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Title 15 ZONING

Chapter 15.47 SITE LIGHTING

15.47.010 Applicability and purpose.

A. Applicability.  This Chapter shall apply to all development in the City; provided, however, that single-family homes shall only be subject to Section 15.47.080.

B. Purpose.  The purpose of this Chapter is to require lighting plans that meet the functional and security needs of the proposed land use without adversely affecting streets, adjacent properties or the community.  (Ord. 2005-13)

15.47.020 Lighting and photometric plans.

A. Lighting plan.  Every application for a Final Development Plan, Special Use Permit, Planned Unit Development, or Master Plan, or any amendment thereto, shall include a lighting and photometric plan that examines the degree to which exterior night lighting affects an adjacent street, property owner or community.  Such plan shall consider the light source, level of illumination, hours of illumination and need for illumination in relation to the effects of the lighting on adjacent streets, property owners and the neighborhood.

B. Photometric plan.  The photometric plan shall depict the anticipated light levels generated by all exterior lights across the site and ten feet (10') beyond the property lines.  (Ord. 2005-13)

15.47.030        Lighting levels.

A. Maximum light levels.  Light levels measured five feet (5') beyond the property line of a commercial development site shall not exceed two tenths (0.2) foot-candle as a result of the on-site lighting.

B. Illumination levels.  All project lighting used to illuminate parking lots, walkways, plazas, or the landscape shall be evaluated during the development review process.  Table 1.0 specifies the recommended minimum and maximum lighting levels for outdoor facilities used at night.

C. Uniformity.  Light levels in parking lots, parking structures, and pedestrian walkways shall not exceed a maximum footcandle ratio difference of four to one (4:1) from the brightest areas to the darkest areas.  (Ord. 2005-13)

15.47.040        Parking lot lights.

A. Maximum height.  Table 2.0 specifies the maximum height for light fixtures and poles, including a base or pedestal, measured from ground level to the top of the fixture.  A diagram showing the proposed light fixture design and height shall be provided on the lighting plan. (See Figure 1.0)

B. Style.  The style of light standards and fixtures shall be compatible with the style and character of the architecture proposed on the site. Poles shall be anodized and painted a color to coordinate with other design elements on the site.

C. Luminaire.  The luminaire shall be a sharp cut-off type, with a flat lens. The luminaire shall utilize a maximum lamp size of two hundred fifty (250) watts and either a high pressure sodium or metal halide bulb type.

D. Shielding.  The bulb shall be recessed within the fixture and shall not be visible below the fixture head.  Fixtures shall be oriented downward and shall minimize up-light, spill-light, glare and unnecessary diffusion on adjacent property.

E. Placement.  The lighting fixture shall be located so that it will not be obstructed by tree canopies.  The luminaire shall be oriented and shielded so that it does not shine directly onto an abutting property, and no luminaire tilt or spin shall be allowed.

F. Contrast.  Light sources shall minimize contrast with the light produced on the property and from the property onto the adjacent street.  Light sources shall produce an unobtrusive degree of brightness in both illumination levels and color rendition.  (Ord. 2005-13)

15.47.050 Parking structure lights.

All parking structure lighting shall comply with Section 15.47.040.  All parking structure lighting shall be designed and oriented so as not to reflect or shine on adjacent properties. (Ord. 2005-13)

15.47.060 Pedestrian lighting on commercial properties.

A. Pedestrian lighting on commercial properties may be either metal halide or high pressure sodium, and shall not exceed seventy (70) watts per luminaire.  Bollard lights are preferred for pedestrian walkways.

B. Outdoor gathering areas shall utilize luminaires mounted no higher than twelve feet (12') above grade.

C. Luminaires shall be placed so that they do not conflict with tree canopies, sidewalks, utilities, road signs, fire hydrants, or street furniture elements such as benches, bike racks, and mailboxes. (Ord. 2005-13)

15.47.070 Canopy lights.

Light fixtures mounted below canopies shall utilize recessed or flush mounted light fixtures with shields so that the lens of the fixture is not visible below the sides of the canopy.  All light emitted by an under canopy fixtures shall be substantially confined to the ground surface directly beneath the perimeter of the canopy.  No lighting except that permitted by Chapter 15.46 shall be permitted on the top or sides of a canopy.  (Ord. 2005-13)

15.47.080 Prohibitions.

A. Glare.  Light sources shall be concealed or shielded to the maximum extent feasible to minimize glare and unnecessary diffusion on adjacent property.  Light sources shall not shine directly onto abutting property.  Exterior spot lighting or other illumination shall be installed so as to eliminate any nuisance to adjacent properties or to traffic on public streets.

B. Traffic and pedestrian hazards.  Light fixtures shall not impede pedestrian or vehicular travel.  Light fixtures shall not conflict with traffic signals. Neither direct or reflected light from any light source shall create a traffic hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public roads.

C. Colored lights.  Colored lights shall not be used in such a way that they may be confused with or construed as traffic control devices or warning or emergency lights.

D. Decorative up-lighting.  Decorative up lighting of buildings is prohibited for commercial properties that are adjacent to residential properties.

E. Private tennis courts, sport courts, and recreational areas.  The lighting of private outdoor tennis courts, sport courts, or recreation areas on single-family residential properties is prohibited.  (Ord. 2005-13)