20D.90 Exterior Lighting Standards
20D.90.10-010 Purpose.
20D.90.10-020 Applicability.
20D.90.10-030 General Requirements.
20D.90.10-040 Lighting Standards for Uses within 50 feet of Residential Zones.
20D.90.10-050 Open-Air Parking Lot Lighting.
20D.90.10-060 Repealed.
20D.90.10-070 Canopy Lighting and Lighting of Service Stations.
20D.90.10-080 Lighting of Outdoor Performance, Sport and Recreation Facilities and Playfields.
20D.90.10-090 Security Lighting.
20D.90.10-100 Architectural Accent Lighting.
20D.90.10-110 Lighting of Landscaping.
20D.90.10-120 Temporary Lighting.
20D.90.10-010 Purpose.
This division is established for the following purposes:
(1) To regulate exterior lighting in order to avoid unsafe and unpleasant conditions as the result of poorly designed or installed exterior lighting.
(2) To implement the light and energy conservation policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
(3) To discourage excessive lighting.
(4) To regulate the type of light fixtures, lamps and standards.
(5) To protect low and low moderate density residential zones from the ill affects associated with nonresidential and multi-family exterior lighting.
(6) To create a safe environment during hours of darkness.
(7) To avoid excessive lighting in order to promote the City’s dark night sky policies. (Ord. 2109)
20D.90.10-020 Applicability.
(1) When an exterior lighting installation is part of a new development proposal requiring Site Plan Review, a General Development Permit or a Special Development Permit, the Technical Committee shall review and approve the lighting design as part of the permitting process.
(2) The Technical Committee shall review and approve the lighting design as part of the permitting processing for projects undergoing redevelopment or expansion when the redevelopment increases the gross floor area or valuation by the criteria established in RCDG 20F.10.50-090.
(3) These regulations do not apply to individual dwelling units, with the exception of common areas, which are regulated. Examples of common areas include, but are not limited to, pathways, clubhouses, shared driveways, parking lots and play areas.
(4) These regulations do not apply to Public Right-of-Way and shall not conflict with City Street Light standards and design criteria.
(5) These regulations do not apply to lighting necessary for emergency equipment and work conducted in the interests of law enforcement or for the safety, health, or welfare of the community.
(6) The regulation of sign lighting is governed by Chapter 20D.160 RCDG.
(7) Standards for properties in Transition Overlay Areas can be found in Chapter 20D.230 RCDG, Transition Overlay Areas. (Ord. 2390; Ord. 2109)
20D.90.10-030 General Requirements.
(1) Site lighting trespass onto adjacent residential zones shall be minimized.
(2) Site lighting shall minimize light spill into the dark night sky.
(3) Where practical, exterior lighting installations shall include timers, dimmers, sensors, or photocell controllers that turn the lights off during daylight hours or hours when lighting is not needed, to reduce overall energy consumption and eliminate unneeded lighting.
(4) Exterior lighting installations shall be designed to avoid harsh contrasts in lighting levels.
(5) Fixtures and lighting systems used for safety and security shall be in good working order and shall be maintained in a manner that serves the original design intent of the system.
(6) Vegetation and landscaping shall be maintained in a manner that does not obstruct security lighting and minimizes possible entrapment spaces.
(7) The applicant shall submit to the Technical Committee sufficient information, in the form of an overall exterior lighting plan, to enable the Technical Committee to determine that the applicable provisions will be satisfied. The exterior lighting plan shall include at least the following:
(a) Manufacturer specification sheets, cut-sheets or other manufacturer provided information for all proposed lighting fixtures.
(b) The proposed location, mounting height, and aiming point of all exterior lighting fixtures.
(c) If building elevations are proposed for illumination, drawings shall be provided for all relevant building elevations showing the fixtures, the portions of the elevations to be illuminated, the illuminance levels of the elevations, and the aiming point for any remote light fixture.
(d) If needed to review proposed exterior lighting installations, the Technical Committee may request additional information following the initial lighting plan submittal, such as:
(i) A brief written narrative, with accompanying plan or sketch, which demonstrates the objectives of the lighting.
(ii) Photometric data, Color Rendering Index (CRI) of all lamps (bulbs), and other descriptive information on the fixtures, and if applicable or required, designation as Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) “cutoff” fixtures.
(iii) Computer generated photometric grid showing footcandle readings every 10 feet within the property or site, and 10 feet beyond the property lines at a scale specified by the Administrator. Iso-footcandle contour line style plans are also acceptable.
(iv) Landscaping information that indicates mature tree size, shrubbery and other vegetation in order to evaluate the long-term and seasonal effectiveness of lighting or screening of lighting. (Ord. 2109)
20D.90.10-040 Lighting Standards for Uses within 50 feet of Residential Zones.
(1) For exterior lighting installations and fixtures within 50 feet of low and low-moderate density residential zones (densities less than or equal to R-6), the following requirements shall apply:
(a) Lighting fixtures shall be no higher than 15 feet above grade.
(b) Lighting fixtures shall be aimed and shielded in a manner that shall not direct illumination on adjacent residential zones. Fixtures should be of a type or adequately shielded so as to prevent glare from normal viewing angles.
(c) Where feasible, additional landscaping may be required by the Technical Committee to provide light screening between commercial zones and residential zones to help prevent light trespass. Where landscaping is used for light screening, the Technical Committee shall take into consideration the applicable landscaping standards found elsewhere in these regulations, the design standards found elsewhere in these regulations, the creation of excessive shadows or dark spaces, and views into and out of a site.
(2) The height restrictions of this section [item 1(a) above] shall not apply to lighting used to illuminate outdoor performance areas, sport and recreation facilities, and playfields, except where such lighting fixtures are located within 50 feet of the property line of a low and low-moderate density residential use or vacant residential lot (densities less than or equal to R-6). Lighting of outdoor performance areas, sport and recreation facilities, and playfields shall also meet the standards in RCDG 20D.90.10-080. (Ord. 2109)
20D.90.10-050 Open-Air Parking Lot Lighting.
(1) Open-air parking lots shall comply with the standards of this section in addition to the other requirements of this division.
(2) For multilevel parking facilities, the roof level shall be considered an open-air parking lot.
(3) Open-air parking lot lighting shall be designed to provide adequate vision, comfort and safety.
(4) Open-air parking lot lighting shall be designed to provide for uniform lighting throughout the facility with no dark patches or pockets.
(5) Open-air parking lot lighting shall be designed to provide a minimum value of lighting necessary for the safety and identification of features.
(6) Open-air parking lot lighting shall not cause direct illumination on adjacent and nearby properties or streets. Fixtures should be of a type or adequately shielded so as to prevent glare from normal viewing angles.
(7) In order to direct light downward and minimize the amount of light spilled into the dark night sky, all lighting fixtures serving open-air parking lots, except as allowed in subsection (8) of this section, shall be full cutoff fixtures as defined by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA).
(8) If the design of an area suggests the use of parking lot lighting fixtures of a particular “period” or architectural style, the Technical Committee may permit alternatives or supplements to the lighting described above. In order to minimize the amount of light spilled into the dark night sky the following shall apply:
(a) Mounting heights of such alternative fixtures shall not exceed 15 feet above grade or pavement.
(b) The Technical Committee shall require reasonable measures to minimize light trespass and light spill into the dark night sky.
(9) The following mounting height regulations shall apply to open-air parking lot lighting fixtures. Mounting height shall be measured as the vertical distance between the parking surface and the bottom of the lighting fixture.
(a) The maximum permissible mounting height of open-air parking lot lighting fixtures within 50 feet of low and low-moderate density residential zones (densities less than or equal to R-6) shall be 15 feet.
(b) The maximum permissible mounting height for open-air parking lot lighting fixtures, on top levels of structures, shall be 15 feet.
(c) The maximum permissible mounting height of open-air parking lot lighting fixtures, not listed in (a) and (b) above, shall be 25 feet.
(10)The Technical Committee may allow increases from Basic to Enhanced Security lighting levels (see table below), when personal security is an issue, such as where the parking facility is used during all hours of the day and night, where special security needs exist, or where vandalism or crime are possible. The Technical Committee may consider specific site characteristics, level of vehicle and pedestrian conflict, special security needs, and history or likelihood of crimes in making its determination.
(11) The table below establishes open-air parking lot lighting standards.
|
|
Basic1 |
Enhanced |
|
Minimum Footcandles on Pavement3 |
0.2 fc |
0.5 fc |
|
Maximum Footcandles on Pavement |
4.0 fc |
7.5 fc |
|
Uniformity Ratio Maximum:Minimum4 |
20:1 |
15:1 |
|
Minimum Footcandles at five (5) feet Above Pavement5 |
0.1 fc |
0.25 fc |
Notes:
fc = footcandle
1 For typical conditions. During periods of nonuse, the illuminance of certain parking facilities should be turned off or reduced to conserve energy. If reduced lighting is to be used only for the purpose of property security, it is desirable that the minimum (low point) value not be less than 0.1 footcandle. Reductions should not be applied to facilities subject to intermittent night use, such as at apartments, hospitals and transportation terminals.
2 The Technical Committee may allow increases from Basic to Enhanced Security lighting levels, when personal security is an issue, such as where the parking facility is used during all hours of the day and night, where special security needs exist, or where vandalism or crime are possible. The Technical Committee may consider specific site characteristics, level of vehicle and pedestrian conflict, special security needs, and history or likelihood of crimes in making its determination.
3 Measured on the parking surface, without any shadowing effect from parked vehicles or trees at points of measurement.
4 The highest horizontal illuminance point at grade, divided by the lowest horizontal illuminance point or area should not be greater than the values shown.
5 Measured at 1.5 meters (5.0 feet) above parking surface at the point of the lowest horizontal illuminance, excluding facing outward along boundaries.
(Ord. 2109)
20D.90.10-060 Exterior and Parking Lot Lighting in Transition Overlays.
Repealed by Ord. 2390. (Ord. 2109; Ord. 2027)
20D.90.10-070 Canopy Lighting and Lighting of Service Stations.
(1) Lighting of such areas shall not be used to attract attention to the business. Signs allowed under the appropriate section of these regulations shall be used for that purpose.
(2) Lighting levels shall be adequate to facilitate the activities taking place in such locations.
(3) In order to minimize the extent of direct glare, light fixtures mounted on canopies shall be recessed so that the lens cover is recessed or flush with the bottom surface (ceiling) of the canopy or shielded by the fixture or the edge of the canopy so that light is restrained to 85 degrees or less from vertical. The figure below, entitled Recessed Fixture, illustrates this.
Recessed Fixture
(4) As an alternative (or supplement) to recessed ceiling lights, indirect lighting may be used where light is beamed upward and then reflected down from the underside of the canopy. When this method is used, light fixtures must be shielded so that direct illumination is focused exclusively on the underside of the canopy.
(5) Lights shall not be mounted on the top or sides (fascias) of the canopy. The sides (fascias of the canopy) shall not be illuminated in a manner other than that prescribed under the section of these regulations regulating signs.
(6) Areas around service station pump islands shall be illuminated so that the minimum horizontal illuminance at grade level is at least 1.0 footcandle and no more than 5.0 footcandles. The uniformity ratio (average illumination to minimum illumination) shall be no greater than 4:1. At the discretion of the Technical Committee, increased lighting levels may be permitted for enhanced security purposes only. (Ord. 2109)
20D.90.10-080 Lighting of Outdoor Performance, Sport and Recreation Facilities and Playfields.
(1) Lighting levels for outdoor performance areas, sport and recreation facilities, and playfields shall not exceed by more than five percent the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) published standards for the proposed activity.
(2) Where playing fields or other special activity areas are to be illuminated, lighting fixtures shall be mounted, aimed and shielded so that their beams fall within the primary playing area and immediate surroundings, and so that no direct illumination is directed off the site.
(3) The main lighting shall be turned off as soon as possible following the end of the event. The main lighting shall not remain on longer than 30 minutes following the end of the event. Where feasible, a low level lighting system shall be used to facilitate patrons leaving the facility, cleanup, nighttime maintenance and other closing activities. The low level lighting system shall provide an average horizontal illumination level at grade of no more than 3.0 footcandles, with a uniformity ratio (average illumination to minimum illumination) not exceeding 4:1. (Ord. 2109)
20D.90.10-090 Security Lighting.
(1) Security Lighting is defined as lighting designed and used to discourage crime and undesirable activity.
(2) Security Lighting should use the lowest possible illumination to effectively allow surveillance.
(3) The use of sensor technologies, timers or other means to activate lighting during times when it will be needed may be required by the Technical Committee to conserve energy, provide safety, and promote compatibility between different land uses.
(4) In order to direct light downward and minimize the amount of light spill into the dark night sky, all security lighting fixtures shall be full cutoff fixtures as defined by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA).
(5) Security lighting shall be shielded and aimed so that illumination is directed to the designated areas.
(6) Where security lighting is proposed, the table below shall govern the range of permissible light levels for the listed applications. Where a proposed security lighting application is not identified in the table below, the table shall be used as a guide for establishing the range of permissible light levels.
|
Security Lighting Application |
Average Horizontal Illumination Level on Ground |
|
Large Open Areas |
0.5 – 2.0 fc1 |
|
Buildings |
0.5 – 2.0 fc1 |
|
Perimeter Fence |
0.5 fc2 |
|
Entrances |
10 fc3 |
|
Gatehouses |
30 fc4 |
|
Pedestrian Pathways and Access Routes |
4 – 6 fc |
Notes:
fc = footcandle
1 The greater the brightness of the surrounding area, the higher the illuminance required to balance the brightness.
2 Illuminance on the ground.
3 Illuminance on the ground in the inspection area.
4 Illuminance on the work-plane in the gatehouse. This lighting must be dimmable to low levels at night so the guard can see outside the gatehouse.
(Ord. 2109)
20D.90.10-100 Architectural Accent Lighting.
(1) Fixtures used to accent architectural features, materials, colors, style of buildings, or art shall be located, aimed and shielded so that light is directed only on those features. Such fixtures shall be aimed or shielded so as to minimize light spill into the dark night sky. The Technical Committee may allow exceptions to this provision if minimal light escapes into the dark night sky or onto adjacent properties.
(2) Lighting fixtures shall not generate excessive light levels, cause glare, or direct light beyond the facade onto neighboring property, streets or the night sky.
(3) The maximum illumination of any vertical surface or angular roof surface in dark surroundings shall not exceed three footcandles.
(4) The maximum illumination of any vertical surface or angular roof surface in light surroundings shall not exceed five footcandles.
(5) Flags of the United States or Washington State may be illuminated from below provided such lighting is focused primarily on the individual flag or flags so as to limit light trespass and spill into the dark night sky. (Ord. 2109)
20D.90.10-110 Lighting of Landscaping.
Illumination of landscaping shall utilize diffused or muted lighting, avoid glare, and minimize light trespass and escape beyond landscaping onto neighboring property, streets, or the night sky. (Ord. 2109)
20D.90.10-120 Temporary Lighting.
(1) Lighting used to illuminate temporary uses shall be reviewed, and if necessary conditioned, through the Temporary Use Permitting Process.
(2) The Technical Committee may impose specific conditions for the lighting of temporary uses consistent with the purposes of this title. (Ord. 2109)