Chapter 22.60
OUTDOOR LIGHTING STANDARDS
Sections:
22.60.030 General requirements.
22.60.010 Purpose.
The regulation of outdoor lighting discourages excessive lighting of outdoor spaces, encourages energy conservation and prohibits lighting creating a nuisance for adjacent property owners. (Ord. 07-015 § 4, 2007).
22.60.020 Application.
The requirements of this chapter and the Washington Energy Code apply to outdoor lighting requirements for all developments except one- and two-family dwellings and public street lighting. (Ord. 13-012 § 3, 2013; Ord. 07-015 § 4, 2007).
22.60.030 General requirements.
The installation of new outdoor lighting or the extension, modification or expansion of existing outdoor lighting is subject to the following requirements:
A. All outdoor lights shall include a light source and reflector that controls the light beam so that unshielded light does not extend across any bounding property line between incompatible uses or into the public right-of-way.
B. Outdoor lighting fixtures shall be designed so that the light source is shielded at any bounding property line except where topographical characteristics make this impossible.
C. Applications for commercial development will be evaluated by the city manager or designee to determine if a lighting plan is required to assess and mitigate impacts. The need for a lighting plan will be based on the scope and scale of the project, compatibility with surrounding uses, and anticipated light impacts. If required, the plan will include the following:
1. A site plan showing the location of all outdoor light fixtures.
2. The type and method of shielding for each light fixture.
D. Lighting designed to accent landscaping features or architectural elements, including the illumination of pole-mounted flags of the United States, shall be concealed or positioned so that the light source is not visible at adjacent property lines. (Ord. 17-004 § 3, 2017; Ord. 13-012 § 4, 2013; Ord. 07-015 § 4, 2007).
22.60.040 Prohibited lights.
The following lights are prohibited unless a temporary permit is obtained for specific events with specific times of operation:
A. Laser source light, strobe lights and similar high intensity light sources, except those associated with approved activities of the City of Spokane Valley. High intensity lights for which a temporary permit is issued shall not project above the horizontal plane nor extend into the public right-of-way.
B. Searchlights. (Ord. 13-012 § 4, 2013; Ord. 07-015 § 4, 2007).
22.60.050 Exceptions.
A. Navigation and airport lighting required for the safe operation of boats and airplanes.
B. Emergency lighting required by police, fire, and rescue authorities.
C. Lighting for state and federal highways authorized by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
D. Internal lighting of permitted signs.
E. Outdoor lighting for public monuments.
F. In-pool lighting for private swimming pools.
G. Holiday decorations. (Ord. 13-012 § 5, 2013; Ord. 07-015 § 4, 2007).
22.60.060 Temporary lighting.
The building official may authorize temporary exceptions not to exceed 30 days for good cause shown. (Ord. 07-015 § 4, 2007).