(A) Purpose and intent. The regulations for outdoor lighting are intended to:
(1) Minimize light pollution for the enjoyment of Tontitown citizens and visitors;
(2) Limit the degradation of the nighttime visual environment by production of unsightly and dangerous glare;
(3) Minimize urban sky-glow to help protect the scenic view of the night sky;
(4) Reduce light trespass onto neighboring properties; and
(5) Allow for flexibility in the style of lighting fixtures.
(B) Applicability. The outdoor lighting regulations apply to:
(1) All new construction, except single family and duplex residential uses.
(2) All new outdoor lighting fixture installations, except single family and duplex residential uses.
(3) All replacement fixtures, in cases of total replacement.
(C) Exemptions. The following conditions are exempt from these requirements:
(1) The temporary use of low wattage or low voltage lighting for public festivals, celebrations, and the observance of holidays are exempt from regulation except where they create a hazard or nuisance from glare. Temporary use permits are required for commercial activities such as carnivals in accordance with supplemental regulations of Chapter 153 (Tontitown Zoning Code). Where possible, lighting should be cutoff.
(2) Temporary emergency lighting, used by police, firefighting or medical personnel for as long as the emergency exists.
(3) Routine maintenance, including changing the lamp ballast, starter, photo control, fixture housing, lens and other required components.
(4) Airport lighting provided the owner or occupant demonstrates that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations can only be met through the use of lighting that does not comply with this chapter.
(5) Neon lights only as permitted by the sign regulations.
(6) Illuminated signs only as permitted by the sign regulations.
(7) The outdoor illumination of digital signs, specifically excluding billboards, in compliance with Chapter 153 (Tontitown Zoning Code).
(D) Prohibitions. The operation of searchlights for advertising purposes is prohibited.
(E) Standards.
(1) Cutoff required. All nonexempt outdoor light fixtures with an initial output greater than or equal to 2,000 lumens shall be cutoff or full cutoff, as defined by IESNA.
(2) Installation. All outdoor light fixtures that have cutoff restrictions shall be installed and maintained in such a manner as to be horizontal to the ground so that the cutoff characteristics of the fixture are maintained.
(3) Shielding. Beyond the cutoff requirements in division (E)(1) above, all light fixtures shall be located, aimed or shielded so as to minimize light trespass across property boundaries. Where applicable, all commercial installations shall utilize house side shielding to minimize light trespass on residential properties.
(F) Special use standards.
(1) Landscape/facade lights. Landscape and facade lighting fixtures shall be selected, located, aimed and shielded so that direct illumination is focused solely on the building façade, plantings, and other intended site feature, and away from adjoining properties and the public street right-of-way. Down-lighting is encouraged.
(2) Recreational facilities.
(a) Cutoff exemption. Recreational facilities are exempt from the cutoff requirement in division (E)(1) above, however, the use of cutoff fixtures is encouraged. The shielding requirement in division (E)(3) above is applicable to recreational facilities.
(b) Glare control. All outdoor recreational facilities lighting fixtures shall be equipped with a glare control package (louvers, shields, or similar devices). The fixture shall be aimed so that the beams are directed and fall within the primary playing or performance area.
(c) Hours. All activity and lights shall be turned off one hour after the end of the last event.
(3) Canopy structures. Canopy lights, such as service station lighting, shall be fully recessed or fully shielded so as to ensure that no light source is visible from or causes glare on public rights-of-way or adjacent properties.
(4) Flags. Governmental flags should be taken down at sunset to avoid the need for lighting. If flags remain up overnight, they should be lighted. Up-lighting of governmental flags should have a maximum lumen output of 1,300 lumens with a cone of light directed on the flag itself. Down-lighting of flag poles is encouraged.
(G) Nonconforming outdoor light fixtures.
(1) All nonconforming outdoor light fixtures lawfully installed prior to and operable on the effective date of this chapter are exempt from all outdoor lighting requirements.
(2) In the event that an outdoor lighting fixture is abandoned or damaged to the point of requiring repairs for safe operation, the repaired or replacement fixture shall comply with the provisions these regulations.
(Ord. 2013-04-417, passed 4-2-13; Am. Ord. 2013-09-440, § 152.1000.11, passed 9-3-13)