These outdoor lighting standards apply to the following districts: AG, R1, R2, R3, R4, MH, PB, B1, B2, TC, LI and HI. All outdoor lighting systems in the town shall be consistent with the following minimum standards and requirements.
(A) Purpose and intent. The purpose of this section is to regulate the placement, orientation, distribution patterns, and fixture types of outdoor lighting. The intent is to encourage lighting that:
(1) Provides safety, utility and security;
(2) Prevents glare on public roadways;
(3) Protects the privacy of residents; and
(4) Reduces atmospheric light pollution.
(B) Outdoor lighting compliance statement. The applicant for any permit for work involving outdoor lighting fixtures governed by this section shall submit, as part of the site plan, evidence that the proposed work will comply with this section. This information shall contain but not be limited to the following:
(1) The location, height, make, model, lamp type, and wattage of each outdoor lighting fixture;
(2) Certification that the angle of total light cutoff is no more than 90 degrees; and
(3) Additional information the Planning Director may determine is necessary, including but not limited to luminance level profiles.
(C) Approved materials and methods of construction, installation or operation. The provisions of this section are not intended to prevent the use of any design, material, or methods of installation or operation not specifically prescribed by this section, provided any such alternate has been approved. The Planning Director may approve any such proposed alternative provided it:
(1) Provides at least approximate equivalent to the applicable specific requirement of this section; and
(2) Is otherwise satisfactory and complies with the purpose and intent of this section.
(D) General requirements.
(1) In all zoning districts. All outdoor lighting fixtures, including display lighting, shall be turned off after close-of-business, unless needed for safety or security, in which case the lighting shall be reduced to the minimum level necessary.
(2) Auto/truck filling stations. Island canopy ceiling fixtures shall be recessed.
(3) Recreational facilities, public or private. Lighting for outdoor recreational facilities shall be shielded according to the table at the end of this section.
(4) All light fixtures that are required to be fully shielded shall be installed and maintained so that the shielding is effective as described in the definition of a full-shielded fixture in the definitions below.
(5) A minimum of one foot-candle of light shall be provided in commercial areas where pedestrians might be present.
(E) Special requirements. In industrial and commercial districts, and industrial, commercial and institutional uses in any zoning district:
(1) Outdoor lighting fixtures shall comply with the shielding requirements described in the table below;
(2) Light trespass from a property shall be designed not to exceed 0.5 foot-candles at the property line.
Outdoor Lighting Shielding Requirements | |
Fixture Lamp Type | Shielded |
Outdoor Lighting Shielding Requirements | |
Fixture Lamp Type | Shielded |
Low/high pressure sodium, mercury vapor | Fully |
Metal halide and fluorescent over 50 watts; Incandescent over 160 watts | Fully |
Incandescent 160 watts or less | None |
Fossil fuel | None |
Any light source of 50 watts or less | None |
Other sources | As approved by Planning Director |
Note: Incandescent includes tungsten-halogen (quartz) lamps | |
(F) Exemptions. The following uses shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter:
(1) Roadway and airport lighting and lighting activated by motion sensor devices;
(2) Temporary circus, fair, carnival, or civic uses;
(3) Construction or emergency lighting, provided such lighting is temporary and is discontinued immediately upon completion of the construction work or abatement of the emergency necessitating said lighting;
(4) Temporary lighting;
(5) Lighting associated with agricultural pursuits.
(G) Definitions.
FULLY SHIELDED FIXTURE. An outdoor lighting fixture that is shielded or constructed so that all light emitted is projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest part of the fixtures.
GLARE. Light that causes annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and ability.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE. An electrically powered illuminating device or other outdoor lighting fixture including all parts used to distribute the light and/or protect the lamp, permanently installed or portable, used for illumination. Such devices shall include, but are not limited to, search, spot flood and area lighting.
RECESSED LIGHTING FIXTURE. An outdoor lighting fixture recessed into a canopy ceiling so that the bottom of the fixture is flush with the ceiling.
(Ord. 2013-02, passed 3-11-13; Am. Ord. 2015-24, passed 9-14-15)