(A) Purpose. This section is intended to minimize outdoor artificial light that may have a detrimental effect on the environment, astronomical research, amateur astronomy, and enjoyment of the night sky. These provisions are also intended to reduce the unnecessary illumination of adjacent properties and the use of energy.
(B) Applicability. The standards of this section apply to on-site lighting under the following circumstances:
(1) New lights;
(2) The demolition and reconstruction of a site;
(3) New development;
(4) Building additions to existing buildings that expand the existing floor area by at least 20%, or 2,500 square feet, whichever is less, not including single-unit dwellings or duplexes. The addition and/or expansion shall be cumulative from the date of adoption of this code;
(5) The addition of residential units;
(6) A request for a discretionary permit;
(7) Change from one category of use classification to another (i.e., changing from a commercial use classification to a residential use classification as identified in the use regulation table of the base district); and
(8) Condominium conversions.
(C) General standards.
(1) Multi-unit residential buildings. Aisles, passageways, recesses, and the like related to and within the building complex shall be illuminated with an intensity of at least 0.25 foot-candles at the ground level during the hours of darkness. Lighting devices shall be protected by weather and vandal-resistant covers.
(2) Pedestrian-oriented lighting. In multi-family, mixed-use, and commercial districts, exterior lighting with an intensity of at least 0.25 foot-candles at the ground level shall be provided for a secure nighttime pedestrian environment by reinforcing entrances, public sidewalks, and open areas with a safe level of illumination.
(3) Non-residential buildings. All exterior doors, during the hours of darkness while the business is operating, shall be illuminated with a minimum of 0.5 foot-candle of light.
(4) Trails/Paseos. As determined by the Public Works Director.
(5) Parking lots and garages. All parking lots and garages shall be illuminated with a minimum of 0.5 foot-candle of light.
(D) Exemptions. The following types of lighting fixtures are exempt from the requirements of this section:
(1) Public and private street lighting;
(2) Parks/athletic field lights; athletic field lights used within a school campus or public or private park;
(3) Public safety and security lighting. Safety and security lighting as required by state and federal regulations, including, but not limited to, airports, radio towers, antennas, and the like; and
(4) Construction and emergency lighting. All construction or emergency lighting fixtures provided they are temporary and are discontinued immediately upon completion of the construction work or abatement of the emergency.
(E) Prohibited lighting. The following types of exterior lighting are prohibited:
(1) Drop-down lenses;
(2) Mercury vapor lights; and
(3) Searchlights, laser lights, or any other lighting that flashes, blinks, alternates, or moves.
(F) Fixture types. All lighting fixtures shall be shielded so as not to produce obtrusive glare onto the public right-of-way or adjoining properties. All luminaries shall meet the most recently adopted criteria of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) for "cut off" or "full cut off" luminaries.
(G) Glare. No use shall be operated such that significant, direct glare, incidental to the operation of the use is visible beyond the boundaries of the property where the use is located.
(H) Light trespass. Lights shall be placed to deflect light away from adjacent properties and public streets, and to prevent adverse interference with the normal operation or enjoyment of surrounding properties.
(1) Direct or sky-reflected glare from floodlights shall not be directed into any other property or street.
(2) No light or combination of lights, or activity shall cast light exceeding one-foot candle onto a public street, with the illumination level measured at the centerline of the street.
(3) No light, combination of lights, or activity shall cast light exceeding 0.5-foot candle onto a residentially zoned property, or any property containing residential uses.
(I) Alternate materials and methods of installation. Designs, materials, or methods of installation not specifically prescribed by this section may be approved by the Director, provided that the proposed design, material, or method provides approximate equivalence to the specific requirements of this section or is otherwise satisfactory and complies with the intent of these provisions.
(Ord. 2021-03, passed 12-7-2021)