Division 5 — OUTDOOR LIGHTING STANDARDS

This Section provides standards consistent with prudent safety practices for the elimination of excess nighttime light and glare.

(Ord. No. 503, 12-16-2014)

The following standards shall be applied to all new and Substantially Improved Commercial, Industrial, and High Density Residential projects, including government projects, through the Site Plan Review process pursuant to Section 28.52.030, the Use Permit process pursuant to Section 28.52.040, or through any other discretionary permit that requires it as indicated in Article V, Division 3.

A.

Building Illumination. All entry points to primary buildings and secondary structures (like a trash enclosure or shed) shall be lit at night for the convenience and security of employees and customers.

B.

Hours of Operation. All exterior lighting, including internally lit signs, shall be set on timers programmed to automatically go off no later than one hour after closing and go on no earlier than one hour before opening unless otherwise approved through a Variance or Use Permit as provided for in Article V, Division 3.

C.

Shielding Off-Site Areas. All outdoor lighting shall be located, adequately shielded, and directed such that no direct light falls outside the property line, or into the public right-of-way as illustrated in Figure 28.44.020.

(Ord. No. 503, 12-16-2014)

The following lighting shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section:

A.

Airport lighting that is required for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft during flight, take off, landing, and taxiing. All other outdoor lighting at airport facilities shall comply with the provisions of this Section.

B.

Emergency lighting used by law enforcement or other emergency personnel.

C.

Construction lighting used by public agencies for nighttime public works or road construction projects.

D.

Flag lighting used for the illumination of the United States flag subject to the requirements for nighttime illumination of the United States Flag Code.

E.

Special Event lighting that has been approved through an Administrative Permit or Use Permit. Said lighting shall be designed to eliminate glare and minimize light pollution as much as possible in compliance with this Section.

F.

Security Lighting placed on a motion sensor is exempt from the timing requirement identified in Subsection 28.44.020B.

G.

Parking Lot Lights needed to guide employees safely to their cars may be turned off using a delayed timer 30 minutes after the last employee leaves.

(Ord. No. 503, 12-16-2014)

Lighting lawfully in place prior to the effective date of this Section may remain in use except as provided below:

A.

Any nonconforming lighting that is replaced, re-aimed, or relocated must meet the standards of this Section.

B.

Nonconforming lighting that directs light toward streets in such a manner as to cause potentially hazardous glare to motorists or cyclists shall be either replaced or redirected so as to meet the requirements of Section 28.44.020.C.

(Ord. No. 503, 12-16-2014)