The purpose and intent of this subchapter is to ensure that exterior (outdoor) lighting positively enhances the visual impact of a building or project on surrounding properties and uses. To that end, exterior lighting at a building or project should be designed, operated, and installed in a consistent and coordinated fashion to provide safe, convenient and efficient lighting for customers, pedestrians and vehicles, while avoiding the creation of hot spots, glare, obtrusive light, light pollution, light trespass, and visual nuisance. Also, exterior lighting should accentuate key architectural elements of a building or project, and highlight or otherwise emphasize landscape features.
(A) Guiding principles.
(1) Lighting designs shall be of a consistent design within each respective site, and should minimize light trespass/pollution and impact on neighboring properties and natural habitats, while ensuring safety, security, utility, productivity, commerce, livability, and enjoyment. Lighting equipment should be responsibly selected and sourced through careful consideration of the short and long-term financial, environmental, and social costs incurred through lighting.
(2) Energy and resource should be conserved to the greatest extent possible. Designs should be practical as well as financially and technologically feasible, based on industry-acceptable best practices. Energy efficient practices and lighting is encouraged.
(Ord. 2021-02, adopted 3-17-21; sought to be reconsidered, Commission passed 4-21-2021)