§ 18.40.080 — Outdoor Lighting

A. Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to regulate outdoor lighting to balance the safety and security needs for lighting with the City’s desire to preserve dark skies and to ensure that light trespass and glare have a negligible impact on surrounding property (especially residential) and roadways. B. Applicability. The requirements of this Section apply to all new development. Whenever a person is required to obtain a Building Permit, Electrical Permit, and/or approval of a discretionary permit, the applicant shall submit sufficient information for the Review Authority to determine whether the proposed lighting will comply with the requirements of this Section. C. Exempt Lighting. The following shall be exempt from the requirements of this Section: 1. Temporary lights used for holiday decorations. 2. Emergency lighting erected for official purposes by local, State, or Federal agencies. 3. Lighting for temporary uses and special events permitted consistent with this Zoning Code. D. Prohibited Lighting. The following types of lighting are prohibited: 1. Search lights, laser source lights, or any similar high-intensity light, except for emergency use by police or fire personnel or at their discretion, or for approved temporary lighting for a special event approved by the City. 2. Lighting fixtures operated in a manner as to constitute a hazard or danger to persons or to safe vehicular travel. 3. Roof-mounted lighting except for security purposes. 4. Moving, flashing, or animated lighting. E. General Lighting Requirements. 1. Nuisance Prevention. All outdoor lighting shall be designed, located, installed, directed downward or toward structures, fully shielded, and maintained in order to prevent glare, light trespass, and light pollution and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way, so that no light fixture directly illuminates an area outside of the project site. See Figure 3-15 (Shielding and Maximum Height of Freestanding Outdoor Light Fixtures). 2. Maintenance. Fixtures and lighting shall be maintained in good working order and in a manner that serves the original design intent. a. Lighting fixtures shall be weather and vandal resistant. b. Burnt-out and broken light bulbs shall be replaced immediately. c. Lighting fixtures shall remain free of graffiti and rust. d. Painted light fixtures shall be maintained to minimize chipping or peeling. 3. Level of Illumination. Outdoor lighting shall be designed to illuminate at the minimum level necessary for safety and security and to avoid the harsh contrasts in lighting levels between the project site and adjacent properties. 4. Signs. Lighting of signs shall be in compliance with Chapter 18.42 ( Sign Standards). 5. Sports Fields/Outdoor Activity Areas. Where playing fields or other specialty activity areas are to be illuminated, lighting fixtures shall be mounted, aimed, and shielded so that the light falls within the primary playing area and that light levels at the adjacent parcel are less than 0.1 foot-candle. Additionally, the lights shall be turned off within one hour after the end of the event. 6. Maximum Height of Freestanding Outdoor Light Fixtures. The maximum height of freestanding outdoor light fixtures on nonresidential property abutting residential development shall be 15 feet. The height limit for light fixtures in industrial zoning districts is 25 feet. In all other nonresidential development types, the maximum height for freestanding outdoor light structures shall be 20 feet. Height shall be measured from the finish grade to the bottom of the lens of the fixture. See Figure 3-15 (Shielding and Maximum Height of Freestanding Outdoor Light Fixtures). Figure 3-16 Shielding and Maximum Height of Freestanding Outdoor Light Fixtures 7. Energy-Efficient Fixtures Required. Outdoor lighting shall use dimmable white lighting and comply with all applicable requirements of the California Electrical Code. All new outdoor lighting fixtures shall be energy efficient with a rated average bulb life of not less than 10,000 hours. 8. Accent Lighting. Architectural features may be illuminated by up-lighting, provided that the lamps are low-intensity and no glare or light trespass is produced. 9. Alternative Designs, Materials, and Installations. The Review Authority may grant approval of alternatives to this Section as part of the Architectural Review process (Chapter 18.120)