(A) Definitions:
FOOTCANDLE, AND LUMEN. The footcandle and lumen measure light, although in different ways for different lighting situations. Light output is measured in lumens. The number of lumens measures the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source. It gauges the brightness of the light. The footcandle measures how much light falls upon a certain spot.
FULLY SHIELDED. That fixtures are shielded in such a manner that light rays emitted by the fixture either directly from the lamp or indirectly from the fixture, are projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest point on the fixture where light is emitted.
LIGHT TRESPASS. A condition in which artificial light emitted from a luminaire on one property, not inclusive of light incidentally scattered or reflected from adjacent surfaces, is directed in such a manner that the light source is visible from any other property.
PARTIALLY SHIELDED. That fixtures are shielded in such a manner that the bottom edge of the shield is below the plane of the centerline of the lamp reducing light above the horizontal.
(B) Top-mounted. Outdoor advertising sign lighting fixtures used to illuminate an outdoor advertising sign shall be mounted on the top of the sign structure. All such fixtures shall comply with the shielding requirements noted in this section.
(C) Bottom-mounted (ground-mounted, up-lighting, feature-lighting). An outdoor advertising sign illuminated by any type of bottom-mounted outdoor lighting system or fixture, which is installed at or on the ground or the lower portion of any outdoor advertising sign or fixture shall be prohibited unless said lighting fixture is shielded to confine the light to the sign face. All such fixtures with lighting which is directed upwards shall be placed so that the angle of the lamp shall not be greater than forty-five degrees (45°) measured from a horizontal plane to a line projected through the center of the lamp.
(D) Mercury vapor. Mercury vapor lamps and fixtures are prohibited for use as outdoor lighting.
(E) Searchlights. Prohibited.
(F) Recreational facilities. Public or private recreational facilities, which are illuminated with outdoor lighting fixtures conforming to these regulations may operate any time with such illumination. Outdoor recreational facilities not conforming to these regulations shall not be illuminated after 11:00 p.m. except to conclude a specific recreational or sporting event or any other similar activity conducted at or in the facility which was in progress under such illumination; prior to 11:00 p.m.
(G) Outdoor advertising off-site signs. The electrical illumination of outdoor advertising off-site signs including those internally illuminated, is prohibited between the hours of 12:00 a.m. midnight and sunrise.
(H) Flagpoles. Outdoor lighting fixtures used to illuminate a flagpole shall be mounted on the top of the flagpole structure and adhere to the shielding requirements outlined in this section. In cases where it is impossible to light a flagpole structure from the top, bottom-mounted lights shall be connected to a timer which extinguishes all but the minimal light source necessary to illuminate the flag between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and sunrise.
(I) The maximum light pole height in 12 feet when within 25 feet of a residential use.
(J) Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Low Pressure Sodium are the preferred light sources to minimize undesirable light emissions to neighboring properties and the night sky.
(K) Metal halide lighting used primarily for display purposes shall not be used for security lighting after 11:00 p.m. Metal halide lamps shall be installed only in enclosed luminaries. These lamp fixtures shall be “filtered”, a glass, acrylic or translucent enclosure of the light source (quartz glass does not meet this requirement) and this lighting requires full shielding.
(L) Outdoor advertising signs of the type constructed of translucent materials and wholly illuminated from within, do not require shielding. Dark backgrounds with light lettering and warm white and natural lamps are preferred to minimize detrimental effects.
(M) For purposes of this subchapter, quartz lamps shall not be considered an incandescent light source.
(N) LED lighting must be 3,000K (Kelvin corrected color temperature (CCT)) or less for all commercial uses.
(O) Any light source of 70 watts (700 lumens) or equivalent does not require shielding.
(P) Neon, argon, and other noble gas glass tube lighting does not require shielding.
(Q) High Pressure Sodium, low pressure sodium, and quartz halogen lighting requires full shielding.
(R) Light trespass is prohibited, except for fixtures exempted from this chapter or from shielding requirements in this section.
('80 Code, App. A, § 180) (Ord. 583, passed 9-16-1952; Ord. 2396, passed 3-2-1988; Ord. O2024-034, passed 10-16-2024) Penalty, see § 154-999