(A) 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 in Table No. 8.
(1) This is the preferred light source to minimize undesirable light emission into the night sky affecting astronomical observations.
(2) 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).
(3) 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.
(4) For purposes of this subchapter, quartz lamps shall not be considered an incandescent light source.
(B) Bottom-mounted. An outdoor advertising sign illuminated by any type of bottom-mounted outdoor lighting system or fixture, which is installed at or on 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.
(C) Mercury vapor. Mercury vapor lamps and fixtures are prohibited for use as outdoor lighting. Mercury vapor lamps in use for outdoor lighting on the effective date of this chapter shall not be used after January 1, 2011.
(D) Searchlights. Prohibited.
(E) 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.
(F) 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.
(G) 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 Table No. 8. 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.
('80 Code, App. A, § 180) (Ord. 583, passed 9-16-1952; Ord. 2396, passed 3-2-1988) Penalty, see § 154-999
Table No. 8 - Shielding Requirements | |
Fixture Lamp Type | Shielding Requirements |
Low pressure sodium (1) | Partially shielded |
Metal halide (2) | Fully shielded |
Quartz (4) | Fully shielded |
(Ord. O2010-32, passed 7-7-2010)