The purpose of this Section is to control the installation of exterior lighting fixtures to prevent light pollution in the forms of light trespass and glare and to preserve, protect and enhance the character of the City and the lawful nighttime use and enjoyment of property located within the City. Appropriate site lighting, including lights for signs and buildings shall be arranged so as to provide safety, utility and security; and to control light trespass and glare on adjacent properties and public roadways.
(a) Definitions. Terms related to the required exterior lighting standards contained in this Section and this Code shall have the following meanings:
(1) Footcandle. A unit of illumination produced on a surface, all points of which are one foot from a uniform point source of one candle.
(2) Full-shielded or full cut-off type fixture. An outdoor lighting fixture that is shielded or constructed so that all light emitted is projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest light-emitting part of the fixture.
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(3) Glare. Direct light that causes annoyance, discomfort or loss in visual performance and visibility.
(4) Light trespass. Light in sufficient quantity that crosses over property boundaries in excess of one (1) foot candle, producing a negative response in persons owning or using the violated space.
(5) Luminaire. A complete lighting unit consisting of a light source and all necessary mechanical, electrical and decorative parts.
(b) Exterior Lighting Plan. A lighting plan is required for all uses that are required to submit a development plan and shall be approved according to the procedures set forth in Chapter 1127, Development Plan Review Procedures. All existing uses on which exterior lighting is installed or changed shall conform to these standards. The lighting plan shall demonstrate compliance with the exterior lighting standards of this sub-section, and shall include the following items:
(1) A site plan showing location of all exterior light fixtures, controllers, and transformers.
(2) Property boundaries, building location(s), parking lot layout, pedestrian paths, adjacent rights-of-way, north arrow and scale.
(3) Specifications and drawings or photographs for all exterior light fixture types, poles, conduit and appurtenant construction.
(4) Lamp wattage of all proposed luminaires.
(5) Cut sheets for all proposed exterior light fixtures and poles.
(6) Any other information and data reasonably necessary to evaluate the required lighting plan.
(c) General Requirements.
(1) All lighting shall be controlled in such a way as to not shine up into the sky or on any neighboring properties in excess of one (1) foot candle. Examples of ways in which this shall be accomplished when a light trespass of one (1) foot candle or greater exists, are the use of fully shielded cut-off fixtures, directing light fixtures downward rather than upward, or shielding the light in such a way that the light-emitting portion of the fixture cannot be seen at a reasonable distance.
(2) Where used for security purposes or to illuminate walkways, roadways, equipment yards and parking lots, only fully shielded cut-off style light fixtures shall be utilized.
(3) All forms of flashing, rotating, moving, or digital lights shall be prohibited.
(4) The illumination level at the property line of a parcel adjacent to a residence shall not exceed one-foot candle power.
(5) In addition to the requirements to forth in this Section, outdoor light fixtures shall be installed in conformity with all other applicable provisions of the codified ordinances of the City of Rocky River, Ohio.
(6) Where used to illuminate signs or for decorative effects or recreational facilities, such as for building, landscape, or recreational field illumination, all outdoor light fixtures shall be shielded and focused to minimize shining into the sky and upon neighboring properties.
(7) All outdoor light fixtures installed and maintained upon private property within all zoning districts shall be turned off between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise, EXCEPT, subject to the candle requirements of subsection (c) (1) above, when used for security purposes or to illuminate walkways and roadways.
(8) All illuminated signs for commercial and/or industrial purposes shall be turned off between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise, EXCEPT, subject to the candle requirements of subsection (c)(1) above ,that signs may be illuminated while the business facility is open to the public.
(Ord. 3-23. Passed 2-13-23.)