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The principal purpose of the outdoor lighting regulations is to create standards for outdoor lighting which do not conflict with the reasonable use and enjoyment of property within the city and with astronomical observations. It is the intention of this subchapter to encourage the conservation of energy while increasing night-time safety, utility, security and productivity, through regulation of the types, kinds, construction, installation and use of outdoor electrically powered illuminating devices, lighting practices and systems. The provisions of Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 49 - The Environment, Chapter 7 - Light Pollution, shall be followed to uphold the “Dark Sky” goals of reducing waste, glare, light trespass, interference of artificial light, and effects on wildlife; therefor increasing safety, and the visibility of the night sky.
('80 Code, App. A, § 180) (Ord. 583, passed 9-16-1952; Ord. 2396, passed 3-2-1988; Ord. O2010-32, passed 7-7-2010; Ord. O2024-034, passed 10-16-2024)
(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
(A) Nonconforming fixtures. Legally installed outdoor lighting not conforming to the provisions of this chapter shall be allowed to remain, provided such fixtures are extinguished between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and sunrise by automatic shut-off device.
(B) Fossil fuel light. All outdoor light fixtures producing light directly by the combustion of natural gas or other fossil fuels are exempt from all requirements of this code.
(C) State and federal facilities. Outdoor light fixtures installed on, and in connection with those facilities and land owned or operated by the federal government or the State of Arizona, or any department, division, agency or instrumentality thereof, are exempt from all requirements of this chapter. Voluntary compliance with the intent of this chapter at those facilities is encouraged.
(D) Deviations from the lighting standards provided in this chapter may be approved for private properties if approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(E) Applications to deviate from the lighting standards shall include the following information:
(1) A site plan depicting the location of proposed lighting on the site;
(2) A lighting inventory that provides, at minimum:
(a) The brightness (in lumens) and correlated color temperature (in Kelvin) of each luminaire;
(b) The height of each fixture;
(c) The directional angle of each fixture;
(d) The character of shielding for each luminaire, if any;
(e) Identification of luminaires that diverge from the standards of this Chapter and are subject to the deviation request;
(f) Detailed description of the circumstances which necessitate the deviation;
(g) Such other data and information as may be required by the Zoning Administrator.
(3) The deviation may be granted if the following findings are made:
(a) There are unique circumstances affecting the subject property or unique design and land use characteristics that make it infeasible or impractical to comply with strict application of the lighting standards detailed in this chapter.
(b) The proposed deviation will achieve the intent of this chapter to the maximum extent feasible.
('80 Code, App. A, § 180) (Ord. 583, passed 9-16-1952; Ord. 2396, passed 3-2-1988; Ord. O2010-32, passed 7-7-2010; Ord. O2024-034, passed 10-16-2024)
(A) Submittal contents. The applicant for any permit required by any provision of the laws of this jurisdiction in connection with proposed work involving outdoor light fixtures shall submit (as part of the application for permit) evidence that the proposed work will comply with this chapter. The submittal shall contain, but shall not be limited to, the following:
(1) Plans indicating the location on the premises, and the type of illuminating devices, fixtures, lamps, supports, reflectors and other devices;
(2) Description of the illuminating devices, fixtures, lamps, supports, reflectors and other devices and the description may include, but is not limited to, catalog cuts by manufacturers and drawings (including sections where required); and
(3) Photometric data, such as that furnished by manufacturers, or similar, showing the angle of cut off of light emissions. For commercial projects, a Photometric Survey is required, and it shall show lit areas including 1 foot beyond the subject property to show no light trespass onto neighboring properties.
(4) For new construction or retrofits of fuel canopy lighting: Fully-recessed fuel canopy lighting/flat lenses are required. All light fixtures mounted on or recessed into the lower surface of service station canopies shall be shielded and utilize flat lenses. Such shielding must be provided by the fixture itself. Shielding by surrounding structures such as canopy edges is not a suitable alternative.
(B) Subdivision plat certification. If any subdivision proposes to have installed street or other common or public area outdoor lighting, the final plat shall contain a statement certifying compliance with the regulations of this chapter.
('80 Code, App. A, § 180) (Ord. 583, passed 9-16-1952; Ord. 2396, passed 3-2-1988; Ord. O2010-32, passed 7-7-2010; Ord. O2024-034, passed 10-16-2024)
The principal purpose for the personal wireless communications facilities (PWCF) regulations is to create standards for the construction of a personal wireless communications infrastructure that provides adequate communications services for the citizens of the city while preserving the health, safety, welfare and aesthetic values of the community. The city emphasizes the use of the latest technologies that are sensitive to the minimization of visual clutter, minimizes the impact on the design features of buildings, and will preserve scenic view sheds and major gateways of the city. Individual residential end users receiving communication signals at their home through duly authorized unlicensed consumer electronic devices are exempt from these regulations.
(Ord. O2000-35, passed 6-21-2000; Ord. O2010-32, passed 7-7-2010)
All applications, unless specifically stated in this article, are required to include:
(A) Service area map. The applicant shall provide a map showing their full personal wireless communications network within a mile radius of the city. The map shall provide the location, mounting type and height of each network structure. The map shall also include arterial streets, state and federal highways and the locations of any proposed or potential new locations for any personal wireless communication facilities for the applicant’s network. Subsequent applications will require the submission of any alterations made to the network map initially submitted to the city. The horizontal location of all facilities shall be tied in/referenced to the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27). The vertical elevation of all facilities shall be tied in/referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD29);
(B) Site plan drawn to 20:1 scale. The site plan must show the building(s) on the site, on-site parking, surrounding parcels, parcel dimensions, property lines, right-of-way distances to centerline of the adjacent street(s), names of all adjacent streets, distances between the wireless facility and any structures and rights-of-way and easements within 150 feet, north arrow and scale, type and location of all landscaping and the irrigation source;
(C) Easements. Copies of any necessary, recorded easements for accessing the property;
(D) Authorization from the property owner of record to use the property. To be authorized, the applicant must submit a copy of an executed lease or a signed and notarized statement from the property owner;
(E) Environmental impact analysis. All personal wireless communication facilities located within a historic district, wetland area, national heritage area or other environmentally sensitive location must submit an environmental impact analysis that certifies that the facility complies with the National Environmental Policy Act;
(F) Conformity to all applicable state and federal regulations. All personal wireless communications facilities must conform to all applicable state and federal regulations; and
(G) Required information. If the proposed facility transmits in any way, the facility will require the review and written comment of the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) if it is located within the specified distances of MCAS and has the maximum power output delineated in Table No. 9. In accordance with the safe operations of the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), all transmitter applications that require the review of MCAS must submit the following information:
(1) The longitude and latitude of the location of the proposed personal wireless communications tower;
(2) The mean sea level (MSL) elevation of the site where the communication tower will be located;
(3) The transmission frequencies to be used by the facility; and
(4) The power output of the proposed facility.
(Ord. O2000-35, passed 6-21-2000; Ord. O2002-09, passed 2-20-2002; Ord. O2010-32, passed 7-7-2010; Ord. O2018-014, passed 8-1-2018)
(A) All ground level base stations/equipment cabinets and associated equipment, greater than 75 cubic feet, must be enclosed by a six foot tall or higher painted or stucco masonry wall to screen it from view. Screen walls shall be landscaped with a five foot wide perimeter area according to the landscaping requirements for screening per § 154-20.04.
(B) All roof top mechanical and electronic devices, base stations or similar equipment must be screened from view through the use of a masonry screen wall, parapets or other architectural devices. Rooftop screening shall be considered adequate if it screens all of the base station(s) and associated mechanical and electronic equipment from the view of a pedestrian located at any point on the sidewalk on the opposite side of any adjacent street and at any point on the interior property lines of the subject parcel that do not abut a public right-of-way.
(C) All personal wireless communications facilities must be setback equal to the setback of the principal building on the site or 20 feet from the proposed right-of-way line (as defined by the Major Roadways Plan), whichever is greater.
(D) No personal wireless communication facilities are permitted on any building designated as an individual landmark or are located within a historic district unless such personal wireless communication facilities are approved through the Design and Historic Review Commission.
(Ord. O2009-54, passed 10-21-2009)
(E) No personal wireless communication facilities are permitted on any building within an Aesthetic Overlay (AO) Designation unless such personal wireless communication facilities are approved through the Design Review Commission.
(F) Panel, whip and other low impact antenna are encouraged.
(G) No signage, other than required identification and safety signage, is permitted on any personal wireless communication facilities.
(H) Lighting of any personal wireless communication facility is prohibited unless required by another public agency.
(I) The owner of any personal wireless communication facility must provide the city with a copy of the notice to the FCC of intent to cease operations. Any personal wireless communication facilities and all associated materials not in use for one year must be removed by the owner and the site must be returned to a state compatible with the surrounding vegetation and/or structure at the owners expense.
(J) The owner of any personal wireless communications facility shall notify the city of the change of ownership for any personal wireless communications facility and the notice must include the contact name, address and phone number of the new owner.
(K) The use of lattice towers is discouraged and towers requiring guy wires are not permitted. Monopoles painted to reduce the visual impact and contrast are preferred.
(L) Unless specifically stated, all personal wireless communications facilities are limited by the height limitations of the district in which the property is located.
(M) Legal nonconforming personal wireless communications facilities established prior to this article may continue operation. However, no expansion of the use is allowed until those facilities are brought into compliance with this section. Any personal wireless communication facilities and all associated materials not in use for one year must be removed by the owner and the site must be returned to a state compatible with the surrounding vegetation and/or structure at the owners expense. A change in the principal use of the parcel will require the personal wireless communications facility to be brought into compliance with this section.
(N) Co-location on public facilities cannot interfere with public safety transmission purposes or diminish the security of public assets.
(Ord. O2000-35, passed 6-21-2000; Ord. O2010-32, passed 7-7-2010; Ord. O2018-014, passed 8-1-2018)
(A) In addition to the general application requirements listed in § 154-19.02, the following information shall be submitted:
(1) A statement of intent to lease space for co-location for any new or replacement monopoles or lattice towers over 40 feet in height. Said statement is to contain the number of providers that can be accommodated on the tower and list the number and type of additional antennas the tower will support if any additional space is available; and
(2) Those structures requiring a conditional use permit only are required to submit a visual study depicting “where within a 600 foot radius any portion of the monopole or lattice tower could be seen” and a narrative describing in layman terms the reasons for selecting a monopole or lattice tower and a list of all feasible alternatives, including alternative sites considered in the site search, attempts to co-locate on existing buildings, rooftops, right-of-way structures or other structural features and the factors that have eliminated their consideration.
(B) In addition to the general development standards listed in § 154-19.03, the following development standards shall apply:
(1) Limited to 100 feet in height as measured from the lowest grade of the site adjacent to the tower to the highest point of the device;
(2) A minimum separation of 600 feet distance shall be maintained between the new monopole or lattice tower and any existing freestanding towers or monopoles;
(3) All monopoles or lattice towers must be setback a minimum one foot for every one foot in height of the structure (1:1) from any residential use or zone, or any hillside;
(4) All equipment and monopoles or lattice towers must be setback equal to the principal building on the site or at least 20 feet from the proposed right-of-way line, as determined by the Major Roadways Plan, whichever is greater; and
(5) All antenna arrays shall be limited to a maximum eight foot diameter.
(Ord. O2000-35, passed 6-21-2000; Ord. O2002-09, passed 2-20-2002; Ord. O2010-32, passed 7-7-2010)
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