(A) Purpose. This section establishes standards and guidelines for minimizing the unintended and undesirable side effects of outdoor lighting while encouraging the intended and desirable safety and aesthetic purposes of outdoor lighting. It is the purpose of these standards and guidelines to allow the minimum amount of lighting needed for the property on which the light sources are located, while protecting the legitimate privacy of neighboring properties. The standards and guidelines established in this section are also intended to promote the use of environmentally sensitive and energy efficient lighting technologies, and to promote “dark sky” lighting fixtures and installation techniques to reduce light pollution.
(B) Applicability. Except as provided elsewhere in this title, the design, placement and use of all outdoor lighting within the town limits shall conform to the standards and guidelines as set forth in this section.
(C) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
FULL CUTOFF. Light fixtures that do not emit light above the horizontal plane of the light source.
LIGHT SOURCE. A single artificial point source of luminescence that emits measurable radiant energy in or near the visible spectrum.
LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES. For the purposes of this section, properties with no more than three dwelling units or employee housing units.
MULTIPLE-FAMILY AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES. For the purposes of this section, those with four or more dwelling units or employee housing units, commercial uses, or mixed uses.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING. Any light source, or collection of light sources, located outside a building, including, but not limited to, light sources attached to any part of a structure, located on the surface of the ground, or located on freestanding poles.
(D) Lighting regulations.
(1) Quantity of light fixtures.
(a) The maximum number of outdoor light sources for all properties is subject to the requirements of the adopted Building Codes and design review.
(b) For low density residential properties, the maximum number of light sources per lot shall be limited to one outdoor light per 1,000 square feet of lot area. Light sources which are no more than 18 inches above grade, as measured from the top of the fixture to the finish grade below, and are full cutoff fixtures, may be allowed in addition to the total number of permitted outdoor light sources.
(2) Height limits for light fixtures. Outdoor lights affixed to a structure shall not exceed the height of the roof eaves. The maximum mounting height for light sources on a pole shall not exceed 20 feet.
(3) Full cutoff.
(a) All outdoor lights shall be fully cut off to not emit light above the horizontal plane of the light source. Outdoor lights must be Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) “full cutoff” class, International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) approved, or have similarly recognized verification of being full cutoff. Lights must be installed and maintained in such a manner that the full cutoff is effective.
(b) Exceptions: the following outdoor lights may be nonfull cutoff:
1. Uplighting fully contained by an overhanging building element that prevents the light from emitting upward to the sky, when the light source is shielded from the sides;
2. Uplighting for flags when the light source is shielded from the sides;
3. Lights with a gas flame as the sole light source; and
4. Lights specifically recommended by the Vail Comprehensive Plan.
(4) Lighting direction. All outdoor lighting shall be directed at the object intended to be illuminated and away from adjacent properties and public ways. Outdoor lights shall be directed downward, unless contained by overhanging building or landscape elements with the light source shielded from the sides. Uplighting is allowed for flags when the light source is shielded from the sides.
(5) Energy efficiency. All outdoor lighting shall comply with the town’s adopted energy conservation code.
(E) Lighting guidelines.
(1) Compatibility. All outdoor lighting fixtures, fixture locations, and the color and intensity on the lighting should be aesthetically compatible with the site and structures on which they are located, the character of the surroundings, and with Vail’s environment. Outdoor lighting must also be consistent with any applicable design guidelines outlined in the Vail Comprehensive Plan.
(2) Light pollution. All outdoor lights should be designed, installed and maintained to minimize the contribution of outdoor lighting to nighttime light pollution. Examples of low light pollution fixtures are available from lighting manufacturers and organizations such as the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).
(3) Energy efficiency. Outdoor lighting should use the least number of light sources necessary to achieve the safety and aesthetic purposes for the lighting. Outdoor lighting should utilize energy efficient light sources of the lowest wattage feasible, and utilize energy efficient technologies. Outdoor lighting should also be operated and maintained to eliminate any unnecessary daytime use and to reduce nighttime use during nonbusiness hours and periods of limited residential activity.
(F) Prohibited outdoor lights.
(1) Lights that flash, move, revolve, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, vary in intensity or color, or use intermittent electrical pulsation;
(2) Lights affixed to the top of the roof of a structure;
(3) Neon, or similar gas filled, lights;
(4) Laser source lights;
(5) Searchlights;
(6) Lights attached to vegetation, except decorative holiday lights; and
(7) Any lighting that could interfere with the public health, safety or welfare.
(G) Exemptions. The standards of this section shall not apply to:
(1) Decorative holiday lights;
(2) Sign illumination, as set forth in Title 11 of this code;
(3) Official government lighting, other than those owned and maintained by the Town of Vail, installed for the benefit of public health, safety and welfare;
(4) Outdoor lights associated with an approved special events permit;
(5) Outdoor lights associated with an Art in Public Places Board (AIPP) approved public art display;
(6) Temporary construction zone work lighting associated with an approved building permit or design review approval (construction zone security and egress lights are not exempt from the provisions of this section); and
(7) Lighting identifying hazards or road construction.
(Ord. 21(2008) § 1)