It is the intent of this Code to define practical and effective measures by which the commercial outdoor light usage can be reduced, while preserving safety, security, and the nighttime use and enjoyment of property. These measures are intended to curtail the degradation of the nighttime visual environment, reduce light trespass, glare, energy consumption and resource waste by encouraging lighting practices that direct appropriate amounts of light where and when it is needed, increasing the use of energy-efficient sources, and decreasing the use of poorly shielded or inappropriately directed lighting fixtures.
(A) Conformance standards. All outdoor lighting shall be installed in conformance with the provisions of this Code, the Florida Building Code, the National Electrical Code, the Energy Code, and the Sign Code of Palm Bay and under appropriate permit and inspection.
(B) Applicability. New Uses, Buildings and Major Additions or Modifications. For all proposed new land uses, developments, buildings, and structures that require a permit, all outdoor lighting shall meet the requirements of this Code. All building additions or modifications of fifty percent (50%) or more in terms of additional dwelling units, gross floor area, or parking spaces, either with a single addition or with cumulative additions subsequent to the effective date of this provision, shall invoke the requirements of this Code for the entire site, including previously installed and any new outdoor lighting. Cumulative modification or replacement of outdoor lighting constituting fifty (50) percent or more of the permitted lumens for the parcel, no matter the actual amount of lighting already on a non-conforming site, shall constitute a major addition for purposes of this section.
(C) General outdoor lighting standards.
(1) Shielding Standards. All nonexempt outdoor lighting fixtures shall have shielding so that the total lumen output falls to zero (0.00) at the property line. (Exception: ) seasonal decorative lighting (i.e. Christmas Lights) using typical low-wattage incandescent or LED lamps shall be permitted in all zoning districts from the Thanksgiving holiday through the 15th of January.
(2) The use of Metal Halide (MH), Light Emitting Diode (LED), Quartz Light (OL), and High Intensity Discharge (HID), when properly shielded is permitted for all exterior site lighting. Other types of lamps not listed shall be considered as a part of the permitting process.
(3) High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lighting is prohibited for building and security lighting.
(4) The use of Low Pressure Sodium (LPS) lighting is prohibited in all zoning districts.
(5) The undue lighting of the night sky by means of searchlights and similar devices without prior approval from the City Manager or their designee is prohibited.
(6) Neon Lighting, LED strip and tracer lighting and other types of lighting used to illuminate the outline of a structure or storefront window system is prohibited.
(7) No lighting fixture shall produce a lumen output exceeding one thousand (1000) lumens in any given area.
(8) Poles and support structures used for outdoor lighting shall not exceed thirty feet (30') in height. The exception shall permit for required lighting of all communication towers or tall structures as mandated by the FAA and FCC.
(Ord. 2017-15, passed 2-16-17)