18J.15.085 Exterior Illumination.
A. Applicability. The provisions of the Section apply to:
1. New residential developments, civic, commercial, and industrial uses; and
2. Multi-family, civic, commercial, or industrial expansion greater than 60 percent of the building value, excluding any interior improvements to an existing structure. The 60 percent calculation is cumulative for the project site, and over time, and is calculated by the Building Official. Only the area associated with expansion will be subject to the standards.
B. Exemptions. [Reserved]
C. Design Objective. Provide safe and visible public areas with exterior lighting that accents and complements the space and/or building's architectural details. Promote compatibility between land uses by reducing light impacts on users of the site and surrounding areas. Avoid and minimize glare and light trespass beyond the illuminated area.
D. Standards – Exterior Illumination.
1. Light sources (light bulb) shall be hidden from public view, except for streetlights and holiday decorator lights.
2. Illumination level of 1 footcandle shall be provided in all pedestrian areas, including building entries, along walkways, parking areas, and other public areas.
3. The fixture's housing must be totally opaque. Clear or refractive lenses shall not extend below the housing.
4. Illumination of landscaped areas shall be prohibited, unless lighting is part of the landscape area immediately around the building or the area is intended for recreational use.
5. Large areas shall be illuminated with multiple low-intensity light sources rather than single high-intensity light sources.
6. Pole lights shall be no taller than 35 feet above a 36-inch base in parking lots and traffic areas and no taller than 12 feet in pedestrian areas.
7. Exterior building illumination shall be of an indirect source.
8. The following outdoor lighting equipment is prohibited:
a. Translucent panels or other features illuminated from behind;
b. Lighting that flashes, chases, changes color, or changes intensity for any purpose other than serving as a safety light; and
c. Laser lighting.
9. All building mounted floodlights shall be directed downward and shielded from above in such a manner that the bottom edge of the shield shall be at or below the light source.
10. Light fixtures used to illuminate the building that are not affixed to the building shall be screened or hidden from view with plant materials.
11. The design and placement of exterior lighting shall be integrated with the architectural design of the building.
12. Exterior lighting shall be designed to prevent light trespass into the sky and adjacent properties through methods that may include, but are not limited to, light shielding, downward directional lighting, or specialized fixture optics. Illumination shall not cast beyond the premises it is intended to illuminate.
13. Support and mounting systems for luminaires shall not allow post-installation adjustments that could cause the luminaire to be aimed upward or otherwise defeat compliance with these standards.
14. The correlated color temperature of all outdoor lighting shall be 3000 Kelvin maximum or lower with tolerance within the ANSI standards.
15. The brightness of a light source shall be minimized to the level necessary for its specific application.
E. Guidelines – Exterior Illumination.
1. Avoid colored lighting on buildings, except during holiday periods.
2. Avoid lighting large areas with a single source.
3. Fixture designs for commercial and civic uses of an industrial or utility appearance should be avoided.
4. Lighting shall be limited to illumination of surfaces intended for pedestrians, vehicles, or key architectural features.
5. Recessed spot lighting may supplement indirect lighting where more direct lighting is desired.
6. Lighting should be lamped to prevent spillage onto neighboring parcels (light trespass), energy waste, and glare.
7. All non-essential lighting should be turned off after business hours. Sensor-activated lights are encouraged for security purposes.