ARTICLE 070.140
Exterior Lighting Standards
070.140.010 Purposes.
(a) The residents of the City value the City's mountain setting, including the ability to view the stars
against a dark sky. They recognize that good outdoor lighting at night benefits everyone. It increases
safety, enhances the City's nighttime character and helps provide security. Inappropriate and poorly
designed or installed exterior lighting causes unnecessary glare, unsafe conditions and diminished
enjoyment of the nighttime sky, and may even compromise a facility's security. Excessive light also
results in the unnecessary use of energy.
(b) The purpose of this Article is to promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare by
reducing the problems created by improperly designed and installed outdoor lighting while recognizing
the philosophical values of "dark night sky," "small town" atmosphere and "quality of life." Additionally,
this Article is designed to promote decreased light pollution and increased energy efficiency. It is
recognized that there are both subjective and objective aspects to this subject. This Article is consistent
with the City's desire to maintain and promote overall architectural quality as identified in the City's
adopted Comprehensive Plan.
(c) Regulations set forth in this Article apply to exterior lighting installed after the effective date of the
ordinance codified herein. For regulations applying to existing exterior lighting, please refer to Section
070.140.030.
(d) All property owners using exterior lighting are urged to consider the impacts of their lighting on
their neighbors' privacy. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this Article, certain terms are defined as follows:
Façade lighting means the illumination, from either internal or external light sources, of part or all of
one (1) or more surfaces of a structure resulting in increased off-site visibility of the structure.
Fixture height or mounting height means that the height of the fixture shall be the vertical distance
from the ground directly below the centerline of the fixture to the lowest direct light-emitting part of
the fixture.
Floodlight means a light fixture equipped with a reflector or reflector type bulb designed to broadly
light a scene or object with minimal control. The beam spread of floodlights may range from "spot"
lights of ten (10) to twenty (20) degrees to "floods" with angles of thirty-five (35) or more degrees.
Flush-mounted or recessed luminaire means a luminaire that is mounted above the ceiling (or behind
a wall or other surface) with the opening of the luminaire even with the surface.
Foot-candle (fc) means a measure of light falling on a given surface or a unit of illumination of a
surface that is equal to one (1) lumen per square foot. One (1) foot-candle is equal to the amount of
light generated by one (1) candle shining on a square foot surface one (1) foot away. Foot-candles can
be measured both horizontally and vertically by a foot-candle or light meter. Foot-candles shall be
measured at grade level by a digital light meter, unless otherwise noted in this Article.
Full cut-off fixture means a luminaire light distribution where a maximum of two and one-half
percent (2.5%) of the total lamp lumens may be emitted ninety (90) degrees above the lowest point of a
sphere; a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the total lamp lumens may be emitted between eighty (80)
and ninety (90) degrees above the lowest point of a sphere; and ninety percent (90%) of the total lamp
lumens must fall below eighty (80) degrees of the lowest point of a sphere.
Fully shielded light means light fixtures shielded or constructed so that no light rays are directly
emitted by the installed fixture at angles above the horizontal plane as certified by a photometric test
report. The fixture must also be properly installed and adjusted to effectively down direct light in order
to conform with the definition. Exemptions from this definition may be allowed for aesthetic lighting
elements, such as shades with perforated patterns and opaque diffusers.
Glare means an intense light which is overpowering and visually unpleasant.
High intensity discharge light source (HID) means a light source characterized by an arc tube or
discharge capsule that produces light, with typical sources being metal halide, high pressure sodium
and other similar types which are developed in accordance with accepted industry standards.
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA). The Illuminating Engineering Society
of North America is an association of professionals in the field of lighting and related professions. Its
membership is made up of engineers, architects, designers, manufacturers, contractors, distributors,
utility personnel, educators, students and scientists. This forum, organized for the exchange of ideas
and information, has been in existence for over eighty (80) years.
Lamp means a bulb, an outer glass envelope and metal base enclosing a filament or arc tube and
electrodes.
Light trespass means the shining of light produced beyond the boundaries of the property on which it
is located, where light is produced by a light fixture or reflected light.
Linear lighting means the use of visible or concealed light sources, including Neon tubes, fluorescent
tubing and other surface-mounted or recessed light sources which describe or outline the features of a
structure such as the roofline, all or part of the perimeter, the façade, walls, soffit or other structural
component, which results in the attraction of attention to the feature or structure. Lighting of driveunder canopies with a light band a maximum of ten (10) inches in width and which emit a light level of
one and one-half (1.5) foot-candles or less, measured ten (10) feet from the source, are exempted from
this definition.
Lumen means a measure of light energy generated by a light source. Manufacturers list lumen
ratings for all their lamps. Average lumen ratings are slightly lower than initial lumen ratings, as all
light sources produce less light as they age.
Luminaire means a complete lighting unit, consisting of a lamp, reflector, refractor or lens, wiring
and sockets. It is often referred to as a fixture.
Nadir means the lowest point of a sphere.
Non-cut-off fixture means a luminaire light distribution which only controls the distribution of lamp
lumens through the uses of a segmented lens covering the lamp, such as frosted or prismatic lenses
which may defuse light.
Point light source means the exact place from which illumination is produced (i.e., a light bulb
filament or discharge capsule).
Reflected light means the light that is reflected off surfaces, becoming a secondary light source.
Semi cut-off fixture means a luminaire light distribution which allows twenty percent (20%) of the
total lamp lumens to shine above eighty (80) degrees and ten percent (10%) above the horizontal ninety
(90) degrees.
Uniformity ratio means the ratio of average illumination to minimum illumination (unless noted
otherwise).
Vertical foot-candles means a measurement of illuminance intensity on a vertical surface, such as a
wall or billboard. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.030 Nonconforming lighting.
(a) Applicability. Regulations in this Section apply to exterior lighting in place as of the effective date
of this Article.
(b) Time limits:
(1) Exterior lighting within Districts 1 and 2 and exterior lighting for nonresidential uses in Districts
3 and 4 shall be extinguished within one (1) hour of the close of business or servicing or by 10:00 p.m.,
whichever is later, except for sports and performance facilities and for security lighting.
(2) Lighting of sports and performance facilities shall be extinguished within one-half (½) hour after
the end of the event.
(3) Security lighting is exempt from time limits, provided that it meets all requirements of Section
070.140.110, with the exception that permitted light levels may exceed those provided for in Section
070.140.110 pursuant to Subsection (d) below.
(c) Fixture modification. The purpose of this requirement is to substantially reduce the present levels
of glare and light trespass. Wherever present within Districts 1 and 2 and also for nonresidential uses in
Districts 3 and 4, the following types of lighting fixtures shall be modified as described by, but not
limited to, those modifications suggested below. Modifications proposed but not listed below must meet
the intent and purpose of this Article by reducing levels of glare and light trespass.
Type of Fixture
Modification
a. Unshielded wall packs
Shield outward-facing lens surfaces.
b. Pole/building-mounted floodlights
Reorient light fixture to shine downward to substantially eliminate
glare and trespass.
c. Drop lens, under canopy
Shield outward-facing lens.
d. Drop lens, pole-mounted
Replace lens with flush lens if possible, or replace entire fixture with
fully shielded fixture.
e. Up-lit sign
Convert to down-lit or extinguish.
f. Up-lit building façade
Comply with Section 070.140.170, Building façade lighting.
g. Exposed fluorescent
Shield or extinguish.
h. Coach lights
Replace clear glass with frosted glass and replace bulbs with lowerwattage frosted bulbs.
(d) Notification/time limits for modifications. Within ninety (90) days of adoption of the ordinance
codified herein, the City shall mail to all licensed businesses and governmental entities within the City a
survey form to be returned to the City within sixty (60) days to determine if existing lighting needs to be
modified in accordance with this Section. Notified businesses and governmental entities shall have one
(1) year from either the date the survey form was returned or sixty (60) days from the date the survey was
mailed by the City, whichever is later, to complete the retrofit modifications as needed. Notified persons
may request assistance from the Community Development Department in determining retrofit options.
(e) Light levels. Maximum light levels within properties in Districts 1 and 2, except sports and
performance facilities, may exceed maximum levels for new construction by fifty percent (50%).
(f) Light trespass. Maximum light trespass emanating from properties in Districts 1 and 2, except for
sports and performance facilities, may exceed maximum levels outlined in Section 070.140.050 by fifty
percent (50%).
(g) Expansion of existing parking areas. Existing lighted parking areas that are proposed to be
expanded by more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the total square footage of an on-site adjacent
parking area shall be required to retrofit the existing parking lot lighting to comply with the standards
described in Section 070.140.090. For expansions below twenty-five percent (25%), only the new
parking area shall be required to meet the standards in Section 070.140.090.
(h) Prohibited lighting. The following types of lighting, which may exist on the effective date of the
ordinance codified herein, are prohibited and must be removed within one (1) year of the effective date of
the ordinance codified herein.
(1) Lights which flash, move, revolve, blink, flicker, vary in intensity, change color or use
intermittent electrical pulsation.
(2) Mercury vapor and low-pressure sodium lighting.
(3) Bare bulb flood and spotlights (PAR type).
(4) Linear lighting as defined in Section 070.140.020.
(i) Linear lighting.
(1) Existing linear lighting shall be permitted on commercial properties as it existed on November 1,
2001. Each owner of a business or property which has linear lighting shall, within sixty (60) days of
adoption of the ordinance codified herein, submit to the Community Development Department a
written description of the type, kind and placement of linear lighting on his/her property or business.
Failure to do so shall result in the linear lighting being prohibited pursuant to Subsection (g) above.
(2) No additions, modifications or expansions of existing linear lighting shall be permitted. In the
event linear lighting is not used for a period of ninety (90) days, or there is a change of use of the
property on which the linear lighting exists, the use of such linear lighting shall be deemed abandoned
and its use prohibited pursuant to Subsection (g) above.
(j) Property owners retrofitting their lighting shall request an on-site review of their property by the
Building Official to determine compliance. The Building Official shall issue a certificate of compliance
upon a determination that the retrofitting meets the terms and conditions of this Section.
(k) Existing residential properties will be required to comply with this Article within sixty (60) days of
notification by City staff if staff determines there exists light trespass or glare beyond the boundaries of
the subject property.
(l) Development application approvals which included conditions of approval requiring compliance
with the draft lighting regulations are deemed to be in compliance with the terms and conditions of this
Article. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.040 Creation of lighting districts.
For purposes of this Article, the zone districts within the City are categorized into the following four
(4) lighting districts:
(1) Lighting District 1 shall consist of the following zone districts:
a. C/3, General Commercial.
b. I/1, General Industrial.
c. I-PUD, Industrial PUD.
(2) Lighting District 2 shall consist of the following zone districts:
a. C-1, Limited Commercial.
b. I/L, Light Industrial and Office.
c. I/2, River Industrial.
d. C-PUD, Commercial PUD.
(3) Lighting District 3 shall consist of the following zone districts:
a. RJ3, Multi-Family Residential.
b. R/4, Residential Transitional.
c. C/2, Core Commercial.
d. C/4, Resort District.
e. R/3-PUD, Multi-Family Residential PUD.
f. RJ4-PUD, Residential Transitional PUD.
(4) Lighting District 4 shall consist of the following zone districts:
a. HP, Hillside Preservation.
b. R/1/40, Single-Family Residential.
c. R/l/20, Residential.
d. R/l/7.5, Residential.
e. R/l/6, Single-Family Residential.
f. HP-PUD, Hillside Preservation PUD.
g. R/1-PUD, Single-Family Residential PUD.
h. R/2-PUD, Limited Multi-Family Residential PUD. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.050 General requirements.
(a) General requirements outlined below apply to all properties within Lighting Districts 1, 2 and 3.
(b) Lighting reviews and lighting plans. Lighting plans as shown in Exhibit 1, are useful tools to
estimate light levels produced with proposed lighting layouts and designs. Photometric reports (lighting
fixture performance) are frequently available from light fixture manufacturers and lighting
designers/consultants that utilize these reports when developing lighting plans.
(1) A lighting plan shall be submitted for any new development, subdivision or zoning action
application for a property as outlined in this Title 070, except as noted in Subsection 070.140.050(b)(2)
below. Lighting plans shall include the following information:
a. A site plan drawn to a scale of one (1) inch equaling no more than twenty (20) feet showing
buildings, landscaping, parking areas and all proposed lighting fixtures;
b. Specifications for all proposed lighting fixtures, including photometric data (See Exhibit 1),
designation as IESNA "cut-off" fixtures, wattage and types of all lamps (bulbs), and other
descriptive information on the fixtures;
c. The location and height above grade of light fixtures;
d. The type (such as incandescent, halogen, high pressure sodium) and luminous intensity of each
light source;
e. The type of fixture (such as full cut-off, cut-off, lantern, coach light, wall pack);
f. Estimates for site illumination resulting from the lighting, measured in foot-candles; minimum,
maximum and average foot-candles shall be listed (See Exhibit 1 for examples);
g. If building walls are to be illuminated or if façade-mounted fixtures are to be used, drawings of
all relevant building elevations showing the fixtures and the portions of the walls to be illuminated
and light levels;
h. Other information deemed necessary to document compliance with the provisions of this
Article.
i. Items a. through h. of this Section may be waived at the discretion of the Community
Development Director for Lighting District 3.
(2) Properties in Lighting District 4 will not be required to submit a lighting plan per Paragraph (1)
above as long as the following conditions are met:
a. There is not more than one (1) freestanding lighting fixture installed, i.e., not attached to a
building structure.
b. Installed lighting meets other requirements of this Article.
(3) New signs, or modifications to existing signage which require a sign permit as outlined in Article
070.060, shall comply with the requirements in Section 070.140.160 of this Article.
(c) All properties. Light pollution abatement; light trespass and controls.
(1) Light trespass: It is desired that the level of light trespass be none (i.e., zero [0]) foot-candles;
however, the following are the maximum levels allowed.
a. How measured: Light trespass shall be measured at grade level unless otherwise noted. Two
(2) measurements shall be taken, one (1) at any point along the property line (point A) and one (1)
ten (10) feet (measured perpendicular to property line) onto the property being trespassed (point B).
Where grade changes or obstructions prohibit measurements at the same level, measurements shall
be taken on the same horizontal plane. The measurements shall be made in the same mode, i.e.,
reading vertically or horizontal.
b. Maximum measured light levels at the property line (point A) and the maximum measured light
levels for setback (point B) shall not exceed the levels shown in Table B1.1.
1. Where properties are separated by a city street in Districts 1 and 2, the trespass levels shown
in Table B1.1 may be exceeded on the street; however, the levels in Table B1.1 shall apply at the
property line across the street.
2. Where properties are separated by city streets in District 3, the trespass levels shown in
Table B1.1 may be exceeded on streets in the C/2 zone only. Where C/2 zoning is across the
street from other zoning or lighting districts, the levels in Table B1.1 shall apply at the center line
of the street.
3. The maximum light level for light trespass in any district that borders a different district
shall be the lower of the two (2), along that border only. Where separated by a public street or
right-of-way, the levels shall apply at the center line of the street adjacent to the light source.
TABLE B1.1
Light Trespass
HORIZONTAL
Districts
VERTICAL/REFLECTED
POINT A
POINT B
POINT A
POINT B
District 1
5.0 fc
3.0 fc
2.0 fc
1.0 fc
District 2
5.0 fc
3.0 fc
2.0 fc
1.0 fc
District 3
0.5 fc
0.2 fc
0.4 fc
0.2 fc
District 4
0.3 fc
0.1 fc
0.2 fc
0.1 fc
c. Cumulative light readings: Light sources from a property shall be cumulative of all sources,
except internally illuminated signs, under the occupant's/owner's control. Sources of light not under
his/her control (i.e., street lights), however, shall be subtracted from the total readings when
determining compliance.
d. Light trespass shining on a vertical plane shall be measured with the meter parallel to and on
the plane at the brightest point. The maximum vertical trespass on a building or structure shall be as
shown in Table B1.1.
e. Street lighting under the control of the City shall be exempt from the above requirements;
however, every effort shall be made to comply with the vertical trespass requirements.
f. Lighting in compliance with light trespass requirements at the time of installation shall not be
deemed to be out of compliance if an adjacent property owner adds to, remodels or changes
occupancy to his/her property.
g. Lighting measurements shall be taken under normal conditions. Measurements to determine
compliance shall not be taken when conditions are present that will influence the outcome of
measurements such as snow, snowpack, rain, fog or other conditions.
(2) Controls. To minimize the amount of excess, unnecessary lighting at night, the use of motion
sensors and/or photocell/timers to control duration of nighttime illumination is encouraged and for
some applications required.
a. Motion sensors: These mechanisms are the preferred method of controlling nighttime
illumination since they turn on lights only when activated by motion and will remain on during the
activity and for a set period of time following the last detection of motion. These devices are only
permitted where the sensor is triggered by activity within the owner's property lines and should be
used with incandescent, fluorescent or halogen lamps.
b. Timer/photocell combinations: These are also a preferred method for control when used for
nighttime control at a primary point of entrance (i.e., front entries) and at commercial and industrial
properties. These activate the light source at dusk and turn lighting off at a selected time.
c. Photocells: These mechanisms are discouraged, except as noted in Subsection
070.140.080(a)(5), since they illuminate a property for the entire night (i.e., they are activated by
sunlight, turning lights on at dusk and off at dawn.)
d. Timers: These mechanisms are discouraged unless they automatically adjust for changes in
sunset and sunrise times.
(3) Electrical service. New electrical service shall be placed underground unless the fixtures are
directly mounted on utility poles.
(4) Upon adoption of this Article, light levels in all areas of the City shall be reduced as activity
decreases. Owners are encouraged to extinguish their lights as soon after the close of business as
possible. It is required that all lighting, except lighting specifically exempted in this Article (such as
security lighting), shall be extinguished one (1) hour after the close of business or servicing, or 10:00
p.m., whichever is later. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.060 Exemptions and variances.
(a) Permitted exemptions:
(1) Holiday lighting which is of a temporary nature and does not to exceed sixty (60) days of
continuous use. Holiday lighting shall not create a dangerous glare to motorists or shine onto adjacent
properties.
(2) Special community events that have been issued a special community events permit shall be
allowed temporary lighting for the duration of the community event, provided that such lighting does
not create a dangerous glare to motorists or shine onto adjacent properties.
(b) Variance procedure:
(1) Variance requests shall be formalized by submission of a lighting plan that meets the
requirements of Subsection 070.140.050(b)(1), along with other required information as outlined in
Section 070.040.050(e), including a variance request letter to the Planning and Zoning Commission and
Appeals three (3) weeks prior to the regularly scheduled meeting date of the Commission.
(2) If the Community Development Director determines that the expertise of a certified lighting
consultant is needed to provide expertise to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the City shall have
the option of hiring a professional lighting consultant, funded by the applicant, unless the second
opinion indicates results which corroborate the findings of the original consultant, in which case the fee
will be reimbursed to the applicant.
(3) The request will be considered and may be granted by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(4) An applicant may appeal the decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission as outlined in
Section 070.010.050.
(5) An appeal of an administrative decision shall follow the procedures outlined in Subsection
070.010.050(b)(1).
(6) Variances shall be reviewed in accordance with the following standards and procedures:
a. Compliance with the purposes and intent of this Article.
b. Submission of a complete lighting plan in accordance with Subsection 070.140.050(b)(1).
c. Any special conditions; circumstances; site characteristics; hardships other than economic
hardships; that warrant the exemption and/or appropriate conditions of approval.
d. The Planning and Zoning Commission may take action on the variance in accordance with the
procedures as outlined in Section 070.040.050.
(Ad 51-01 §1; A 13-06, §2)
070.140.070 Lighting standards, Districts 1 and 2.
(a) The lighting standards below are applicable to lighting that is not specifically addressed elsewhere
in this Article. Said lighting shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Glare: Outdoor lighting used to illuminate parking spaces, driveways, maneuvering areas or
buildings shall be designed and installed to avoid light glare and so that light trespass shall not exceed
the levels outlined in Table B1.1 in Subsection 070.140.050(c) above.
(2) Fixture type: Fixtures shall be fully shielded or shall be cut off (full cut-off is preferred).
(3) Light levels: Maximum on-site illumination, including spillage from doorways, signs and
windows, shall not exceed ten (10) foot-candles, unless allowed in other sections of this Article.
(4) Time limits: Exterior lighting shall be extinguished within one (1) hour of the close of business
or servicing or 10:00 p.m., whichever is later, except for security lighting as outlined in Section
070.140.110. Property owners are encouraged to extinguish lights as soon as possible after their
business closes.
(5) Decorative lighting: Low-wattage landscape lighting, shielded bollards and other hidden light
sources which create hidden effects may be appropriate for background lighting in certain applications
as addressed in Section 070.140.150.
(6) Height limits: Outdoor lighting shall be twelve (12) feet or less in height unless it is:
a. Street lighting installed and maintained as outlined in Section 070.140.120;
b. Fully shielded as described in this Article;
c. Lighting for parking and vehicle circulation areas, outdoor sales/display areas, security or other
types of lighting that is addressed elsewhere in this Article;
d. Building-mounted lighting directed downward at a sign or building façade;
e. Lighting on above grade decks or balconies which are fully shielded; or
f. An exceptional situation exists where there is a demonstrated benefit for the community which
has been determined through the variance process.
(b) Prohibited lights and lighting. The following types of lighting are prohibited unless allowed
elsewhere in this Code:
(1) Unshielded lights, lamps or floodlights that produce glare and light trespass in excess of that
allowed per Table B1.1 in Section 070.140.050(c) above.
(2) Lights which flash, move, revolve, blink, flicker, vary in intensity, change color or use
intermittent electrical pulsation, except in-season holiday lighting.
(3) Mercury vapor and low-pressure sodium lighting.
(4) Linear lighting as described in Section 070.140.020 of this Article.
(5) Upward directed lighting that allows spillage into the sky, unless allowed under other sections of
this Code.
(6) Façade lighting unless allowed under Section 070.140.170. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.080 Lighting Standards, Districts 3 and 4.
(a) The following lighting standards shall be applicable to properties located in Districts 3 and 4 unless
specified elsewhere in this Article:
(1) All exterior lighting shall be designed and installed to avoid light glare and so that light trespass
shall not exceed the levels listed in Table B1.1 in Section 070.140.050(c).
(2) Fixture types: Fully shielded light sources are recommended. Where unshielded fixtures are
used, they must conform to the following:
a. A fixture that allows light to escape above the horizontal (ninety [90] degrees from vertical)
must have frosted lenses or lamps and have a total light output of not more than five hundred five
(505) lumens (40 watts).
b. A fixture that does not allow light to escape above the horizontal must have frosted lenses or
lamps and have a total light output of not more than seven hundred fifty (750) lumens (60 watts).
(3) Freestanding (i.e., not mounted on a building) outdoor lighting shall not be more than twelve
(12) feet above grade and shall be full cut-off type. Lights mounted on a building or structure more
than twelve (12) feet above grade shall be full cut-off type. Parking lot lighting shall comply with the
requirements outlined in Section 070.140.090.
(4) Residential property owners are encouraged to extinguish exterior lighting that is not being used
for security purposes as soon as outside activities are no longer taking place.
(5) Entrances to common areas: Photocells may be used in these locations for multi-family
properties to turn lights on at dark and to extinguish lights at dawn.
(6) Floodlight fixtures and lamps must be focused on the task, fully shielded, down-directed and
screened from adjacent properties in a manner that prevents glare and light trespass per Section
070.140.050.
a. Reflection from a floodlight off building or walls shall be screened or minimized.
b. Maximum intensity for a floodlight is two thousand (2,000) lumens per bulb and four thousand
(4,000) lumens total per fixture, with a maximum of two (2) bulbs per fixture.
(b) The following are prohibited types of lighting in Districts 3 and 4:
(1) Unshielded lights, lamps, or floodlights that produce glare or light trespass in excess of that
allowed per Table B1.1 in Section 070.140.050(c).
(2) Lights which flash, move, revolve, blink, flicker, vary in intensity, change color or use
intermittent electrical pulsation. In-season holiday lighting is exempted from this Paragraph.
(3) Mercury vapor and low pressure sodium lighting.
(4) Linear lighting as described in Section 070.140.020 of this Article.
(5) Upward-directed lighting that allows spillage into the sky, unless allowed under other sections of
this Code.
(6) Façade lighting unless allowed under Section 070.140.170. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.090 Parking lot lighting.
Parking lot lighting, when used, shall be designed to provide adequate lighting necessary to ensure
vision and comfort in parking areas and so as not to cause glare or light trespass on adjacent properties or
streets in excess of that allowed in Table B1.1 in Section 070.140.050.
(1) Fixtures: All lighting fixtures serving parking lots shall be full cut-off fixtures. (See Definitions
in Section 070.140.020.)
(2) Standards: Parking area lighting standards shall be as outlined in the various lighting districts as
shown in Table 1 below.
(3) Parking area lighting in low-density residential zones (District 4): Parking areas in District 4
shall not be illuminated unless there exists on the property a unique condition which has received
approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission through the variance process. Parking lots at
public facilities such as schools, hospitals or civic and/or community centers which require exterior
parking lot illumination shall comply with lighting level standards as listed in District 3.
(4) Parking lots bordering Districts 3 and 4: Where a parking lot is located on a property in Districts
1 and 2, which property shares a common lot line with a property located in Districts 3 and 4, lighting
shall comply with specifications for light levels and pole heights as noted in District 3.
(5) Time limits: Parking lot lighting shall be extinguished at 10:00 p.m. or one (1) hour after the
close of business, whichever occurs later, except for lighting for security purposes as outlined in
Section 070.140.110. Owners and managers of parking lots are encouraged to extinguish parking lot
lighting as soon as possible after the close of business except for lighting which serves as security
lighting as outlined in Section 070.140.110.
Table 1
Standards for New Parking Lots Shall Be as Follows:
District 1*
District 2*
District 3*
District 4*
Zone District
C/3, I/1, I-PUD
C-PUD, C/1,
I/L, I/2
R/3, RJ3-PUD,
R/4, R/4-PUD,
C/2, C/4
HP, HP-PUD, R/1-PUD,
R/l/40, R/l/20, R/l/7.5,
R/l/6, R/2, R/2-PUD
Maximum Mounting
Height***
35 ft.
35 ft.
20 ft.
Not Allowed****
Minimum fc at ground level
shall not be less than:
0.7 fc
0.7 fc
0.3 fc
Not Allowed****
7
7
3
Not Allowed****
10:1
10:1
10:1
Not Allowed****
Maximum fc at ground
level shall not exceed:
Recommended
Maximum/Minimum
Uniformity Ratio:**
* See district descriptions in Sec. 070.140.040.
** In this case: Uniformity ratio is the ratio of maximum illumination to minimum illumination.
*** Mounting height is the vertical distance between the surface being illuminated and the bottom of the lighting fixture.
**** Unless approved in accordance with paragraph (c) above.
(Ad 51-01 §1; A 13-06, §2)
070.140.100 Exterior display/sales areas.
(a) This Section applies to commercial establishments that rely heavily on outdoor sales and display
areas, such as heavy equipment sales, recreational vehicle sales, automobile sales and sales of building
materials. Lighting levels in exterior display/sales areas shall be adequate to facilitate the activities taking
place in such locations. The applicant shall specifically designate areas to be considered display/sales
areas separate from those areas which will be used as parking or passive vehicle storage areas. This
designation must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(b) Areas designated as parking or passive vehicle storage areas shall be illuminated in accordance
with the requirements for parking lot lighting as noted in Section 070.140.090.
(c) Areas designated as exterior vehicle display areas shall comply with the maximum horizontal
illuminance and uniformity ratio as per Table 2 below. This standard is from IESNA R-P 33-99 Table 7:
Illuminance Levels for Car Dealerships – Main Business Districts (highly competitive).
Table 2
Location
Maximum Illuminance on Pavement
(fc)
Maximum to Minimum Uniformity
Ratio
Adjacent to Roadway
20
5:1
Other Rows
10
10:1
Entrances
10
5:1
Driveways
3
10:1
(d) All other exterior sales/display areas shall be restricted to a maximum of ten (10) fc.
(e) Light fixtures shall meet the definition for full cut-off fixtures and shall be located, mounted, aimed
and shielded so that direct light is not cast onto adjacent streets or properties.
(f) Fixtures shall be mounted no higher than parking lot pole height standard as per the appropriate
district outlined in Subsection 070.140.090(2).
(g) Lighting levels for exterior display/sales areas must be extinguished at the close of business or
servicing or 10:00 p.m., whichever is later, except for necessary security lighting as specified in Section
070.140.110. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.110 Security lighting.
(a) The purpose of and need for security lighting (i.e., lighting for safety of persons and property) must
be demonstrated as part of an overall security plan which includes illumination, surveillance and
response, and which specifically delineates the area to be illuminated for security purposes. The security
lighting plan shall be submitted as part of any development permit application package, or to the
Community Development Director for review and approval. Security lighting shall be allowed in all
lighting districts.
(b) Applications for after-hours security lighting shall include a written description of the need for and
purposes of the security lighting; a site plan showing the area to be secured; and the location of all
security lighting fixtures, specifications of all fixtures, the horizontal and vertical angles in which light
will be directed and adequate cross-sections showing how light will be directed only onto the area to be
secured.
(c) All security lighting fixtures shall be fully shielded and aimed so that illumination is directed only
to the designated area. In no case shall lighting be directed above a horizontal plane through the top of
the lighting fixture, and the fixture shall include shields that prevent the light source from being visible
from adjacent properties and roadways to the fullest extent practical.
(d) Security lighting may illuminate ingresses and egresses of buildings up to a level eight (8) feet
above grade or eight (8) feet above the bottoms of doorways, windows or entries, whichever is greater.
(e) Light trespass shall meet those requirements as outlined in Section 070.140.050(c)(1).
(f) Security lighting on a parcel in Districts 1 and 2 that shares a common lot line with a parcel located
in Districts 3 or 4 shall comply with specifications for light levels and maximum mounting heights as
noted in District 3.
(g) Security lighting for entrances, stairways and loading docks shall not exceed five (5) fc at the
designated area to be illuminated.
(h) Parking lot lighting or display lighting may be incorporated into a security lighting plan for afterhours security lighting if light levels do not exceed three (3) fc.
(i) Examples of acceptable security lighting techniques:
(1) Recessed lights under a canopy.
(2) Full cut-off fixtures on parking lot poles.
(3) Fully shielded wall packs or other fixtures.
(4) Floodlights which are down-directed, fully shielded, have a maximum height limit of ten (10)
feet and are controlled by motion detectors. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.120 Street lighting.
(a) General: In general, street lights within the City shall comply with the following:
(1) Guidelines as published by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA),
provided that lighting levels do not exceed levels specified in the guidelines by more than two-tenths
(0.2) fc.
(2) The uniformity ratio shall not exceed that suggested by the IESNA guidelines.
(3) Mounting heights shall not exceed sixteen (16) feet for fixtures that do not protrude over streets
and thirty (30) feet for fixtures which do protrude over the street. The use of pedestrian-friendly
lighting is encouraged throughout the City.
(4) Street lighting shall demonstrate compliance with IESNA standards for fixtures to be used; the
type and wattage of lamps (bulbs); the proposed mounting heights; and spacing. The street lighting
plan must demonstrate that the general standards of this Article will be met.
(5) Fixtures: All street lighting fixtures shall be "cut-off" fixtures as defined by the IESNA Lighting
Handbook, 8th Edition. If such fixtures are not "cut-off" fixtures as defined by IESNA, the maximum
initial lumens generated by each fixture shall not exceed sixteen thousand (16,000) lumens.
(6) Location:
a. Street lights shall be located in the right-of-way.
b. When possible, streets which have a sidewalk along only one (1) side of the street shall have
street lights located on the same side of the street with the sidewalk.
(b) Applicability:
(1) New installations:
a. All new street lights shall comply with the general requirements as noted in Subsection (a)
above.
b. Street lights on private streets which are to be privately owned and maintained are required to
be part of an overall lighting plan that is subject to the approval of the Public Works Director and
Community Development Director. If the Directors determine that the expertise of a professional
lighting consultant/engineer is required to determine compliance with this Article, the City shall have
the option of hiring a professional lighting consultant, selected by the City, funded by the applicant.
If the second opinion indicates results which corroborate the findings of the original consultant, the
fee for the second consultant will be reimbursed to the applicant.
(2) Existing street lights: Both public and privately owned and maintained street lights shall come
into full compliance with this Article as street lights are changed out or five (5) years from the effective
date of the ordinance codified herein, whichever occurs sooner. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.130 Lighting of gasoline station/ convenience store aprons and canopies.
(a) Lighting levels on gasoline station/ convenience store aprons and under canopies shall be adequate
to facilitate the activities taking place in such locations. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North
America Outdoor Lighting Committee has reached a consensus on average illuminance for gas stations
(See Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Recommended Practice RP-33-99 for more
details). The light levels specified herein follow their recommendations.
(b) Areas on the apron away from the gasoline pump islands used for parking, as well as aprons
without gas pumps, shall be illuminated in accordance with the requirements for parking areas as noted in
Section 070.140.090. Driveways and service areas other than pump islands shall be allowed a maximum
illuminant of four (4) fc.
(c) Canopies shall be illuminated so that the minimum horizontal illuminance at grade level is no more
than five (5) fc. The maximum horizontal illuminance under canopies shall be no more than twenty-five
(25) fc.
(d) Light fixtures mounted on canopies shall be surfaced or recessed so that the lens cover is recessed
or flush with the bottom surface (ceiling) of the canopy or the fixture.
(e) Lights on top or sides: Lights shall not be mounted on the top or sides of the canopy. The sides
(fascias) of the canopy shall not be illuminated for any purpose, with the exception of internally
illuminated signage which shall comply with the provisions of Article 070.060, and with a lit band as
noted under the definition for linear lighting in Section 070.140.020. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.140 Lighting of exterior sports/ performance facilities.
(a) Outdoor nighttime performance events (concerts, athletic contests, etc.) have unique lighting needs.
Illumination levels vary, depending on the nature of the event. The regulations in this Section are
intended to allow adequate lighting for such events while minimizing sky glow, reducing glare and
unwanted illumination of surrounding streets and properties, and reducing energy consumption.
(b) Design plan: A lighting design plan shall be submitted which shows in detail the proposed lighting
installation. The design plan shall include a discussion of the lighting requirements of various areas and
how these requirements will be met.
(c) Hours of operation: Lighting of the event (spotlighting or floodlighting, etc.) shall be turned off no
later than one-half (½) hour after the end of the event.
(d) Primary planning areas: Where planning fields or other special activity areas are to be illuminated,
lighting fixtures shall be specified, mounted and aimed no higher than sixty-two (62) degrees up from
vertical so that their beams fall within the primary playing area and immediate surroundings, and so that
no direct illumination is directed off the site.
(e) Parking areas: Lighting for the parking areas shall meet the requirements outlined in Section
070.140.090.
(f) Pedestrian areas: Areas intended solely for pedestrian circulation shall be provided with a
minimum level of illumination of two-tenths (0.2) fc. The uniformity ratio of average illumination to
minimum illumination shall not exceed 4:1.
(g) Security lighting: Security lighting shall meet the requirements in Section 070.140.110.
(h) In general, unless specifically addressed in this Article, lighting shall be consistent with the
guidelines in the IESNA Lighting Handbook, 9th Edition, available at the Community Development
Department. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.150 Illumination of walkways and park areas.
Where special lighting is to be provided for walkways, bikeways or parks, the applicant must first
apply for and receive approval from the Public Works Director via the submission of a lighting plan as
outlined in the exemption process in Section 070.140.060. Illumination for walkways and park areas
must comply with the following specifications:
(1) The walkway, pathway or ground area may be illuminated to a minimum level of no more than
two-tenths (0.2) fc and to a maximum level of two (2.0) fc, and shall be designed to direct light down.
(2) In general, unless specifically addressed in this Article, lighting shall be consistent with the
guidelines presented in the IESNA Lighting Handbook, 9th Edition. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.160 Illuminated signs, flags, works of art.
The following regulations are applicable to all signs, government flags and works of art. These
regulations are in addition to sign and flag regulations as addressed in Article 070.060.
(1) Signs, government flags and works of art should not be lighted so as to create glare or unduly
illuminate the surrounding area. Signs may be illuminated only during hours that the business being
advertised is open and customers are being serviced, or until 10:00 p.m., whichever is later. Uplighting
of works of art and flags is permitted, with a limit of two (2) fixtures per flag or art item with a
maximum of nine thousand (9,000) lumens per fixture. The fixtures must be shielded such that the
light source is not visible outside a fifteen-foot radius.
(2) The applicant shall provide sufficient technical and design information with a sign permit
application, to demonstrate that the following provisions are met:
a. Externally illuminated signs.
1. The maximum level of illumination on the vertical surface of the sign, measured at the
brightest point, ten (10) feet from the surface of the sign, shall not exceed five (5.0) fc.
2. To the extent practicable, fixtures used to illuminate signs shall be top-mounted and directed
downward (i.e., below the horizontal), and the light source shall not be directly visible from
adjacent streets.
b. Internally illuminated signs: Illumination on the surface of the sign, measured at the brightest
point, ten (10) feet from the surface of the sign, shall not exceed five (5.0) fc or equivalent. For
boxed, internally lit signs, backgrounds with dark colors and light-colored lettering are encouraged.
(Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.170 Building facade lighting.
(a) Lighting Districts 1 and 2: In Lighting Districts 1 and 2, building façades may be illuminated if the
illumination is part of and adds to the overall design of the building, adds to the visual quality of the
surrounding neighborhood and does not produce dangerous or annoying glare or illumination of nearby
streets or properties. Façades that face Districts 3 and 4 that do not have a primary public entrance shall
not be illuminated.
(b) Lighting Districts 3 and 4: In Lighting Districts 3 and 4, building façades and roofs shall not be
illuminated except for those structures having exceptional symbolic or historic significance in the
community. Existing lighting on structures which are listed with the National Registry of Historic
Buildings as of the date of adoption of this Article are exempt from the provisions of this Section.
(c) Standards: When building façades are to be illuminated, a design for the illumination shall be
reviewed and approved by the Community Development Director and shall meet the following specific
provisions:
(1) The maximum level of illumination, reflected from the surface of a building at a distance of ten
(10) feet perpendicular to the illuminated surface shall not exceed one and one-half (1.5) foot-candles.
(2) Lighting fixtures shall be carefully located, aimed and shielded so that light is directed only onto
the building façade. Lighting fixtures shall not be directed towards streets or roads, other properties or
the sky.
(3) All building façade lighting shall be turned off at 10:00 p.m. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.180 Prohibited lights.
This Section identifies applications of lighting which cause glare, decrease our ability to see in dark or
low-level ambient light environments or produce unattractive lighting environments. Existing lighting
which falls under the classification of prohibited lights will be removed within one (1) year of the
effective day of the ordinance codified herein.
(1) Light sources shall not be affixed to the top of the roof, except where required by building code
requirements. Lights required per building code requirements should, to the greatest extent possible, be
down-directed, low-level lighting that is shielded while still addressing the intent of the building code.
(2) Unshielded light sources or floodlights, including building-mounted floodlights, are prohibited
except as addressed in Subsection 070.140.080(a)(6).
(3) Lights which flash, move, revolve, blink, flicker, vary in intensity, change color or use
intermittent electrical pulsation are prohibited.
(4) Mercury vapor and low-pressure sodium lighting is prohibited.
(5) Linear lighting as defined in Section 070.140.020 shall be prohibited, with the exception of
linear lighting used as text for signage as signs are defined in Title 070.060. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)
070.140.190 Enforcement.
(a) The City shall enforce the provisions of this Article in accordance with Section 010.020.080. In
the case of repetitive enforcement for repeat offenses, the City may impose special inspection fees.
(b) Light levels taken for enforcement of this Article shall be taken with a digital light meter that has
been calibrated by the manufacturer or instrument lab within the previous twelve (12) months and has a
certificate of calibration indicating such.
(1) Digital light meters must be capable of accurately measuring the type of light being measured, or
appropriate multipliers for different types of light shall be applied per the manufacturer's specifications.
(2) Meter reading may be made either in foot-candles or Lux. When readings are made in Lux
mode, they shall be converted to foot-candles where ten (10) Lux equals one (1) foot-candle.
(c) If any part, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Article is for any reason held to
be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Article, and the City
Council hereby declares it would have passed this Article and each part, section, subsection, sentence,
clause or phrase thereof regardless of the fact that any one (1) or more parts, sections, subsections,
sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
(d) This Article shall apply to all property within the boundaries of the City. (Ad 51-01 §1)
(Ad 51-01 §1)