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This lighting code comes into effect whenever we are replacing or adding more then 60 percent
of the luminairs (bulbs) to the project.
3.2.4
Site Lighting
(A)
Purpose. The intent of this Section is to
focus on the actual physical effects of lighting, as well as the
effect that lighting may have on the surrounding neighborhood.
Exterior lighting shall be evaluated in the development review
process to ensure that the functional and security needs of the
project are met in a way that does not adversely affect the adjacent
properties or neighborhood. The degree to which exterior night
lighting affects a property owner or neighborhood will be examined
considering the light source, level of illumination, hours of
illumination and need for illumination in relation to the effects of
the lighting on adjacent property owners and the neighborhood.
(B)
General Standard. All development, except
developments that contain only single-family residential uses, shall
submit for approval a proposed lighting plan that meets the
functional security needs of the proposed land use without adversely
affecting adjacent properties or the community.
(C)
Lighting Levels. With the exception of
lighting for public streets, all other project lighting used to
illuminate buildings, parking lots, walkways, plazas or the
landscape, shall be evaluated during the development review process.
The following chart gives minimum and, for under-canopy fueling
areas, maximum lighting levels for outdoor facilities used at night.
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Area/Activity*
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Foot-candle
|
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Building
surrounds (nonresidential)
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1.0
|
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Bikeways
along roadside
Commercial
areas
Intermediate
areas
Residential
areas
|
0.9
0.6
0.2
|
|
Walkways
along roadside
Commercial
areas
Intermediate
areas
Residential
areas
|
0.9
0.6
0.5
|
|
Park
walkways
|
0.5
|
|
Pedestrian
stairways
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0.3
|
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Loading
and unloading platforms
|
5.0
|
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Parking
areas
|
1.0
|
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Playground
|
5.0
|
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Under-canopy
fueling area (average maintained maximum)
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20.0
|
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Under-canopy
fueling area (initial installation maximum)
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26.0
|
*Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Lighting Handbook
(D)
Design Standards. The lighting plan shall
meet the following design standards:
(1)
Site lighting that may be confused with warning, emergency or
traffic signals is prohibited.
(2)
Background spaces like parking lots shall be illuminated as
unobtrusively as possible to meet the functional needs of safe
circulation and of protecting people and property. Foreground
spaces, such as building entrances and plaza seating areas, shall
utilize local lighting that defines the space without glare.
(3)
Light sources shall be concealed and fully shielded and shall
feature sharp cut-off capability so as to minimize up-light,
spill-light, glare and unnecessary diffusion on adjacent property.
Under-canopy fueling areas shall feature flush-mount, flat lens
light fixtures.
(4)
The style of light standards and fixtures shall be consistent with
the style and character of architecture proposed on the site. Poles
shall be anodized (or otherwise coated) to minimize glare from the
light source.
(5)
Light sources must minimize contrast with the light produced by
surrounding uses, and must produce an unobtrusive degree of
brightness in both illumination levels and color rendition.
Incandescent and high-pressure sodium light sources all can provide
adequate illumination with low contrast and brightness and are
permitted light sources.
(6)
Unique areas or neighborhoods within the city may have additional
design guidelines for lighting as part of a neighborhood or area
plan. The Community Planning and Environmental Services Department
can provide information regarding neighborhood or area plans.
Natural areas and natural features shall be protected from light
spillage from off-site sources.
(7)
Maximum on-site lighting levels shall not exceed ten (10)
foot-candles, except for loading and unloading platforms where the
maximum lighting level shall be twenty (20) foot-candles.
(8)
Light levels measured twenty (20) feet beyond the property line of
the development site (adjacent to residential uses or public
rights-of-way) shall not exceed one-tenth (0.1) foot-candle as a
direct result of the on-site lighting.
(9)
Outdoor display lots for vehicles sales and leasing (as those terms
are defined in Article 5) shall comply with the requirements of this
section. In addition, display fixture illumination shall be reduced
within thirty (30) minutes after closing so that the remaining
illumination levels are sufficient for security purposes only;
provided, however, that any illumination used after 11:00 p.m. shall
be reduced to levels sufficient for security purposes only.
(E)
Alternative Compliance. Upon request by an
applicant, the decision maker may approve an alternative lighting
plan that may be substituted in whole or in part for a plan meeting
the standards of this Section.
(1)
Procedure. Alternative compliance lighting plans shall be
prepared and submitted in accordance with submittal requirements for
lighting plans as set forth in this Section. The plan shall clearly
identify and discuss the modifications and alternatives proposed and
the ways in which the plan will better accomplish the purpose of
this Section than would a plan which complies with the standards of
this Section.
(2)
Review Criteria. To approve an alternative plan, the
decision maker must first find that the proposed alternative plan
accomplishes the purposes of this Section equally well or better
than would a lighting plan which complies with the standards of this
Section.
In
reviewing the proposed alternative plan, the decision maker shall
consider the extent to which the proposed design protects natural
areas from light intrusion, enhances neighborhood continuity and
connectivity, fosters nonvehicular access, and demonstrates
innovative design and use of fixtures or other elements.
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