(a) Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose of this Section to preserve, protect and enhance nighttime use of property in the City through the application of appropriate illumination practices in order to:
(1) Encourage a safe and enjoyable outdoor environment,
(2) Maintain a minimum standard of quality and functionality for exterior lighting in the City,
(3) Prevent unwanted glare, light trespass, uplight (sky glow), and over-illumination,
(4) Help protect the natural environment, including people, wildlife, and flora, from the adverse effects of artificial night lighting, and
(5) Comply with energy codes and conservation goals as established by the City and the State of Ohio.
(b) Applicability.
(1) All development requiring a development plan, and all new and/or retrofitted exterior lighting installations in Multi-family, Business, Industrial, Health Campus, and Planned Districts, shall be regulated by the standards and requirements herein. See also 1237.04(b)(1)(D).
(3) Illumination of Signs- see Section 1223.07
(6) Any property that is abandoned and then brought back into use, and any property that changes zone or use classification, shall be brought into conformance with the standards and requirements herein prior to resumption of use.
(7) All major additions or modifications to existing installations in Multi-family, Business, Industrial, Health Campus, and Planned Districts, where twenty-five (25) percent or more in terms of parking spaces, floor area, dwelling units, or other elements deemed by the City to be major, shall require the entire property to be brought into conformance with the standards and requirements herein.
(c) Conformance with Other Codes and Standards.
(1) This section directly references the Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO) as jointly developed by the Illuminating Engineering Society and the International Dark-Sky Association, published June 15, 2011. When a conflict arises between the MLO and the language of this section, then the more stringent requirement shall govern unless an exception is specifically indicated within this section.
(2) Installed lighting shall be conformant to the current recommended practices as published by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). In particular, illumination levels, uniformity ratios, and reflectance and glare control, shall be appropriate for the use and location.
(3) When there is a conflict between this section and other portions of the Code, then the more stringent requirement shall govern. Other applicable code elements include, but are not limited to: electrical, life safety, building, urban forestry, environmental, and zoning codes.
(4) This section shall not be used to circumvent any safety, health, or environmental requirements.
(d) Definitions.
(1) Absolute Lumen output- refer to Lumen below.
(2) BUG Rating- An exterior luminaire classification system that identifies relative levels of (B) backlight, (U) uplight, and (G) glare emitted by a luminaire. BUG Rating classifications are defined by the Illuminating Engineering Society.
(3) Candela-A unit of luminous intensity of a lighting source emitted in a given direction.
(4) Color Rendering Index (CRI)-A consensus method for determining how well a luminaire light source's spectral range aligns with that of a reference source, using an eight-color sample and a weighted numeric scale of up to 100 (perfect rendering, as with sunlight).
(5) Color Temperature (CT)- The measured comparison of a light source's chromaticity with that of an ideal black-body radiator, measured in degrees Kelvin (K). The color temperature of a source is an indicator of the color of the source when directly viewed by an observer. CT should not be confused wth CRI, as these are not directly related. CT is used particularly with incandescent and halogen light sources.
(6) Correlated Color Temperature (CCT)- the measured Color Temperature of a light source that is not a full-spectrum emitter, therefore does not fall directly on the ideal black-body locus. CCT represents the nearest visual match of a source to the black-body locus. CCT is used particularly with solid state LED, fluorescent, and discharge light sources.
(7) Cutoff or Full Cutoff- Refer to Shielding.
(8) Curfew-A time each night after which certain artificial illumination must be reduced in intensity or turned off.
(9) Energy Code- The code adopted state-wide for the regulation of building envelopes and energyconsuming systems used in the built environment, intended to minimize energy consumption while maintaining appropriate and comfortable environs. This code addresses artificial lighting energy consumption and control requirements that must be met. As of January 2017, the codes in effect are:
A. Residential Energy Code: 2009 International Energy Conservation Code with some state amendments.
B. Commercial Energy Code: 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, or ASH RAE Standard 90.1-2010, with amendments.
(10) Facade- The exterior wall(s) of a building or structure.
(11) Footcandle- The unit of measure expressing the quantity of light incident to a surface. One footcandle is the illuminance produced by a reference candle on a surface of one square foot located one foot from the candle. A footcandle is equal to one (1) lumen distributed over a square foot of area.
(12) Glare - The sensation produced by luminance within the visual field that is sufficiently greater than the luminance to which the eyes are adapted, causing annoyance, discomfort, or loss of vision or visual performance.
(13) Hardscape Lighting- Any luminaires associated with site features, such as sculptures, fountains, pocket plazas, and similar elements.
(14) Landscape Lighting- Any luminaires mounted in-grade or within 3 feet above the finished grade, and used solely for accent illumination of landscaping, paths, and associated site spaces.
(15) Light Pollution- The added sky brightness caused by the scattering of electric light into the atmosphere. Also referred to as Sky Glow.
(16) Light Trespass- The effect caused by light that strays from the intended purpose and becomes an annoyance, a nuisance, results in loss of privacy, or is detrimental to visual acuity. Light Trespass is always a negative condition. For the purposes of this Code, Light Trespass includes any light that radiates or falls beyond the property line bounding the property upon which the source is installed.
(17) Lighting Zone- a classification of an area defined by varying levels of acceptable ambient light, population density, usage, and other considerations. Each planning or use zone within the City is assigned to a Lighting Zone. Zones are classified within this section, and are based upon the MLO.
(18) Lumen- the unit of measure for luminous flux (visible light) emitted by a light source. Absolute Lumen output (or Luminaire Lumen output) refers to the light emitted from a lighting system, after losses within the lumina ire are subtracted. For example, a 15,000 Lumen lamp installed within a luminaire having 80% net efficiency in optics, power supply, and enclosure, will have an Absolute Lumen output of 12,000 Lumens.
(19) Luminaire- a complete lighting unit consisting of light source(s), optical and emission control components, mounting and/or positioning components, interface components between light source and the power supply, and the enclosure or housing of the source and associated components.
(20) Luminance- the quantity of light emitted or reflected towards an observer, ie: what is seen by an observer.
(21) Nadir- the angle pointing straight down (plumb) from the center of a light source. Measurement of light emission from a source is measured in angular degrees from Nadir.
(22) Photometry- The measurement of quantities associated with visible light. Visual Photometry occurs when the human eye compares relative brightness. Physical photometry occurs when physical receptors are used to measure brightness. Photometric calculations are performed using software that can model physically measured photometric data to estimate illumination of surfaces from various source types, locations, and orientation.
(23) Shielding- A means for controlling the distribution of light from a luminaire. For exterior lighting, shielding results in a lumina ire being classified under one of the following levels of spill control:
A. Full cutoff- Luminaire emits no light above the horizontal plane aligned with the top of luminaire.
B. Cutoff- Luminaire emits no more than two (2) percent of its total light output above the horizontal plane aligned with the top of luminaire.
(24) Spill Light- any emitted or reflected artificial light that radiates or falls beyond the targeted illumination area.
(25) Temporary Lighting- refers to any luminaires or light sources that are installed with temporary wiring and operated for less than ninety (90) days before dismantling and removal. Includes seasonal and holiday lighting.
(e) Lighting Zones
(1) City Zoning Districts shall be designated into lighting zones as follows:
A. Lighting Zone 0 (LZ 0): Undeveloped parkland
B. Lighting Zone 1 (LZ 1): One-and Two-Family Residential; Exclusive Industrial
C. Lighting Zone 2 (LZ 2): Multi-Family Residential; All Business Districts except Shopping Center, Interchange Services, and Integrated Shopping Center; Office-Laboratory; Exclusive Office Laboratory; Health Campus District
D. Lighting Zone 3 (LZ 3): Shopping Center; Interchange Services; Integrated Shopping Center
E. Subject to Planning Commission review: Planned Unit Districts
(2) The Lighting Zone of a parcel or property shall determine the limitations for lighting as outlined in this section. Lighting Zones are generally described as follows:
A. LZ 0: Very Dark - Applicable to areas where natural darkness is critical, such as wildlife preserves, parks, and astronomical observatories.
B. LZ 1: Dark - Developed areas within park land, sensitive night environments, and areas where natural light levels are desirable for enjoyment of the night sky.
C. LZ 2: Low Lighting - Low density urban neighborhoods and districts, historic districts, suburban activity areas.
D. LZ 3: Medium Lighting - Areas with high night-time activity levels where occupants are adapted to brighter conditions, such as high density retail and commerce, certain mixed-use and planned developments, high traffic and pedestrian interface areas, and Business Districts that have been granted exceptions by the Planning Commission.
E. LZ 4: High Lighting (for reference only) - Densely populated urban centers, facilities requiring exceptional security such as military installations and penitentiaries, and themed attraction parks.
(f) Exempt Lighting. The following luminaires and lighting systems are exempt from the requirements of this section:
(1) Sign Lighting- Regulated elsewhere within this Code.
(2) Temporary lighting for television, theatrical, and performance areas.
(3) Code required emergency-only lighting and exit signs.
(4) Code required lighting at stairs and ramps.
(5) Aviation obstruction lighting and other lighting required and regulated by federal, state, and/or county agencies
(6) Interior lighting.
(7) Temporary lighting used during emergencies, for utility maintenance, or for hazard communication.
(g) Prohibited Light and Lighting
(1) There shall be no direct line of sight to the light source or reflector of any luminaire on the subject property, at any point three (3) feet or higher above grade along the property line.
A. Exception: area lighting at access drive connection to public streets. For this condition, the measurement may be taken at the roadway centerline to determine compliance.
(2) Building facade lighting shall be prohibited unless approved by the Planning Commission.
A. Exception : top-mounted lighting that illuminates the facade only, is shielded from view, with average initial facade surface illuminance of five (5) footcandles or less.
(3) Uplighting shall be prohibited unless an exception is granted by the Planning Commission.
A. Exception: appropriate illumination of governmental flags as approved by the Planning Commission.
B. Exception: Landscape accent illumination of hardscape elements as approved by the Planning Commission.
(4) The following luminaires are prohibited from being installed or used, unless special temporary permit is granted within LZ 3 only:
A. Searchlights ('sky' spots, 'beam' lights, etc).
B. Aerial Lasers or laser-like projectors.
C. Any luminaire with an initial output of 75,000 lumens or greater, or a beam intensity of 500,000 candelas or greater in any direction.
(h) Permitted Lighting
(1) Luminaire shielding, mounting, and installation requirements.
A. All luminaires shall conform to the following maximum allowable BUG Ratings, as applicable for the lighting zone of the site. Luminaires shall have fixed mounting (not adjustable), and shall be installed as directed by Manufacturer to comply with the published BUG Ratings for each luminaire.
i. Allowable Backlight Rating (B):
BACKLIGHT | LZ 0 | LZ 1 | LZ 2 | LZ 3 |
If greater than 2 mounting heights (MH) from property line | B1 | B3 | B4 | B5 |
If greater than 1 and up to 2 MH from property line | B1 | B2 | B3 | B4 |
If 0.5 to 1 MH from property line and oriented with backlight facing and perpendicular to property line | B0 | B1 | B2 | B3 |
If < 0.5 MH from property line and oriented with backlight facing and perpendicular to property line | B0 | B0 | B0 | B1 |
ii. Allowable Uplight Rating (U): Refer to g.3 above.
iii. Allowable Glare Rating (G):
GLARE | LZ 0 | LZ 1 | LZ 2 | LZ 3 |
Any luminaire located less than 2 MH from property line and NOT oriented with backlight facing and perpendicular to property line | G0 | G0 | G0 | G1 |
Any luminaire on subject property except those noted in row above | G0 | G0 | G1 | G1 |
Not used | ||||
Not used |
iv. Exception: facade and approved accent illumination may have adjustable mounting as necessary to meet aiming needs and requirements of this section.
B. Pole mounted luminaires shall not exceed the following elevations from luminaire aperture to finished grade directly below:
i. LZ 0 = 16'-0"
ii. LZ 1, LZ 2 = 20' -0"
iii. LZ 3, exclusive industrial, and auto dealership display areas = 25'-0"
iv. Streets and access drives= 30'-0"
C. Building mounted luminaires shall not be mounted higher than 16'-0" above finished grade directly below.
i. Exception: approved facade lighting.
(2) Site illumination criteria.
A. Illumination targets shall be dependent upon the lighting zone of the subject site, and based upon activity levels for each site feature, attribute, or area as identified in the tables below. All illumination shall be designed for maintained illumination, ie: factoring in depreciation over the operating life of the system. Initial illumination (prior to depreciation) must not exceed any maximum illuminance limits as identified in the table. All illuminance values are given in footcandles.
B. Table of illuminance values for Lighting Zone 1 (LZ 1):
HORIZONTAL TARGETS | VERTICAL TARGETS | |||||
APPLICATION/TASK | MAX. | AVG. | AVG. /MIN. | MAX | AVG. | AVG./ MIN. |
Building Entries - covered | 8.0 | 2.0 | 2:1 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 3:1 |
Building Entries - not covered | 5.0 | 1.0 | 2:1 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 3:1 |
Pedetrian Walkways | 3.0 | 0.5 | 3:1 | |||
Porte Cocheres/drive canopies | 6.0 | 1.5 | 3:1 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 3:1 |
Vehicular Drives and Circulation | 3.0 | 0.5 | 4:1 | .2 | ||
Connection to Public Street | 6.0 | 1.0 | 3:1 | 3.5 | 0.5 | 3:1 |
Parking areas | 3.0 | 0.5 | 4:1 | .2 | ||
Facades (where permitted) | ||||||
C. Table of illuminance values for Lighting Zone 2 (LZ 2):
HORIZONTAL TARGETS | VERTICAL TARGETS | |||||
APPLICATION/TASK | MAX. | AVG. | AVG. /MIN. | MAX. | AVG. | AVG./ MIN. |
Building Entries - covered | 12.0 | 4.0 | 4:1 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 3:1 |
Building Entries - not covered | 8.0 | 2.0 | 4:1 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 3:1 |
Pedestrian Walkways | 5.0 | 1.0 | 3:1 | |||
Porte Cocheres/drive canopies | 12.0 | 4.0 | 4:1 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 4:1 |
Vehicular Drives and Circulation | 5.0 | 1 | 3:1 | |||
Connection to Public Street | 6.0 | 1.0 | 3:1 | 3.5 | 0.5 | 3:1 |
Parking areas | 5.0 | 1.0 | 3:1 | |||
Facades (where permitted) | ||||||
D. Table of illuminance values for Lighting Zone 3 (LZ 3):
HORIZONTAL TARGETS | VERTICAL TARGETS | |||||
APPLICATION/TASK | MAX. | AVG. | AVG. /MIN. | MAX. | AVG. | AVG./ MIN. |
Building Entries - covered | 20.0 | 10.0 | 5:1 | 10.0 | 5.0 | 5:1 |
Building Entries - not covered | 15.0 | 5.0 | 4:1 | 7.5 | 2.5 | 5:1 |
Pedestrian Walkways | 10.0 | 1.0 | 3:1 | |||
Porte Cocheres/drive canopies | 20 | 5.0 | 4:1 | 8.0 | 2.5 | 4:1 |
Vehicular Drives and Circulation | 6.0 | 1.5 | 3:1 | |||
Connection to Public Street | 6.0 | 1.0 | 3:1 | 3.5 | 0.5 | 3:1 |
Parking areas | 8.0 | 1.0 | 2:1 | |||
Facades (where permitted) | ||||||
E. Color.
ii. Site and area luminaires:
1. Correlated color temperature (CCT) of no greater than 4100K.
2. Color rendering index (CRI) of no less than 60.
iii. Building entries, canopies, drop off areas, and facades:
1. CCT of no greater than 4100K.
2. CRI of no less than 70.
iv. Landscape and accent luminaires:
1. CCT of no greater than 3500K.
2. CRI of no less than 70.
(3) Landscape Lighting.
A. Lighting used to illuminate landscape, flags, statues, or other decorative elements, shall consist of full cut-off sources, or shall be directionally controlled and shielded so that illumination is substantially confined to the object being lit.
B. Landscape lighting levels shall not exceed prescribed illuminance criteria for pedestrian walkways as identified in (h)(2) of this Section.
i. Luminaires used for this purpose shall not emit more than 500 initial absolute lumens each, unless an exception is granted by the Planning Commission.
ii. Exception: approved lighting submitted as part of a PUD.
C. Landscape lighting shall never be aimed in a manner that will cause the source to be directly visible to motorists.
D. Under no circumstance shall landscape lighting result in glare or light trespass that violates other requirements of this Section.
(4) Lighting Controls.
A. All exterior lighting shall have controls suitable for reliable nightly operation, in compliance with this section and with applicable energy and electrical codes. Selection of luminaires, power supplies, and installation techniques shall be properly coordinated with the control means to ensure adherence to this section.
B. All exterior lighting shall be automatically turned OFF between dawn and dusk daily, with the following exceptions:
i. Photo sensor controlled lighting at drive and pedestrian areas may be triggered ON when sky overcast sufficiently reduces natural light to dusk levels.
ii. Adaptive illumination at garage entries, tunnels, or other covered drive and pedestrian areas where ocular adjustment from daylit zone is necessary.
C. Landscape and accent lighting in zone LZ 1 shall be automatically shut off before midnight nightly, with exception of illumination of government flags.
D. Landscape and accent lighting in zone LZ 2 shall be automatically shut off before midnight nightly, or within 30 minutes of closing, whichever is later.
E. Site and area lighting in all zones shall have output reduced at least 50% by 11PM nightly. Luminaires required to satisfy code required illumination at exit discharge or path of egress, shall be exempted from this requirement.
i. If controls include motion sensors for each area, then lighting levels may be permitted to rise above 50% when pedestrian-scale activity is detected, for a duration of no longer than ten minutes after last detection.
F. Site and area lighting in all zones shall be turned off by 1 AM nightly, with the following exceptions:
i. Operations that are open later than Midnight. These shall be shut off within one (1) hour of closing or at dawn, whichever is earlier.
ii. Security lighting as approved by the Planning Commission. Such lighting shall still comply with section (h)(4)(e).
(5) Exceptional uses.
A. The following exceptional use types shall be required to submit lighting plans to the Planning Commission for approval of lighting associated with this use type, subject to the allowances and conditions identified herein:
i. Automobile sales and rental areas
ii. Fuel station canopies
iii. Sports and recreation fields and play areas.
iv. Emergency entrances and ambulance loading/unloading areas in Health Campus Districts.
B. Planning Commission shall use best practices as identified by IES for evaluation of suitability.
(i) Existing Lighting.
(1) Lighting that has been installed prior to the effective date of this section, or that has already been permitted for construction and becomes operational within six (6) months of the effective date of this section, shall comply with the following:
A. Any additions, alterations, or use change as outlined in part (b) above, made after the effective date of this section, shall be in compliance with this section.
(j) Compliance Path.
(1) Luminaire selection, location, and positioning shall be designed to comply with this section, all applicable codes, and with best practices as prescribed by the Illuminating Engineering Society.
(2) Required information. For each property or site being submitted, the following shall be furnished to show compliance with this section:
A. Site lighting plan, in scale no smaller than 1:240, indicating position of every exterior luminaire including building mounted. Each luminaire shall be labeled to correspond with a luminaire schedule or with supplied luminaire data sheets.
B. Luminaire schedule and/or data sheets, indicating manufacturer, model, light engine/lamp, initial absolute lumen output, BUG rating, mounting height and method, and spill control components if not integral to luminaire.
C. Photometric site plan, in scale no smaller than 1:240, indicating direct illuminance on all hardscape, parking areas, sidewalks, entries, and property boundary areas.
i. Calculation point grid shall be spaced no greater than ten feet, and shall extend at least twenty feet beyond the property line or street centerline allowance where permitted.
ii. Where illuminance at property line is not zero, or when non-cutoff luminaires are used on the site, a vertical calculation plane at the property line shall be required to demonstrate compliance with light trespass requirements.
(Ord. 2017-109. Passed 12-21-17.)
(3) Permit required. Commercial exterior lighting shall be erected, modified, or replaced only upon the submission of proper plans and specifications and upon review and approval according to the following:
A. Initial contact with the City. Inquiries regarding commercial exterior lighting permits or applications are first directed to the Planning Department.
B. Levels of review. The Planning Director or his/her designee makes the determination as to the appropriate level of review necessary for proposed commercial exterior lighting based on the type of lighting and code requirements of this section.
i. Applicants for commercial exterior lighting only requiring administrative approval apply directly to the Planning Department by submitting two copies of the permit application and plans as specified in Subsection (j)(2) hereof and permit fees as specified in Section 1115.11.
ii. Applicants for commercial exterior lighting requiring Planning Commission review apply directly to the Planning Department by submitting seven copies of the permit application as specified in Subsection (j)(2) hereof and an application fee as specified in Section 1115.11 of the Planning and Platting Code to the Planning Department. The Planning Commission shall place the requested commercial exterior lighting application on their next available agenda in accordance with the filing deadline schedule posted on the City’s website. (Ord. 2024-24. Passed 6-6-24.)