Section 8178-2.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 9, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8177-4.1 - Development Standards.

The following additional resource protection standards shall apply to developments proposed in the Santa Monica Mountains overlay zone (M).

See applicable resource-protection standards for the (M) overlay zone in Section 8178-2.

8177-4.1.1 - New development, including all private and public recreational uses, shall preserve all unique vegetation such as Coreopsis gigantea (giant coreopsis) and Dudleya cymosa ssp. Marcescens (marcescent dudleya). 8177-4.1.2 - All new upland development shall be sited and designed to avoid adverse impacts on environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHA). Section 8178-2 contains development standards that apply to areas of the Santa Monica Mountains (M) Overlay Zone that contain ESHA or buffer zones (see Coastal Area Plan, Figure 4.1.3-3). Properties located within the Santa Monica Mountains (M) Overlay Zone are also subject to specific ESHAdevelopment policies and standards of the LCP, including those set forth in the following sections:

•

Section 8174-4 Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas

•

Section 8175-5.2.4(b) Animals and Fowl

•

Section 8178-2.3 (c) Environmental Reviews

•

Section 8178-2.4.1 (d) Definition of ESHA

•

Section 8178-2.6.2 Maximum Allowable Building Site in ESHA or Buffer Zone

•

Section 8178-2.6.3(d) General Siting and Building Design Standards

•

Section 8178-2.6.8(c) Access Roads and Driveways in ESHA

•

Section 8178-2.6.14 Fences, Gates and Walls

•

Section 8178-2.6.15 Outdoor Lighting Standards

•

Section 8178-2.6.16 Noise Standards

•

Section 8178-2.8(a) Pesticides and Pest Management in the Coastal Zone

•

Section 8178-2.9.4 ESHA Preservation Incentive (Santa Monica Mountains)

•

Section 8178-2.10.8(d) Ventura County In-Lieu Fee Program

•

Section 8178-8 Water Efficient Landscaping Requirements

•

Section 8181-3.5.2 Additional Findings for Development in the Santa Monica Mountains Overlay Zone

8177-4.1.3 - For proposals for land divisions in the Santa Monica Mountains, all offers of dedication for trail easements shall be recorded on the final map. Trail easements established by deed restriction shall be recorded on the deed no later than final map recordation. See Section 8178-2.9.2. 8177-4.1.4 - New development shall be sited and designed to protect public views to and from the shoreline and public recreational areas. Where feasible, development on sloped terrain shall be set below road grade. 8177-4.1.5 - Development shall not be sited on ridgelines or hilltops when alternative sites on the parcel are available, and shall not be sited on the crest of major ridgelines. 8177-4.1.6 - Except within the existing South Coast community, as shown on the south coast subarea Land Use Plan map, all development proposals located within one thousand (1,000) feet of publicly owned park lands shall be sited and designed to mitigate potential adverse visual impacts upon park lands. Appropriate mitigation measures include additional landscaping, use of natural materials, low building profiles, earth tone colors, and the like. Development shall not be sited within five hundred (500) feet of a park boundary unless no alternative siting on the property is possible consistent with the policies of the Plan. 8177-4.1.7 - Development shall neither preclude continued use of, nor preempt, the option of establishing inland recreational trails along routes depicted on the LCP Land Use Plan maps. A recorded offer of dedication or a deed restriction creating a trail easement shall be required as a condition of approval on property crossed by trails shown on the LCP Land Use Plan maps. 8177-4.1.8 - All new trail corridors shall be a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet in width, with a larger corridor width for major feeder trails. The routing of trails shall be flexible in order to maintain an adequate buffer zone from adjacentdevelopment. Where feasible, development shall be sited sufficiently distant from the trail so as not to interfere with the trail route. 8177-4.1.9 - During the permitting process, the applicant shall provide the County with any documentation in their possession, or any information they are aware of, regarding the potential or contemplated acquisition of the subject property or portion thereof by a public natural resource agency or non-profit conservation organization. 8177-4.1.10 - Any areas within the Santa Monica Mountains used for private recreational purposes shall continue to be so used unless it becomes infeasible to do so. These properties are subject to the following:

(a)

The only principally-permitted uses (not appealable to the Coastal Commission) on such properties are recreational uses. Planned Development Permits for new recreational uses, or the expansion of existing recreational uses, shall be reviewed for conformance with Section 8178-2 and may be issued by the Planning Director in accordance with Article 11. Permits for all other uses shall be decided upon in accordance with Articles 4 and 11, and all other applicable provisions of this Chapter and the certified LCP Land Use Plan.

(b)

Prior to the granting of a permit that allows a conversion of recreational uses to non-recreation uses, Section 8177-4.1.9 shall be followed.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 9, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8177-4.1.11 - Outdoor lighting.

The following standards and requirements apply to all outdoor lighting for development in the Santa Monica Mountains (M) Overlay Zone. If ESHA or a buffer zone is located on the lot or may be impacted by proposed outdoor lighting, additional outdoor lighting standards and restrictions may apply to the lighting pursuant to Section 8178-2.6.15. If development is subject to the standards of more than one (1) section in this Chapter with respect to outdoor lighting, the more restrictive standards shall apply.

(Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8177-4.1.11.1 - Applicability.

All outdoor lighting shall be installed and maintained pursuant to this Section 8177-4.1.11 as follows, except to the extent outdoor lighting is exempt pursuant to Section 8177-4.1.11.2 or is authorized by an approved deviation pursuant to Section 8177-4.1.11.6:

(a)

The standards and requirements of Section 8177-4.1.11.4, and Section 8177-4.1.11.5, shall apply to all new or modified outdoor light fixtures, and to all new or modified night lighting within translucent or transparent enclosed structures for agricultural operations.

(b)

Any outdoor light fixture installed prior to 9/9/2022 that does not comply with any standard or requirement of Section 8177-4.1.11.5, shall be subject to the requirements of Section 8111-4.1.11.3.

(Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8177-4.1.11.2 - Exemptions.

The standards and requirements of this Section 8177-4.1.11 do not apply to outdoor lighting for the following development or uses:

(a)

Federal Standards. If the standards in this Section 8177-4.1.11 conflict with outdoor lighting standards mandated for a development by preemptive federal law, the federal standards shall apply.

(b)

Lighting For Emergencies and Temporary Uses:

(1)

Temporary emergency lighting.

(2)

Temporary lighting for public works construction projects.

(3)

Temporary lighting for film production, outdoor festivals, sporting events and other temporary outdoor uses authorized by this Chapter. See outdoor lighting regulations and standards in Sections 8175-5.6, and 8178-2.6.15, that may apply to these uses.

(4)

Temporary seasonal or festive lighting that is not used as permanent landscape lighting (e.g., string lighting). String lights under a color-correlated temperature of two thousand seven hundred (2,700) Kelvin that are used only in occupied dining and entertainment areas are exempted.

(c)

Outdoor light fixtures downward facing and fully shielded with a maximum output of sixty (60) lumens or less, including solar lights. The maximum output of a light fixture (e.g., string lights) shall be calculated based upon the total output of the entire lighting component installed, not by each individual bulb. However, if such a light fixture is located in ESHA or buffer zone it is regulated by

(d)

Lighting in a swimming pool that is accessory to a legally established dwelling or is associated with a legally established camp use.

(Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8177-4.1.11.3 - Existing lighting.

The provisions of Article 12, Nonconformities and Substandard Lots, do not apply to any lighting subject to this Section 8177-4.1.11. Any outdoor light fixture installed before September 9, 2022 that does not conform with any standard or requirement of this Section

8177-4.1.11, is subject to the following, as applicable:

(a)

Non-Essential Light Fixtures. Existing non-essential light fixtures may remain in use until replaced, but shall comply with the following requirements as of September 9, 2023:

(1)

Light fixtures that have adjustable mountings with the ability to be redirected shall be directed downward, to the extent feasible, to reduce light glare and trespass; and

(2)

The lighting shall be turned off from 10:00 p.m. until sunrise, or when people are no longer present in exterior areas being illuminated, whichever is the latest as described in Section 8177-4.1.11.5(g).

(b)

Essential Light Fixtures. Existing essential light fixtures may remain in use until replaced, but shall comply with the following requirements to reduce light glare and trespass onto adjacent properties as of 9/9/2023; any existing essential light fixture shall meet the requirements set forth in subsection (a)(1) above. Where security lighting output exceeds eight hundred fifty (850) lumens, or light trespass occurs in excess of 0.1 foot-candles at the vertical plane and the horizontal plane at the edge of the building site, light fixtures with motion sensors and timers shall be programmed to turn off the light(s) no more than ten (10) minutes after activation regardless of dark hours requirements.

(Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8177-4.1.11.4 - Prohibited lighting.

The use of any existing outdoor light fixture prohibited by this Section 8177-4.1.11.4 shall be discontinued no later than 9/9/2023. The following outdoor light fixtures are prohibited:

(a)

Lights that blink, flash, rotate, fade intermittently or have strobe light illumination.

(b)

Outdoor lighting located along the perimeter of a lot, except for security lighting located at entry gates that are controlled by a motion detector to turn off no more than ten (10) minutes after activation.

(c)

Uplighting of landscapes (e.g., trees, fountains), building exteriors, outdoor statues and similar features, or for other aesthetic purposes.

(d)

Permanent landscape lighting (including string lights) located outside of occupied dining and entertainment areas.

(e)

Outdoor lighting in the ultraviolet spectrum range.

(Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8177-4.1.11.5 - General outdoor lighting standards.

Except as provided in Section 8177-4.1.11.3 regarding existing lighting, the following standards and requirements apply to lighting and use thereof that is subject to and not prohibited by Section 8177-4.1.11. The purposes of these standards are to preserve the natural darkness of the night sky, reduce sky glow, minimize light trespass, improve star viewing, and decrease energy consumption:

(a)

Public Rights-of-Way. Outdoor lighting used by public transportation agencies for the principal purpose of illuminating public roads and rights-of-way or controlling traffic shall be shielded and directed downward when feasible.

(b)

Outside Building Site. Outdoor light fixtures located outside the building site shall be limited to essential lighting for security lighting at entry gates. Private driveways or access roads shall use solar lights, reflectors, or other low lumen options (under sixty (60) lumens) for safe passage.

(c)

Shielding and Direction of Light Fixtures.

(1)

All outdoor light fixtures shall be fully shielded, directed downward, and installed and maintained in such a manner to avoid light trespass in excess of 0.1 foot-candles at the vertical plane and the horizontal plane at the edge of the building site.

(2)

Landscaped berms, fences, landscape screening, building placement, and similar techniques shall be utilized to shield outdoor lighting.

(d)

Lighting Color. The correlated color temperature of each outdoor light fixture, except those used for security lighting (see Section 8177-4.1.11.5(h)),shall not exceed two thousand seven hundred (2,700) Kelvin.

(e)

Maximum Lumens Per Light Fixture. All outdoor lighting shall have a maximum lumen output per light fixture as follows:

(1)

Walkway lighting shall have a maximum output of one hundred (100) lumens per light fixture.

(2)

See subsection (h) for lumen standards regarding security lighting.

(3)

See subsection (i) for lumen standards regarding outdoor recreational facility lighting.

(4)

All other lighting shall have a maximum output of eight hundred fifty (850) lumens.

(f)

Maximum Height Allowance.

(1)

Lighting fixtures should be mounted as low as possible for the needed purpose.

(2)

Freestanding light fixtures used to light walkways, or hardscaping shall be located no higher than two (2) feet above ground level.

(3)

In cases where light fixtures are affixed to fences, the top of the fixture shall not be higher than the height of the fence or greater than six (6) feet, whichever is less.

(4)

All other freestanding light fixtures shall be no higher than twenty (20) feet above ground level.

(g)

Dark Hours. Outdoor lighting shall be turned off from 10:00 p.m. until sunrise, or when people are no longer present in exterior areas being illuminated, whichever is the latest. Photocells or photocontrols shall be used to ensure all outdoor lighting is automatically extinguished (or not triggered by motion sensors) when sufficient daylight is available. Automated controls should be fully programmable and supported by battery or similar backup.

(h)

Essential Lighting.

(1)

Essential lighting shall be placed on motion sensors with timers programmed to turn off the light(s) after no more than ten (10) minutes. Security lighting may remain on through dark hours when the light fixture output is less than eight hundred fifty (850) lumens and light trespass does not occur beyond the building site pursuant to subsection (c)(1) above.

(2)

Where security lighting output exceeds eight hundred fifty (850) lumens, or light trespass occurs pursuant to (c)(1), light fixtures with motion sensors and timers shall be programmed to turn off the light(s) no more than ten (10) minutes after activation regardless of dark hours requirements. See Section 8178-2.6.15.2(b)(4) for timer duration of security lighting located in ESHA or buffer zone.

(3)

Outdoor light fixtures used for security lighting shall be attached to legally established buildings or entry gate structures and controlled by motion sensors which extinguish no later than ten (10) minutes after activation. Security lighting shall not exceed a maximum output of two thousand six hundred (2,600) lumens per light fixture.

(4)

Where security cameras are used in conjunction with security lighting, the lighting color may exceed three thousand (3,000) Kelvin but shall be the minimum necessary for effective operation of the security camera.

(i)

Lighting for Commercial and Accessory Use Outdoor Recreational Facilities.

(1)

Outdoor recreational facility lighting may exceed eight hundred fifty (850) lumens and three thousand (3,000) Kelvin per light fixture. Lighting levels for these facilities shall not exceed those recommended in the Lighting Handbook available online by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) for the class of play (Sports Class I, II, III or IV).

(2)

In cases where fully-shielded light fixtures would cause impairment to the visibility required for the intended recreational activity, partially-shielded light fixtures and directional lighting methods may be utilized to reduce light pollution, glare and light trespass.

(3)

With the exception of essential lighting, outdoor recreational facilities shall not be illuminated between 10:00 p.m. and sunrise, except to complete a recreational event or activity that is in progress as of 10:00 p.m.

(4)

Light fixtures affixed to structures for the purpose of lighting outdoor recreational facilities (such as equestrian arenas, pool areas, batting cages, tennis courts, basketball courts, etc.) shall not be mounted higher than fifteen (15) feet above ground level.

(5)

The lighting system design (including lumens, Kelvin, etc.) shall be prepared by a qualifying engineer, architect or landscape architect, in conformance with this Section 8177-4.1.11.

(6)

The proposed lighting design shall be consistent with the purposes of this Section 8177-4.1.11.5 and minimize the effects of light on surrounding properties.

(j)

Night Lighting for Translucent or Transparent Enclosed Agriculture Structures. All night lighting within translucent or transparent enclosed structures used for ongoing agriculture or agricultural operations (e.g., greenhouses for crop production) shall use the following methods to reduce sky glow, beginning at 10:00 p.m. until sunrise:

(1)

Fully- or partially-shielded light fixtures that are directed downward; and

(2)

Blackout screening for the walls and roof, preventing interior night lighting from being visible outside the structure.

(k)

Wireless Communication Facilities. In addition to all other applicable standards for wireless communication facilities specified in Section 8175-5.20.3(t), wireless communication facilities (including radio and television towers) that are higher than two hundred (200) feet shall not use red-steady lights unless otherwise required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Only white strobe or red strobe lights or red flashing LED lights shall be used at night, and these should be the minimum number, minimum intensity, and minimum number of flashes per minute (i.e., longest duration between flashes/dark phase) allowable by the FAA. To the extent feasible, light flashes emanating from a single tower shall be set (synchronized) to flash simultaneously.

(Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8177-4.1.11.6 - Deviation from standards and requirements.

(a)

The Planning Director may authorize deviations from any standard or requirement of this Section 8177-4.1.11 during the processing of an application for a discretionary permit or approval. The decision to authorize each deviation must include written findings of fact supported by substantial evidence in the record establishing that the applicant's proposed lighting will be the functional equivalent, with regard to the strength and duration of illumination, glare, and light trespass, of the lighting that would otherwise be required by the applicable standard or requirement.

(b)

The request shall state the circumstances and conditions relied upon as grounds for each deviation, and shall be accompanied by the following information and documentation:

(1)

Plans depicting the proposed light fixture(s), identifying the location of the light fixture(s) For which the deviation is being requested, the type of replacement light fixture(s) to be used, the total light output (including lumens, Kelvin, etc.), and the character of the shielding, if any;

(2)

Detailed description of the use of proposed light fixtures and the circumstances which justify the deviation. The description shall include documentation supporting the making of the required findings of fact as stated in subsection (a) above;

(3)

Supporting documentation such as a lighting plan, if requested; and

(4)

Other data and information as may be required by the Planning Division.

(Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)