Chapter 15.425
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sections:
15.425.020 Applicability and exemptions.
15.425.030 Alternative materials and methods of construction, installation, or operation.
15.425.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the placement, orientation, distribution patterns, and fixture types of on-site outdoor lighting. The intent of this section is to provide minimum lighting standards that promote safety, utility, and security, prevent glare on public roadways, and protect the privacy of residents. [Ord. 2537, 11-6-00. Code 2001 § 151.585.]
15.425.020 Applicability and exemptions.
A. Applicability. Outdoor lighting shall be required for safety and personal security in areas of assembly, parking, and traverse, as part of multifamily residential, commercial, industrial, public, recreational and institutional uses. The applicant for any Type I or Type II development permit shall submit, as part of the site plan, evidence that the proposed outdoor lighting plan will comply with this section. This information shall contain but not be limited to the following:
1. The location, height, make, model, lamp type, wattage, and proposed cutoff angle of each outdoor lighting fixture.
2. Additional information the director may determine is necessary, including but not limited to illuminance level profiles, hours of business operation, and percentage of site dedicated to parking and access.
3. If any portion of the site is used after dark for outdoor parking, assembly or traverse, an illumination plan for these areas is required. The plan must address safety and personal security.
B. Exemptions. The following uses shall be exempt from the provisions of this section:
1. Public street and airport lighting.
2. Circus, fair, carnival, or outdoor governmentally sponsored event or festival lighting.
3. Construction or emergency lighting, provided such lighting is discontinued immediately upon completion of the construction work or abatement of the emergency necessitating said lighting.
4. Temporary Lighting. In addition to the lighting otherwise permitted in this code, a lot may contain temporary lighting during events as listed below:
a. Grand Opening Event. A grand opening is an event of up to 30 days in duration within 30 days of issuance of a certificate of occupancy for a new or remodeled structure, or within 30 days of change of business or ownership. No lot may have more than one grand opening event per calendar year. The applicant shall notify the city in writing of the beginning and ending dates prior to the grand opening event.
b. Other Events. A lot may have two other events per calendar year. The events may not be more than eight consecutive days in duration, nor less than 30 days apart.
5. Lighting activated by motion sensor devices.
6. Nonconforming lighting in place as of September 5, 2000. Replacement of nonconforming lighting is subject to the requirements of NMC 15.205.010 through 15.205.100.
7. Light Trespass onto Industrial Properties. The lighting trespass standards of NMC 15.425.040 do not apply where the light trespass would be onto an industrially zoned property. [Ord. 2720 § 1(18), 11-2-09; Ord. 2537, 11-6-00. Code 2001 § 151.586.]
15.425.030 Alternative materials and methods of construction, installation, or operation.
The provisions of this section are not intended to prevent the use of any design, material, or methods of installation or operation not specifically prescribed by this section, provided any such alternate has been approved by the director. Alternatives must be an approximate equivalent to the applicable specific requirement of this section and must comply with all other applicable standards in this section. [Ord. 2537, 11-6-00. Code 2001 § 151.587.]
15.425.040 Requirements.
A. General Requirements – All Zoning Districts.
1. Low-level light fixtures include exterior lights which are installed between ground level and six feet tall. Low-level light fixtures are considered nonintrusive and are unrestricted by this code.
2. Medium-level light fixtures include exterior lights which are installed between six feet and 15 feet above ground level. Medium-level light fixtures must either comply with the shielding requirements of subsection (B) of this section, or the applicant shall show that light trespass from a property has been designed not to exceed one-half foot-candle at the property line.
3. High-level light fixtures include exterior lights which are installed 15 feet or more above ground level. High-level light fixtures must comply with the shielding requirements of subsection (B) of this section, and light trespass from a property may not exceed one-half foot-candle at the property line.
B. Table of Shielding Requirements.
|
Fixture Lamp Type |
Shielded |
|---|---|
|
Low/high pressure sodium, mercury vapor, metal halide and fluorescent over 50 watts |
Fully |
|
Incandescent over 160 watts |
Fully |
|
Incandescent 160 watts or less |
None |
|
Fossil fuel |
None |
|
Any light source of 50 watts or less |
None |
|
Other sources |
As approved by NMC 15.425.030 |
Note: “Incandescent” includes tungsten-halogen (quartz) lamps.
[Ord. 2537, 11-6-00. Code 2001 § 151.588.]