A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to restrict the use of certain light fixtures emitting into the night sky undesirable light rays that have a detrimental effect on astronomical observation and research. This section is not intended to restrict the use of low pressure sodium lighting of single family dwellings for security purposes.
B. Approved Materials and Methods of Installation. This section is not intended to prevent the use of any design, material, or method of installation not specifically prohibited, provided the alternate has been approved by the director. The director may approve a proposed alternate if it:
1. Provides at least approximate equivalence to the applicable specific requirements of this section; and
2. Is otherwise satisfactory and complies with the intent of this section.
C. Definitions.
Outdoor Light Fixtures. Outdoor artificial illuminating devices, installed or portable, used for floodlighting, general illumination, or advertisement. Devices shall include search, spot, and floodlights for:
1. Buildings and structures;
2. Recreational facilities;
3. Parking lots;
4. Landscape lighting;
5. Outdoor advertising displays and other signs;
6. Street lighting on private streets; and
7. Walkway lighting.
Class I Lighting. Outdoor lighting used for outdoor sales or eating areas, assembly or repair area, outdoor advertising displays, and other signs, recreational facilities and other similar applications when color rendition is important.
Class H Lighting. Outdoor lighting used for illumination for walkways, private roadways and streets, equipment yards, parking lot and outdoor security.
Class III Lighting. That lighting not needed for Class 1 or Class II purposes and used for decorative effects. Examples of Class III lighting include, the illumination of flag poles, trees, fountains, statuary, and building walls.
Dark Sky Zone. The circular area thirty (30) miles in radius centered on the Palomar Observatory. Fully Shielded. Outdoor light fixtures shielded or constructed so that light rays emitted by the fixtures are projected below the horizontal plane passing through the lowest point on the fixture from which light is emitted.
Partially Shielded. Outdoor light fixtures designed or constructed so that ninety (90) percent of the light rays emitted by the fixture are projected below the horizontal plane passing through the lowest point of the shield.
Luminaire. A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps together with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the lamps and to connect the lamps to the power supply.
D. General Requirements. The following standards apply within the dark sky zone.
1. Preferred Source. Low-pressure sodium lamps are the preferred illuminating source.
2. Shielding. All nonexempt outdoor light fixtures shall be shielded as required in subsection E, below.
3. Hours of Operation. All nonexempt outdoor light fixtures are subject to the provisions of subsection G, below, regarding hours of operation.
4. Outdoor Advertising Display. Lighting fixtures used to illuminate an outdoor advertising display shall be mounted on the top of the advertising structure. All fixtures shall comply with the lamp source and shielding requirements of subsection E below, and the prohibitions of subsection G.
E. Requirement for Lamp Source and Shielding. The requirements for lamp source and shielding of light emissions for outdoor light fixtures shall be as provided below:
Lamp Type | Palomar Lighting Zone |
Class I - Color Rendition Important | |
Low Pressure Sodium | Allowed |
Others above 4050 Lumens | Allowed if fully shielded |
Others 4050 Lumens and below | Allowed |
Class II - Parking Lots, Walkways, Security | |
Low Pressure Sodium | Allowed |
Others above 4050 Lumens | Prohibited |
Others 4050 Lumens and below | Allowed |
Class III - Decorative | |
Low Pressure Sodium | Allowed |
Others above 4050 Lumens | Prohibited |
Others 4050 Lumens and below | Allowed |
NOTE: When lighting is allowed by this section, it shall be fully shielded and shall be focused to minimize the spill light into the night sky and onto adjacent properties.
F. Submission of Plans and Evidence of Compliance. The application for any required approval for work in the dark sky zone involving nonexempt outdoor light fixtures shall include evidence that the proposed work will comply with the requirements of this section. The submission shall contain the following:
1. The location of the site where the outdoor light fixtures will be installed;
2. Plans indicating the location and type of all outdoor fixtures on the site and the lighting patterns resulting therefrom;
3. A description of the outdoor light fixtures including manufacturer's catalog cuts and drawings. The above required plans and descriptions shall be submitted as part of the building plan check process and shall be sufficiently complete to enable the city to readily determine the compliance with the requirements of this section.
G. Prohibitions.
1. All Class I lighting shall be off between eleven (11:00) p.m. and sunrise, except as follows:
a. On-premise advertising signs may be illuminated while the business facility is open to the public.
b. Outdoor advertising displays may remain lighted until midnight;
c. Outside sales, commercial, assembly, repair, and industrial areas may be lighted when these areas are actually in use; and
d. Outdoor recreational facilities may remain lighted to complete recreational activities that are in progress and under illumination in compliance with this section at eleven (11:00) p.m.
2. All Class II lighting may remain on all night.
3. All Class III lighting shall be off between eleven (11:00) p.m. and sunrise.
4. Operation of searchlights for advertising purposes is prohibited.
H. Permanent Exceptions.
1. Noncompliance. All outdoor light fixtures existing and legally installed prior to the effective date of this development code are exempt from the requirements of this section; and
a. When existing luminaries are reconstructed or replaced, the reconstruction or replacement shall be in compliance with this section; and
b. Subsection G regarding hours of operation shall apply.
2. Fossil Fuel Light. All outdoor light fixtures producing light directly by combustion of fossil fuels (e.g., kerosene lanterns, and gas lamps) are exempt from the requirements of this section.
3. Holiday Decorations. Lights used for holiday decorations are exempt from the requirements of this section.
4. Emergency Exemptions. Portable temporary lighting used by law enforcement or emergency services
personnel to protect life or property are exempt from the requirements of this section.
5. High pressure sodium vapor (HPSV) lights may be used on public arterial and collector streets.
(Ord. 293 § 1 (part), 2004; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)