A. Purpose: It is the purpose of this section to encourage the use of lighting systems that will reduce light pollution while increasing nighttime safety, utility, security and productivity.
B. Exemptions: The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following:
1. Temporary outdoor lighting used during customary holiday seasons.
2. Temporary outdoor lighting used for civic celebrations and promotions.
3. Lighting installed by a government jurisdiction or agency within public rights-of-way, required by a government agency for the safe operation of airplanes, or security lighting required on government buildings or structures.
4. Emergency lighting by police, fire, and rescue authorities.
5. Architectural/historical light fixtures that feature globes that are not shielded. In no case shall the light affect adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity defined in subsection C1 of this section.
6. All outdoor lighting fixtures existing and legally installed prior to October 14, 2002, are exempt from regulations of this chapter but shall comply with the previous standards for glare as follows:
a. Any lighting used to illuminate an off street parking area, sign or other structure shall be arranged as to deflect light away from any adjoining residential zone or from the public streets. Direct or sky reflected glare, where from floodlights or from high temperature processes such as combustion or welding shall not be directed into any adjoining property. The source of lights shall be hooded or controlled in some manner so as not to light adjacent property. Bare incandescent light bulbs shall not be permitted in view of adjacent property or public right-of-way. Any light or combination of lights which cast light on a public street shall not exceed one foot-candle (meter reading) as measured from the centerline of said street. Any light or combination of lights which cast light on residential property shall not exceed four-tenths (0.4) foot-candle (meter reading) as measured from said property.
b. Whenever a light fixture that was existing on October 14, 2002, is replaced by a new outdoor light fixture, there shall be compliance with the provisions of this section.
C. Performance Standards:
1. Intensity: No light source or combination thereof which cast light on a public street shall exceed one foot-candle meter reading as measured at the property line nor shall any light source or combination thereof which cast light on adjacent property exceed four-tenths (0.4) foot-candle as measured at the property line.
2. Agriculture Or Residential District Standards: In all agriculture or residential districts, any lighting used to illuminate an off street parking area, structure, or area shall be arranged as to deflect light away from any adjoining residential property or from any public right-of-way in accordance with the following provisions:
a. The light source shall be hooded or controlled so as not to light adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity defined in subsection C1 of this section.
b. Bare light bulbs shall not be permitted in view of adjacent property or public right-of-way, unless part of a permanent fixture.
3. Institutional, Business, And Industrial Districts: Any lighting used to illuminate an off street parking area, structure, or area shall be arranged so as to deflect light away from any adjoining property or from any public right-of-way in accordance with the following provisions:
a. Shielding: The light fixture shall contain a cutoff which directs the light at an angle of ninety degrees (90°). Exposure of the light source shall not be permitted in view of adjacent property or public right-of-way.
b. Lighting Of Entire Facades Or Architectural Features: Lighting of entire facades or architectural features of a building shall be approved by the City Council. Building facades or architectural features may not be internally illuminated and shall only utilize illuminating devices mounted on top and facing downward onto the structure. In no case shall the light affect adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity defined in subsection C1 of this section.
c. Intensity: Light sources shall not be permitted so as to light adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity defined in subsection C1 of this section.
d. Searchlights: The use of searchlights for any business shall be limited to not more than two (2) events per calendar year. During any one event, the use of searchlights shall be limited to five (5) days consecutively and shall not be used between the hours of ten o'clock (10:00) P.M. and sunrise.
4. Height:
a. The maximum height above the ground grade permitted for poles, fixtures, and light sources mounted on a pole shall be:
(1) Agricultural, residential, business and institutional districts: Twenty five feet (25').
(2) Industrial districts: Thirty five feet (35').
b. A light source mounted on a building shall not exceed the height of the building.
c. Exceptions to the height limits for light sources may be approved by conditional use permit; provided, that there is compliance with all other requirements of this section.
5. Location:
a. All outdoor light fixtures shall be set back a minimum of ten feet (10') from a street right-of-way and five feet (5') from an interior side or rear lot line.
b. No light sources shall be located on the roof unless said light enhances the architectural features of the building and is approved by the City Council.
6. Glare: Direct or reflected glare from high temperature processes such as combustion or welding shall not be visible from any adjoining property.
7. Outdoor Recreation: Outdoor recreational uses such as, but not limited to, baseball fields, football fields, tennis courts and snow skiing areas have special requirements for nighttime lighting. Due to these unique circumstances, a conditional use permit shall be required for outdoor lighting systems for such uses that do not comply with the regulations of this section; provided, that:
a. No public or private outdoor recreation facility shall be illuminated after eleven o'clock (11:00) P.M., unless approved by the City Council.
b. Off street parking areas for outdoor recreation uses that are illuminated shall meet the requirements for institutional, commercial, and industrial applications as found in subsection C3 of this section.
8. Outdoor Signs: Outdoor signs constructed of translucent materials and wholly illuminated from within do not require shielding. Signs not exclusively illuminated internally may only utilize illuminating devices mounted on top and facing downward of the display structure. All shall comply with all other provisions of this section.
D. Prohibitions: The following outdoor lights are prohibited: Flashing lights. (Prior Code § 20-16-6)