Kings County Zoning Code § 1409 Illumination of Signs

A. External light sources shall be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination of any object other than the sign.

B. Signs shall not have exposed fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs and the degree of brightness or luminous of backlighted signs shall not interfere with the use and enjoyment of adjacent properties, create a public nuisance, or create safety hazards.

C. Light sources (e.g., light bulbs) used for externally illuminated signs shall not be visible within 100 feet of any residential zoning district. Internally illuminated signs visible from any residential zoning district shall not be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless they identify an establishment open for business during those hours.

D. Signs with electrical components shall be constructed, inspected, and approved by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL), or equal standard, and a label of approval from the laboratory shall be affixed to the sign in plain view.

E. The use of neon signs and architectural lighting elements shall be allowed in commercial zoning districts only and subject to the following requirements.

1. Neon signs and linear tubing shall be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed with a maximum 30 milliamps per circuit and be designed to accommodate a dimmer in order to reduce the brightness of the neon.

2. The neon manufacturer shall be registered with Underwriters Laboratories.

3. Neon tubing shall not exceed one half inch in diameter.

4. Neon lighting adjacent to residential uses shall not create hazardous glare or a nuisance on either a public street or on any private residence.

5. Neon tubing shall not be combined with any reflective materials (e.g., highly glazed tiles, mirrors, polished metal, or other similar materials).

6. When used as an architectural element, neon tubing shall be used only to reinforce specific architectural elements of the structure and shall be concealed from view whenever possible through the use of cornices, ledges, or parapets.

7. Neon signs placed within five feet of a storefront window shall not occupy more than 25 percent of the window area.

8. Neon lighting that completely surrounds a door, window, or similar element is not allowed.

F. Awnings with back-lit text or graphics are not allowed.

G. An electronic sign that changes its message more than once every four seconds is considered a flashing sign and is prohibited in compliance with Section 1406.A.3 above.

H. For residential districts, lighting for address illumination shall not create a public nuisance for other residents in the area.