fluorescent and less	25 watt	15 watt
Compact Fluorescent and less	26 watt	13 watt

      (7)   Partially Shielded (Light Fixture): A light fixture constructed and mounted such that most light emitted by the fixture, either directly from the lamp or a diffusing element, or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the fixture, is projected below the horizontal. Light emitted at or above the horizontal direction (sideways or upwards) arises only from decorative elements or strongly colored or diffusing materials such as "honey" or colored glass or plastic. Fixtures using spot or flood lamps are considered partially shielded if the lamps are aimed no higher than 45 degrees above straight down (half-way between straight down and straight to the side). Table 509.17(e) provides examples of lighting fixtures that are partially shielded.

Table 509.17 (e): Examples of Partially Shielded Lighting Fixtures

 

   (b)    General Requirements. For outdoor lighting fixtures installed on land improved by a residential dwelling in residential zoning districts R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-MH and R-PUD:

      (1)   Any lighting fixture producing 2000 lumens or less shall be partially shielded.

      (2)   Any lighting fixture producing more than 2000 lumens shall be fully shielded.

      (3)   The placement of all lighting fixtures shall be such that no direct light shall trespass onto adjacent residential properties, excepting light incidental to fully shielded lighting;

      (4)   Island canopy ceiling fixtures shall be recessed so that no direct light shall trespass onto adjacent residential properties;

      (5)   With the exception of flag lighting, ground level signs, and decorative lighting mounted as shielded sconces on building side walls, no lighting shall be pointed in an upward direction;

      (6)   Outdoor light pole fixtures not owned and maintained by the City of Lorain or public utility shall not be taller than the residence to which they are adjacent or 36 feet, whichever is shorter.

      (7)   High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting, including mercury vapor lighting, shall have full cut-off fixtures or shall be fully shielded to prevent the trespass of glare from direct light onto adjacent residential properties.

      (8)   Flood lighting and spot lighting shall be fully shielded or aimed in such a way as to not direct light to trespass on to adjacent residential properties.

   (c)    Exceptions.

      (1)    Kerosene, propane, battery and natural gas lamps.

      (2)    All low-voltages lighting rated at twenty-four (24) volts or less.

   (d)    Penalty.

      (1)   Any person, firm, or corporation in violation of this provision shall be guilty of the minor misdemeanor "Unreasonable Lighting in a Residential Area."

      (2)   Should any person, firm, or corporation previously found guilty of the minor misdemeanor "Unreasonable Lighting in a Residential Area" persist in the unreasonable lighting after a reasonable request or warning to stop, such person, firm, or corporation shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
(Ord. 50-13. Passed 3-4-13.)