Chapter 17.46 — LIGHTING

The purpose of this chapter is to regulate lighting to balance the safety and security needs for lighting with the city's desire to preserve dark skies and to ensure that light trespass and glare have negligible impact on surrounding property (especially residential) and roadways. (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)

The requirements of this chapter apply to all new multi-family, residential, and non-residential development. Whenever a person is required to obtain a building permit, electrical permit and/or approval of a planning entitlement, the applicant shall submit sufficient information for the approving authority to determine whether the proposed lighting will comply with the requirements of this chapter. No additional applications or plans are required unless the Community Development Director requires specified additional information. (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)

The following items shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter:

• A. All outdoor light fixtures producing light directly by the combustion of fossil fuels, such as kerosene lanterns or gas fixtures.

• B. Temporary lights used for holiday decorations.

• C. Emergency lighting erected for official purposes by local, state, or federal agencies.

• D. Lighting for temporary uses and special events permitted consistent with this code. (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)

The following types of lighting are prohibited.

• A. Neon tubing or band lighting along buildings and/or structures as articulation, except as approved through administrative design review (Section 17.12.080) or comprehensive design review (Section 17.12.150).

• B. Search lights, laser source lights, or any similar high-intensity light, except for emergency use by police or fire personnel or at their discretion, or for approved temporary lighting for a special event approved by the city.

• C. Lighting fixtures operated in such a manner as to constitute a hazard or danger to persons or to safe vehicular travel.

• D. Illumination of entire buildings.

• E. Roof-mounted lighting except for security purposes.

• F. Moving, flashing, or animated lighting. (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)

The requirements listed below shall apply to all outdoor lighting.

A. Nuisance Prevention. All outdoor lighting shall be designed, located, installed, directed downward or toward structures, fully shielded, and maintained in order to prevent glare, light trespass, and light pollution.

• B. Maintenance. Fixtures and lighting shall be maintained in good working order and in a manner that serves the original design intent.

1. Burnt out and broken light bulbs shall be replaced.

2. Lighting fixtures shall remain free of graffiti and rust.

3. Painted light fixtures shall be maintained to minimize chipping or peeling.

C. Shielding. Except as otherwise exempt, all outdoor lighting shall be recessed and/or constructed with full downward shielding in order to reduce light and glare impacts on trespass to adjoining properties and public rights-of-way. Each fixture shall be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way, so that no light fixture directly illuminates an area outside of the project site intended to be illuminated. See Figure 17.46.050-1 (Shielding and Maximum Height of Freestanding Outdoor Light Fixtures).

D. Level of Illumination. Outdoor lighting shall be designed to illuminate at the minimum level necessary for safety and security and to avoid the harsh contrasts in lighting levels between the project site and adjacent properties. Illumination requirements are as follows:

1. Public, civic, and religious buildings are permitted to be fully illuminated during hours of operation. After hours of operation, lighting may be dimmed or turned off such that only lighting essential for security or safety shall be maintained.

2. In general, parking lots, driveways, trash enclosures/areas, public phones, and group mailboxes shall be illuminated with a minimum maintained one (1) foot-candle of light and an average not to exceed four (4) foot-candles of light. Parking lots for banks, convenience stores, card rooms, check cashing businesses, and emergency shelters shall provide a minimum level of illumination of one and one half (1.5) foot-candles across the parking lot during operating hours.

3. Pedestrian walkways intended for use after dark shall be illuminated with a minimum maintained one-half (1/2) foot-candle of light and an average not to exceed two (2) foot-candles of light.

4. Entryways and exterior doors of non-residential structures shall be illuminated during the hours of darkness, with a minimum maintained one (1) foot-candle of light, measured within a five (5)-foot radius on each side of the door at ground level.

5. To minimize light trespass on abutting residential property, illumination measured at the nearest residential structure or rear yard setback line shall not exceed the moon's potential ambient illumination of one-tenth (1/10) foot-candle.

6. Signs. Lighting of signs shall be in compliance with Chapter 17.52 (Signs) of this code.

7. Sports Fields/Outdoor Activity Areas. Where playing fields or other specialty activity areas are to be illuminated, lighting fixtures shall be mounted, aimed, and shielded so that the light falls within the primary playing area and no significant off-site light trespass is produced. Additionally, the lights shall be turned off within one (1) hour after the end of the event.

8. Wireless Telecommunication Facilities. Wireless telecommunication facilities and related equipment shall be unlit except as provided in Chapter 17.76 (Wireless Communication Facilities).

E. Maximum Height of Freestanding Outdoor Light Fixtures. The maximum height of freestanding outdoor light fixtures abutting residential development shall be 18 feet. Otherwise, the maximum height for freestanding outdoor light structures shall be 24 feet. Height shall be measured from the finish grade, inclusive of the pedestal, to the top of the fixture. See Figure 17.46.050-1 (Shielding and Maximum Height of Freestanding Outdoor Light Fixtures). (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)

FIGURE 17.46.050-1

SHIELDING AND MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF FREESTANDING OUTDOOR LIGHT FIXTURES

F. Energy-Efficient Fixtures Required. Outdoor lighting shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures and lamps, such as high pressure sodium, metal halide, low pressure sodium, hard-wired compact fluorescent, or other lighting technology that is of equal or greater efficiency. All new outdoor lighting fixtures shall be energy efficient with a rated average bulb life of not less than ten thousand (10,000) hours. G. Accent Lighting. Architectural features may be illuminated by uplighting provided that the lamps are low intensity to produce a subtle lighting effect and no glare or light trespass is produced. Wherever feasible, solar-powered fixtures shall be used.

H. Alternative Designs, Materials, and Installations. The designated approving authority may grant approval of alternatives to this section as part of comprehensive design review (Section 17.12.150). (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)