Ch11.§4-19 · City of Nowthen public records

A. Purpose: The purpose of this section is to create standards for outdoor lighting so that it does not interfere with the reasonable use and enjoyment of property within the City. It is the intent of this section to encourage lighting practices and systems which will reduce light pollution while increasing nighttime safety, utility, security, and productivity. This is done through regulation of types, kind construction, installations, and use of outdoor electrically powered illuminating devices. B. Temporary Holiday Lighting. This Section does not prohibit the use of temporary outdoor lighting used during customary holiday seasons as long as the lighting does not create an undue hardship to neighboring properties or create a traffic hazard. C. Civic Event Lighting. This Section does not prohibit the temporary outdoor lighting used for civic celebrations and promotions. D. Emergency Lighting. This Section does not prohibit the use of outdoor lighting by police, fire, and rescue authorities. E. Non-conforming Uses: 1\. All permitted outdoor lighting fixtures lawfully existing and legally installed prior to the effective date of this section are exempt from the regulations contained in this section. Replacement of the light source cannot exceed existing intensity/foot candles.   2\. Whenever an outdoor light fixture that existed on the effective date of this section is replaced by a new outdoor light fixture, the new fixture must meet the standards of this section. F. Method of measuring light intensity: The footcandle level of a light source shall be taken after dark with the light meter facing the light source. A reading shall be taken with the light source on, and then with the light source off. The difference between the two (2) readings will be identified as the illumination intensity. G. Performance Standards: 1\. Residential Lighting Standards: In all residential districts, any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area or other structure or area shall be arranged to deflect light away from any adjoining residential property or from the public street. a. Shielding: The light source shall be hooded or controlled so as not to light adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity as defined below. b. Intensity - No light source or combination thereof which casts light on a public street shall exceed one (1) footcandle meter reading as measured from the centerline or said street, nor shall any light source or combination thereof which casts light on adjacent property exceed five-tenth (0.5) footcandles as measured at any point of the property line. 2\. Business/Industrial Lighting Standards: Any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area or other structure or area shall be arranged to deflect light away from any adjoining property or from the public street. a. Shielding: The light source shall be hooded or controlled so as not to light adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity as defined below. The lighting shall contain a shield that directs and cuts off the light at an angle of ninety (90) degrees or less. b. Intensity: No light source or combination thereof which cast light on a public street shall exceed one (1) footcandle meter reading as measured from the centerline of said street, nor shall any light source or combination thereof which cast light on adjacent property exceed five-tenths (0.5) footcandles as measured at any point of the property line. C. Height: The maximum height above the ground grade permitted for light sources mounted on a pole is thirty (30) feet except by   conditional use permit. A light source mounted on a building shall not exceed the height of the building, and no light sources shall be located on the roof unless said light enhances the architectural feature of the building and is approved by the City Council. d. Location: The light source of an outdoor light fixture shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from a street right-of-way and five (5) feet from an interior side or rear lot line. e. Hours of Lighting - The City may also limit the hours of operation of outdoor lighting if it is deemed necessary to reduce impacts on surrounding properties. 3\. Prohibitions: No flickering, revolving, or flashing lights other than public safety lights and devices shall be permitted in any zoning district except for lighted signs for which a sign permit has been issued. 4\. Submission of Plans: For any permits requiring outdoor lighting, the Applicant shall submit evidence that the proposed outdoor lighting will comply with this section. The submission shall contain the following: (a) Plans indicating the location and the type of illuminating devices, fixtures, lamps, support, reflectors, and other devices. (b) Descriptions of illuminating devices, fixtures, lamps, supports, reflectors, and other devices. The description may include, but not limited to, catalog cuts by manufacturers and drawings (including sections where required). (c) Photometric data furnished by manufacturers showing the angle of the cutoff and light emissions. (Ordinance #3, adopted November 9, 2010)

Ch.11 § 4-19

Amendment history