CHAPTER 4
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
SECTION:
9-4-1: Purpose
9-4-2: Definitions
9-4-3: Scope And Applicability
9-4-4: Application And Review Procedure
9-4-5: Full Cutoff Fixture Requirements
9-4-6: Conditions And Standards Generally
9-4-7: Specialized Outdoor Lighting
9-4-8: Hillsides, Ridgelines And Special Cases
9-4-9: Towers
9-4-10: Exemptions
9-4-11: Prohibited Lighting
9-4-12: Violations
9-4-1: PURPOSE:
The purposes of this chapter are to:
   A.   Encourage outdoor lighting practices that will minimize light pollution, glare, light trespass and sky glow in order to preserve the natural dark of the night sky and to prevent lighting nuisances on properties.
   B.   Promote energy conservation.
   C.   Maintain nighttime safety, utility and security.
   D.   Prevent unnecessary or inappropriate outdoor lighting.
   E.   Maintain the rural atmosphere and village character of the town. (Ord., 3-10-2016)
9-4-2: DEFINITIONS:
For the purpose of this chapter, certain words, phrases and terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them by this section:
ACCENT OR ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING: Lighting of building surfaces, landscape features, statues and similar items for the purpose of decoration or ornamentation; or lighting that does not contribute to the safety or security of residents, guests, employees or customers on a property.
CORRELATED COLOR TEMPERATURE (CCT): A specification of the color appearance of the light emitted by a lamp, relating its color to the color of light from a reference source when heated to a particular temperature, measured in degrees kelvin (K).
DIRECT ILLUMINATION: Illumination resulting from light emitted directly from a lamp, luminary or reflector. This does not include light reflected from other surfaces, such as the ground or building faces.
FLOODLIGHT: A fixture or lamp designed to "flood" an area with light. A specific form of lamp or fixture designed to direct its output in a specific direction. Such lamps are often designated by the manufacturer and are commonly used in residential outdoor lighting.
FULL CUTOFF FIXTURE: An outdoor light fixture designed so that the installed fixture emits no light above the horizontal plane. Full cutoff light fixtures must be shielded in and of themselves. Surrounding structures, like canopies, are not to be considered when determining if the fixture is full cutoff. Full cutoff fixtures must be appropriately mounted so that the shielding prevents light from escaping above the horizontal and all light is directed downward.
INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED: As it relates to signs, any sign which has a light source entirely enclosed within the sign and not directly visible to the eye.
LIGHT POLLUTION: Any adverse effect of manmade light. Often used to denote "sky glow" from cities or towns, but also includes glare, light trespass, visual clutter and other adverse affects of lighting.
LIGHT SOURCE: The part of a lighting fixture that produces light, e.g., the bulb.
LIGHT TRESPASS: Light falling where it is not wanted or needed. Spill light falling over property lines that illuminates adjacent grounds or buildings in an objectionable manner.
MANUFACTURER'S CATALOG CUTS: A publication or other printed material of a lamp or lighting manufacturer offering visual and technical information about a lighting fixture or lamp.
OUTDOOR LIGHT FIXTURE: An outdoor electrically powered illuminating lamp or similar device used for lighting structures, parking lots, pathways, service canopies, recreational areas, signs or other similar outdoor lighting uses.
RECREATIONAL LIGHTING: Lighting used to illuminate sports fields, ball courts, playgrounds or similar outdoor recreational facilities.
SECURITY LIGHTS: Lighting designed to illuminate a property or grounds for the purpose of visual security.
SPOTLIGHT: A fixture or lamp designed to light a small area very brightly. See definition of Floodlight.
TOWER: Any monopole, antenna or the like that exceeds eighteen feet (18') in height.
UNSHIELDED FIXTURE: A fixture that allows light to be emitted above the horizontal either directly from the lamp or indirectly from the fixture or reflector. Any fixture not full cutoff. (Ord., 3-10-2016; amd. 2016 Code)
9-4-3: SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY:
   A.   Compliance: All exterior outdoor lighting installed after the effective date hereof in all zones in the town shall conform to the requirements established by this chapter. This chapter does not apply to indoor lighting. However, light trespass from interior lighting that negatively impacts adjacent properties is also prohibited.
   B.   Nonconforming Uses: All existing outdoor lighting that does not meet the requirements of this chapter and is not exempted by this chapter shall be considered a nonconforming use. The town will encourage property owners to voluntarily bring nonconforming exterior lighting into compliance with this chapter. Where appropriate, the town may also provide assistance and expertise to homeowners in bringing their exterior lighting fixtures into compliance with this chapter.
   C.   Modifications; Compliance Through Building Permit Process: The town may require exterior lighting fixtures to be brought into compliance, through the building permit process, if substantial modifications are made to the exterior of the building or if the footprint of the structure is enlarged.
   D.   Change Of Ownership: Properties that change ownership, whether residential or commercial, must bring exterior lighting into compliance with this chapter.
   E.   Conflicts: Should this chapter be found to be in conflict with other ordinances of the town, the more restrictive shall apply. (Ord., 3-10-2016)
9-4-4: APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURE:
   A.   Lighting Plans Required: All sign permit applications, building permit applications and design development review applications shall include a lighting plan that shows evidence that the proposed lighting fixtures and light sources will comply with this chapter and shall include the following:
      1.   Plans or drawings indicating the proposed location of lighting fixtures, height of lighting fixtures on the premises, and type of illumination devices, lamps, supports, shielding and reflectors used and installation and electrical details.
      2.   Illustrations, such as contained in a manufacturer's catalog cuts, of all proposed lighting fixtures. For commercial uses, photometric diagrams of proposed lighting fixtures are also required. In the event photometric diagrams are not available, the applicant must provide sufficient information regarding the light fixture, bulb wattage and shielding mechanisms for the planning commission to be able to determine compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
      3.   A table showing the total amount of proposed exterior lights, by fixture type, wattage, lumens and lamp type.
   B.   Approval Procedure:
      1.   The lighting plan for all new development shall be submitted for approval concurrent with the associated application process. (Ord., 3-10-2016)
      2.   A certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until such time as the property is subject to a postinstallation nighttime inspection by the building inspector. (Ord., 3-10-2016; amd. 2016 Code)
9-4-5: FULL CUTOFF FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS:
   A.   Required: Unless specifically exempted by this chapter, all outdoor lighting shall use full cutoff fixtures that are designed and constructed so that no light is emitted from the top or sides of the fixture. Lighting must be placed at a location, angle or height to prevent direct illumination outside the property boundaries where the light fixtures are located.
   B.   Characteristics: In order to qualify as a "full cutoff" fixture, a light fixture must have the top and sides made of completely opaque material such that light only escapes through the bottom of the fixture. Fixtures with translucent or transparent sides, or sides with perforations or slits, do not qualify as full cutoff. Any glass or diffuser on the bottom of the fixture must be flush with the fixture (no drop lenses). Merely placing a light fixture under an eave, canopy, patio cover or other similar cover does not qualify as full cutoff. (Ord., 3-10-2016)
   C.   Restrictions On Total Amount Of Unshielded Lighting: Outdoor lighting that is not subject to the shielding requirement in subsection 9-4-6C of this chapter shall not exceed five thousand (5000) lumens per net acre for commercial properties, and one thousand (1000) lumens per net acre for residential properties. (2016 Code)
   D.   Exemptions To Full Cutoff Fixture Requirements:
      1.   Fixtures having a total light output less than one thousand (1000) lumens (approximately equal to a 60 watt incandescent bulb or a 15 watt compact fluorescent) are exempted from the full cutoff requirement provided:
         a.   The fixture has a top that is completely opaque such that no light is directed upward.
         b.   The fixture has sides that completely cover the light source and are made of opaque or semiopaque material. Fixtures with opaque sides may have incidental decorative perforations that emit small amounts of light. Semiopaque material, such as dark tinted glass or translucent plastic, may be used if the light source is not discernable behind the material. Completely transparent materials, such as clear glass, are not allowed.
         c.   The light source (light bulb or filament) must not be visible from any point outside the property on which the fixture is located.
      2.   Spotlights controlled by motion sensors having a light output less than one thousand (1000) lumens per lamp (allowing a maximum of a 60 watt incandescent or a 15 watt compact fluorescent bulb) are exempt from the full cutoff requirement, provided:
         a.   The fixture is a spotlight or other type of directed light that shall be directed at a forty five degree (45°) angle or less, where the zero angle is pointing straight down.
         b.   The fixture must not be placed in such a manner that results in illumination being directed outside the property boundaries where the light fixtures are located.
         c.   The fixture must be hooded or shielded to the extent necessary to prevent glare on adjacent properties or roadways.
      3.   Pathway lights less than eighteen inches (18") in height are exempted from the full cutoff fixture requirement, if the total light output from each pathway light is less than three hundred (300) lumens and the lights have opaque caps that direct light downward.
      4.   Architectural lights, water feature illumination and sign illumination are all exempted from the full cutoff fixture requirement, provided such illumination meets all other applicable standards of this chapter. (Ord., 3-10-2016; amd. 2016 Code)
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