In order to provide the highest level of protection for nesting marine turtles and their hatchlings, the following standards for artificial light sources on all new coastal construction seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) are adopted.
(A) Exterior artificial light fixtures shall be designed and positioned so that:
(1) The point source of light or any reflective surface of the light fixture is not directly visible from the beach;
(2) Areas seaward of the frontal dune are not directly or indirectly illuminated: and
(3) Areas seaward of the frontal dune are not cumulatively illuminated.
(B) Exterior artificial light fixtures within direct line-of-sight of the beach will be permitted only if designed and installed as follows:
(1) Completely shielded downlight only fixtures or recessed fixtures having low wattage (i.e., 25 watts or less) “bug” type bulbs and non-reflective interior surfaces are used. Other fixtures that have appropriate shields, louvers or cutoff features may also be used if they are in compliance with division (A)(1), (A)(2) and (A)(3) above; and
(2) All fixtures are mounted as low in elevation as possible through use of low-mounted wall fixtures, low bollards and ground-level fixtures.
(C) Floodlights, uplights or spotlights that are directly visible from the beach, or which indirectly or cumulatively illuminate the beach, are prohibited.
(D) No lighting shall be allowed on dune walkovers.
(E) Only low intensity lighting shall be used in parking areas within line-of-sight of the beach. Such lighting shall be:
(1) Set on a base which raises the source of light no higher than 48 inches off the ground; and
(2) Positioned or shielded so that the light is cast downward and the source of light or any reflective surface of the light fixture is not visible from the beach and does not directly or indirectly illuminate the beach.
(F) Tinted glass shall be installed on all windows and glass doors of single or multi-story structures within line-of-sight of the beach.
(G) Use of appropriately shielded low-pressure sodium-vapor lamps and fixtures shall be required for high-intensity lighting applications such as lighting parking areas and roadways, providing security and similar applications.
(H) Temporary lighting of construction sites during the marine turtle nesting season shall be restricted to the minimal amount necessary and shall incorporate all of the standards of this section.
(I) Before granting any building permit, the City Planning and Building Department shall determine that all proposed development complies in all respects with the standards imposed in this section.
(J) Permits will not be required to install utility leased lighting, but all such lighting shall comply in all respects with the standards imposed in this chapter.
(K) For any coastal construction completed after the effective date of this chapter, the lighting shall not be changed without first obtaining a permit from the county. Such permits shall only be issued when the proposed lighting plan complies with this chapter.
(Ord. 399, passed 10-9-2001)