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COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT DESIGN GUIDELINES

SECTION VI – LIGHTING

1. OVERALL LIGHTING INTENT

(a) It is important to consider lighting as an integral component of the site design.  Careful lighting design is an effective tool for the creation of cohesive environments and for creating an image of sense of place.  In general terms, lighting must be scaled to use and designed to be appropriate for varied applications.

A. PARKING AREA LIGHTING

1. INTENT

(a) To light parking areas in a consistent, attractive and unobtrusive manner that minimizes off-site impacts.

2. GUIDELINES

(a) Parking and interior drives shall be lighted to provide functional, attractive, and unified lighting system throughout the lot.

(b) Fixtures shall be flush lens design to minimize spill light and glare onto adjacent properties.  Parking area lighting adjacent to residential development shall direct the light away from residential units and limit off-site light levels.

(c) The maximum height of parking lot light fixtures shall be:

• 25 feet when the fixture is within 75 feet of the lot line.
• 30 feet when the fixture is located beyond 75 feet from the lot line.

(d) Parking area lighting shall be turned off one hour after the close of business, except as needed to provide for minimum-security levels.

(e) Light sources shall be metal halide.

(f) At no point shall lighting levels in parking and service areas, including service stations, exceed 8-foot candles when measured at the ground.

(g) Parking area lighting shall complement the lighting of adjacent streets and properties and shall use consistent fixtures, source colors and illumination levels.  When adjacent to pedestrian circulation and gathering areas, parking area lighting shall not overpower the quality of pedestrian area lighting.

(h) Poles shall be placed to provide a unified, organized appearance throughout the parking area or development and shall provide even and uniform light distribution.  The use of a greater number of low fixtures in a well-organized pattern is preferred over the use of a minimum number of tall fixtures.

B. ACCENT AND SECURITY LIGHTING

1. INTENT

(a) To light building architecture and site areas so as to accentuate design features and promote security in an attractive and understated manner that minimizes off-site impacts.

2. GUIDELINES

(a) Architectural accent lighting shall be limited to indirect lighting of architectural features only.  No bare bulb or exposed neon lighting shall be used to accentuate building forms or details.  Colored accent lighting is not permitted.  Holiday lighting displays are exempted from restrictions on bare bulbs and colored accents.

(b) Accent fixtures providing direct illumination shall be in character with the architectural and landscape design character of the development.

(c) Service area lighting shall be confined within the service yard boundaries and enclosure walls.  No spill-over shall occur outside the service or storage area.  The lighting source shall not be visible from the street.  Lights at service or exit doors shall be limited to low wattage downcast or low cut-off fixtures that may remain on throughout the night.

(d) Building lighting shall only be used to highlight specific architectural features.  Lighting of architectural features shall be designed with the intent of providing accent and interest or to help identify entry and not to exhibit or advertise buildings or their lots.

(e) Accent lighting of landscape shall be low level and background in appearance.

(f) Outdoor storage areas including auto and truck parking and storage shall be illuminated from poles similar to those used for parking lot lighting, but at lower illumination levels.

(g) Security lighting shall be limited to low intensity specialty fixtures.  The light source shall not be visible from the street or adjoining properties.

Other wall mounted security lighting is discouraged.

C. STREET LIGHTING - PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY

1. INTENT

(a) To provide lighting that provides for safety and consistent appearance throughout the City.

2. GUIDELINES

(a) The spacing, location, height, fixture style, light source and level of illumination shall be subject to review by the City of Lafayette and the Colorado Department of Transportation along state highways.

(b) All light fixtures shall be of a uniform design throughout the site.

(c) Placement of fixtures shall provide a coordinated and organized appearance that works with placement of street trees, curb cuts, signage and other features to contribute to the overall continuity of the streetscape.

D. PEDESTRIAN LIGHTING – PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY

1. INTENT

(a) To provide consistent systems of pedestrian lighting that add to the character, aesthetic appeal and safety of a development and thereby promote greater pedestrian activity.

2. GUIDELINES

(a) Pedestrian lighting shall use consistent fixtures, source colors and illumination levels.

(b) To prevent glare and light pollution, light fixtures shall be downcast or low cut- off fixtures.  

(c) When pedestrian lighting is used in conjunction with street lighting, the pedestrian lighting shall be clearly distinguishable from the ambient street lighting to clearly define the pedestrian path of travel.

(d) Light sources shall generally be metal halide, however, low wattage high- pressure sodium may be desirable in some residential settings where glare may be an issue.

(e) Lighting shall be designed to provide even and uniform light distribution without hot spots, dark spots or glare.  Lighting shall be designed to minimize dark areas that could pose a security concern near pedestrian areas.  Pedestrian circulation systems shall be highlighted by visible light sources that clearly indicate the path of travel ahead.

(f) Placement of fixtures shall provide a coordinated and organized appearance that facilitates uniform light levels and works with the placement of sidewalks, landscaping, signage, building entries and other features to contribute to the overall continuity of the streetscape and development.  The use of a greater number of low fixtures in a well organized pattern is preferred over the use of a minimum number of tall fixtures.