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CHAPTER 7:  DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
7-20: Rural Character, Environmental Protection, and Natural Hazards
7-20-140: Lighting  ORD. 024-2007

(a) Applicability

The standards in this Sec. 7-20-140 are applicable to all lighting in Pitkin County.  No lighting shall be installed or continued that violates the standards of this section.  

(b) Bulb Visibility

All exterior lighting shall be designed so that the bulb (point light source) is not directly visible from adjacent and neighboring properties or public rights-of-way. This can be accomplished using fixtures that "fully shield" the bulb behind opaque shielding (i.e., the light distribution is primarily down and/or up directed) or which utilize non-transparent diffusion material (e.g. glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate) in the case of fixtures with some sort of translucent lens(es) around the bulb compartment. In the case of opaque shielding, wattage shall be limited to sixty(60) incandescent watts per fixture or twenty-five (25) compact fluorescent watts.  

FIGURE 7-1: SHIELDED LIGHTING FIXTURES (BELOW)

FIGURE 7-2: OPAQUE TRANSLUCENT FIXTURES (BELOW)

c) Light Trespass

Light trespass is defined as the shining of light produced by a light fixture beyond the horizontal boundaries of the property on which it is located and vertically above the property. For all types of uses, light level shall be no greater than one-half (1/2) of a foot-candle at the property line.

d) Maximum Heights and Intensities

Maximum heights and intensities of lighting shall conform to the following table.

(e) Uplighting

Uplighting is only permitted when used as follows:

(1) To light a primary entrance, when the lighting fixture is wall-mounted under an architectural element (e.g., roofs over walkways/entries or overhanging, non-translucent eaves) and that this element contains the illumination, and

(2) To light flags, when no more than two light fixtures per flag are used, with a maximum ofone hundred fifty (150) watts each. The fixture must be shielded such that the point source is not visible outside a fifteen foot (15’) radius. 

(f) Highlighting

Illumination of building facades, driveways, and landscaping shall be prohibited. Lighting intended to illuminate the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan and Crystal Rivers or their tributaries shall be prohibited.  

(g) Floodlighting

Floodlighting is only permitted when it is down-directed and controlled by a motion sensor that is triggered by activity within the owner’s property lines, and when fully-shielded such that the light source is not visible from adjacent and/or neighboring properties. Ground-mounted floodlighting of a structure is prohibited.  

(h) Safety and Security Lighting

The use of motion sensors, photocells, or photocell/ timers to control duration of nighttime illumination is required for safety and security lighting. In all cases, light intensity shall be limited to between one and two (2) foot-candles.

(1) Motion Sensors are the preferred method for controlling nighttime illumination.  These are only permitted where the sensor is triggered by activity within the owner’s property lines.

(2) Photocells are only permitted under the following conditions: 

 

(a) At primary points of entrance (e.g., front entries) or in critical common areas for commercial and multi-family properties; 

(b) Where the light sources are fully shielded by opaque material (i.e., the fixture illuminates the area but is not itself visibly bright);

(c) For residential properties, the light source is fluorescent (or compact fluorescent) to eliminate excess electricity consumption; and 

(d) For non-residential properties, HID light sources (high pressure sodium and metal halide) may be used instead of fluorescent lighting.

3) Timer/Photocell Combinations are a preferred method when used for nighttime control at primary points of entrance (e.g., front entries) and may be used with fully shielded lighting fixtures with non-transparent diffusion material.

(i) Properties Adjacent to Public Rights of Way

In addition to being in compliance with the above sections, no exterior lighting may be used in any manner that could interfere with the safe movement of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares. Specifically, the following is prohibited:

(1) Any light not designed for roadway illumination that produces direct or reflected glare that could be disturbing to the operator of a motor vehicle.

(2) Any light that may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device except as authorized by State, Federal, or County government.

(j) Mercury Vapor and Low Pressure Sodium Sources

These light sources are prohibited.  

(k) Non-Residential and/or Mixed Residential and Commercial Fixture Heights and Types

Fixture heights (as measured from grade to the bottom face of a fixture) shall be ten (10) feet or less in height, or the fixture must be fully shielded ("cutoff"), non-adjustable, and down-directed (or building mounted and directed back at a facade). For the following special use areas, the specified heights shall apply:

(1) PUBLIC PARKING LOTS

 

Lights shall be between twelve (12) feet and fifteen (15) feet high. Light intensity shall be between zero (0) and one-half (1/2) foot-candles.  

(2) PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS

 

The preferred option is for low-level "bollard" or pipe-mounted fixtures that are fully shielded and down-directed and have a maximum of four (4) feet height and minimum spacing of twenty-five (25) feet. If pole-mounted fixtures are desired, ten (10) feet is the maximum height with a minimum spacing of fifty (50) feet. Pole-mounted fixtures above six (6) feet in height must be fully shielded, non-adjustable, and down-directed. Lighting intensity shall be between one tenth (0.1) foot-candle and one half (1/2) foot-candle.  

(3) VEHICULAR INTERSECTIONS

 

Fixtures heights shall be between twenty (20) feet and twenty-five (25) feet in height. Lighting shall be between one-half (1/2) and one (1) foot-candle. 

(4) HIGH-ACTIVITY PEDESTRIAN AREAS

 

Lighting shall be between ten (10) feet and twelve (12) feet in height. Lighting shall be between one-half (1/2) and one (1) foot-candle. High-activity areas refer to areas where there is a concentration of people, particularly at night.  

(5) AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION CANOPIES

 

Light fixtures mounted on Automobile Service Station canopies and other canopies shall be recessed so that the lens cover is flush with the bottom surface of the canopy or shielded by the fixture or the edge of the canopy so that light is restrained to eighty-five (85) degrees or less from horizontal.  Lights shall not be mounted on the top or sides (fascias) of the canopy. Signing that is in compliance with sign regulations may be placed on these surfaces.

 

FIGURE 7-4: FULLY-SHIELDED, DECORATIVE FIXTURE WHERE BULB IS CONCEALED IN TOP OF FIXTURE (BELOW)

FIGURE 7-3: FULLY-SHIELDED, "CUTOFF" LIGHT DISTRIBUTION AND "CUTOFF" POLE FIXTURE (BELOW)

(l) Signage

The following shall apply to sign illumination:

(1) Internally-illuminated signs are prohibited.

(2) Sign lighting shall be down-directed and shielded from neighboring property and the vision of passing motorists (see subsection (k) above).

(3) Total wattage shall not exceed seventy-five (75) watts for incandescent light sources and thirty-two (32) watts for fluorescent sources.

(m) Linear Architectural Highlighting

Linear lighting (including neon, fluorescent, rope-lighting, low-voltage striplighting) primarily intended as an architectural highlight to attract attention or used as a means of identification or advertisement shall be prohibited.  

(n) Blinking Lights

Blinking, flashing, moving, revolving, scintillating, flickering, changing intensity and changing color lights shall be prohibited, except for temporary holiday displays, lighting for public safety or traffic control, or lighting required by the FAA for air traffic control and warning purposes. 

(o) Exemptions

The following types of lighting installations shall be exempt from the provisions, requirements and review standards of this section.

(1) HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE

If a lighting plan or fixtures are proposed that do not meet this Land Use Code but have demonstrable community and/or health, safety and welfare benefits, an exemption may be considered. The applicant shall submit information to adequately assess the community and/or health, safety and welfare benefits for approval by the Community Development Director.  

(2) HOLIDAY/WINTER LIGHTING

 

(a) Residential Winter holiday lighting, including but not limited to lighting in outdoor trees, shall be illuminated only between November 15 and January 30. 

(b) Commercial Winter holiday lighting shall be illuminated only between November 15 and March 30. 

(c) Redstone Boulevard Residential and commercial winter holiday lighting shall be illuminated only between November 15 and March 30, or as determined by the Redstone Community Association. 

(d) General Standards

All other lighting associated with any national, local or religious holiday or celebration may be illuminated two weeks prior to the holiday and extinguished within two days after the holiday. The light intensity of all holiday lighting shall not exceed one-half (1/2) of a foot candle at the property line.

(3) APPROVED HISTORIC LIGHTING FIXTURES
Nonconforming lighting fixtures that are consistent with the character of the historic structure may be exempted with approval from the Historic Preservation Officer or Historic Preservation Commission. Approved fixtures shall be consistent with the architectural period and design style of the structure and shall not exceed fifty (50) watts.  

(4) LIGHTING FOR TEMPORARY COMMERCIAL USE/SPECIAL EVENTS
Requests for exemptions for lighting associated with temporary commercial uses and/or special events may be applied for under the Temporary Commercial Uses/Special Events procedures in this Land Use Code.  

(p) Lighting Plan

Where property is located within a Scenic View Protection Area, the Community Development Department may require submittal and approval of a lighting plan either as part of the Site Plan or as a requirement of building permit submittal.