Lighting
This chapter shall be known as the TOWN OF APPLE VALLEY EXTERIOR LIGHTING ORDINANCE. The purpose of these regulations is to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare, the quality of life, and the ability to view the night sky, by establishing regulations and a process for review of exterior lighting. This chapter establishes standards for exterior lighting in order to accomplish the following:
Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this chapter shall be interpreted so as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this section its most reasonable application:
AREA LIGHT: A luminaire equipped with a lamp that produces over one thousand eight hundred (1800) lumens. Area lights include, but are not limited to, streetlights, parking lot lights and yard lights.
AVERAGE HORIZONTAL FOOT-CANDLE: The average level of luminance for a given situation (with snow cover if that is to be expected in the given situation) measured at ground level with the light meter placed parallel to the ground.
BUILDING OFFICIAL: The planning and zoning administrator for the Town of Apple Valley, or any other person appointed by the Town of Apple Valley mayor, with the concurrence of the Town of Apple Valley Town Council. DIRECTIONAL FLOODLIGHT: A fully shielded fixture that is angled no higher than thirty degrees (30°) from vertical and which targets a specific area to be lit.
EIGHTY FIVE DEGREE CUTOFF TYPE OF LUMINAIRES: Luminaires that do not allow light to escape above an eighty five degree (85°) angle measured from a vertical line from the center of the lamp extended to the ground.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING: Temporary or permanent outdoor lighting that is installed, located or used in such a manner to cause light rays to shine outdoors. Luminaires that are indoors that are intended to light something outside are considered exterior lighting for the purpose of this chapter.
FLOODLIGHT: A light fixture that produces up to one thousand twelve hundred (1200) lumens and is designed to flood a well defined area with light.
FOOT-CANDLE (fc): The American unit used to measure the total amount of light cast on a surface (luminance). One foot-candle is equivalent to the luminance produced by a source of one candle at a distance of one foot (1'). For example, the full moon produces 0.01 fc (fc is measured with a light meter). One foot-candle is approximately equal to ten (10) lux, the metric unit also used to measure luminance.
FULL CUTOFF LUMINAIRES: Luminaires designed and installed where no light is emitted at or above a horizontal plane running through the lowest point on the luminaires.
FULLY SHIELDED: The luminaire incorporates a solid barrier (the shield), which permits no light to escape through the barrier on the top and sides of the fixture.
GLARE: Stray light striking the eye that may result in: a) nuisance or annoyance glare, such as light shining into a window; b) discomfort glare, such as bright light causing squinting of the eyes; c) disabling glare, such as bright light reducing the ability of the eyes to see into shadows; or d) reduction of visual performance.
HOLIDAY LIGHTING: Exterior lighting consisting of strings of individual lamps, where the output per lamp is not greater than fifteen (15) lumens.
IESNA: Illuminating Engineering Society Of North America (IES or IESNA). The professional society of lighting engineers.
IESNA RECOMMENDED PRACTICES: The current publications of the IESNA setting forth luminance levels.
ILLUMINANCE: The amount of light falling on any point of a surface measured in foot-candles or lux. Foot-candles are measured as lumens per square foot, and lux is measured as lumens per square meter.
LED: Light emitting diode solid state lighting source.
LAMP: The generic term for an artificial light source, to be distinguished from the whole assembly (see definition of Luminaire). Commonly referred to as "bulb".
LIGHT: The form of radiant energy acting on the retina of the eye to make sight possible.
LIGHT POLLUTION: Any adverse effect of artificial night light, including, but not limited to, discomfort to the eye or diminished vision due to glare, light trespass, or any manmade light that diminishes the ability to view the night sky.
LIGHT TRESPASS: Light falling on the property of another or the public right of way when it is not required to do so.
LIGHTING: Any or all parts of a luminaire that function to produce light.
LIGHTING ADMINISTRATOR: A city official designated by the city council to administer, interpret and enforce this chapter, and make recommendations thereunder.
LUMEN: The unit used to quantify the amount of light energy produced by a lamp at the lamp. Lumen output of most lamps is listed on the packaging.
LUMINAIRE: A complete lighting unit, consisting of a lamp or lamps, together with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the lamps and to connect the lamps to the power. When used, includes ballasts and photocells. Commonly referred to as "fixture".
LUMINANCE: At a point and in a given direction, the luminous intensity in the given direction produced by and element of the surface surrounding the point divided by the area of the projection of the element on a plane perpendicular to the given direction. Units: Candelas per unit area. The luminance is the perceived brightness that we see the visual effect of the luminance, reflected, emitted or transmitted from a surface.
MAINTAINED ILLUMINANCE: The condition that occurs after two hundred (200) hours of lamp use prior to a point where luminaire cleaning is necessary. Measurements are taken at ground level with sensor parallel to the ground for horizontal luminance and measured at five feet (5') above ground with sensor perpendicular to the ground for vertical luminance.
NONESSENTIAL LIGHTING: Lighting that is not necessary for an intended purpose after the purpose has been served. Does not include any lighting used for safety and/or public circulation purposes.
OPAQUE: The effect of a part or parts of a luminaire that provides a barrier above and in some cases around the lamp, that does not allow any light to pass through.
PARTIALLY SHIELDED: The luminaire incorporates a translucent barrier, the "partial shield" around the lamp that allows some light to pass through the barrier of the fixture's walls while concealing the lamp from the viewer.
PLANNING AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR: The Town of Apple Valley planning and zoning administrator.
RECESSED: When a light is built into a structure or portion of a structure such that the light is fully cut off and no part of the light extends or protrudes beyond the underside of a structure or portion of a structure.
SHIELDED: When the light emitted from the fixture is projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest point of the fixture where light is emitted. The bulb is not visible with a shielded light fixture, and no light is emitted from the sides of the fixture. Also considered a full cutoff fixture.
SKY GLOW: The overhead glow from light emitted sideways and upward. Sky glow is caused by the reflection and scattering of light by dust, water vapor and other particles suspended in the atmosphere.
TEMPORARY LIGHTING: Lighting that is intended to be used for a special event for seven (7) days or less, and temporary construction lighting.
TRANSLUCENT: The effect of a part or parts of a luminaire that provides a barrier around the lamp that allows some light to pass through the barrier in a diffused manner, such that the lamp cannot be clearly distinguished.
UNSHIELDED: The luminaires only incorporate clear glass, which permits all light to escape.
UPLIGHTING: Fully shielded lighting that is directed in such a manner as to shine light rays above the horizontal plane.
WALL WASH: The reflectivity of artificial lighting from the exterior surface of a building or structure.
If the Lighting Administrator finds that any provision of this chapter is being violated, the Lighting Administrator shall give notice by hand delivery or by certified mail, return receipt requested, of such violation to the owner and/or to the occupant of such premises, demanding that the violation be abated within thirty (30) days of the date of hand delivery or of the date of mailing of the notice. The Planning Department staff shall be available to assist in working with the violator to correct said violation. If the violation is not abated within the thirty (30) day period, the Lighting Administrator may institute actions and proceedings, either legal or equitable, to enjoin, restrain or abate any violations of this chapter. Such actions or proceedings shall be in addition to the enforcement and penalties provisions of chapter 2 of this title.
This Ordinance shall take place effective immediately upon approval by the Town Council and shall supersede and replace all previous ordinances pertaining to outdoor lighting.
Lighting
This chapter shall be known as the TOWN OF APPLE VALLEY EXTERIOR LIGHTING ORDINANCE. The purpose of these regulations is to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare, the quality of life, and the ability to view the night sky, by establishing regulations and a process for review of exterior lighting. This chapter establishes standards for exterior lighting in order to accomplish the following:
Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this chapter shall be interpreted so as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this section its most reasonable application:
AREA LIGHT: A luminaire equipped with a lamp that produces over one thousand eight hundred (1800) lumens. Area lights include, but are not limited to, streetlights, parking lot lights and yard lights.
AVERAGE HORIZONTAL FOOT-CANDLE: The average level of luminance for a given situation (with snow cover if that is to be expected in the given situation) measured at ground level with the light meter placed parallel to the ground.
BUILDING OFFICIAL: The planning and zoning administrator for the Town of Apple Valley, or any other person appointed by the Town of Apple Valley mayor, with the concurrence of the Town of Apple Valley Town Council. DIRECTIONAL FLOODLIGHT: A fully shielded fixture that is angled no higher than thirty degrees (30°) from vertical and which targets a specific area to be lit.
EIGHTY FIVE DEGREE CUTOFF TYPE OF LUMINAIRES: Luminaires that do not allow light to escape above an eighty five degree (85°) angle measured from a vertical line from the center of the lamp extended to the ground.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING: Temporary or permanent outdoor lighting that is installed, located or used in such a manner to cause light rays to shine outdoors. Luminaires that are indoors that are intended to light something outside are considered exterior lighting for the purpose of this chapter.
FLOODLIGHT: A light fixture that produces up to one thousand twelve hundred (1200) lumens and is designed to flood a well defined area with light.
FOOT-CANDLE (fc): The American unit used to measure the total amount of light cast on a surface (luminance). One foot-candle is equivalent to the luminance produced by a source of one candle at a distance of one foot (1'). For example, the full moon produces 0.01 fc (fc is measured with a light meter). One foot-candle is approximately equal to ten (10) lux, the metric unit also used to measure luminance.
FULL CUTOFF LUMINAIRES: Luminaires designed and installed where no light is emitted at or above a horizontal plane running through the lowest point on the luminaires.
FULLY SHIELDED: The luminaire incorporates a solid barrier (the shield), which permits no light to escape through the barrier on the top and sides of the fixture.
GLARE: Stray light striking the eye that may result in: a) nuisance or annoyance glare, such as light shining into a window; b) discomfort glare, such as bright light causing squinting of the eyes; c) disabling glare, such as bright light reducing the ability of the eyes to see into shadows; or d) reduction of visual performance.
HOLIDAY LIGHTING: Exterior lighting consisting of strings of individual lamps, where the output per lamp is not greater than fifteen (15) lumens.
IESNA: Illuminating Engineering Society Of North America (IES or IESNA). The professional society of lighting engineers.
IESNA RECOMMENDED PRACTICES: The current publications of the IESNA setting forth luminance levels.
ILLUMINANCE: The amount of light falling on any point of a surface measured in foot-candles or lux. Foot-candles are measured as lumens per square foot, and lux is measured as lumens per square meter.
LED: Light emitting diode solid state lighting source.
LAMP: The generic term for an artificial light source, to be distinguished from the whole assembly (see definition of Luminaire). Commonly referred to as "bulb".
LIGHT: The form of radiant energy acting on the retina of the eye to make sight possible.
LIGHT POLLUTION: Any adverse effect of artificial night light, including, but not limited to, discomfort to the eye or diminished vision due to glare, light trespass, or any manmade light that diminishes the ability to view the night sky.
LIGHT TRESPASS: Light falling on the property of another or the public right of way when it is not required to do so.
LIGHTING: Any or all parts of a luminaire that function to produce light.
LIGHTING ADMINISTRATOR: A city official designated by the city council to administer, interpret and enforce this chapter, and make recommendations thereunder.
LUMEN: The unit used to quantify the amount of light energy produced by a lamp at the lamp. Lumen output of most lamps is listed on the packaging.
LUMINAIRE: A complete lighting unit, consisting of a lamp or lamps, together with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the lamps and to connect the lamps to the power. When used, includes ballasts and photocells. Commonly referred to as "fixture".
LUMINANCE: At a point and in a given direction, the luminous intensity in the given direction produced by and element of the surface surrounding the point divided by the area of the projection of the element on a plane perpendicular to the given direction. Units: Candelas per unit area. The luminance is the perceived brightness that we see the visual effect of the luminance, reflected, emitted or transmitted from a surface.
MAINTAINED ILLUMINANCE: The condition that occurs after two hundred (200) hours of lamp use prior to a point where luminaire cleaning is necessary. Measurements are taken at ground level with sensor parallel to the ground for horizontal luminance and measured at five feet (5') above ground with sensor perpendicular to the ground for vertical luminance.
NONESSENTIAL LIGHTING: Lighting that is not necessary for an intended purpose after the purpose has been served. Does not include any lighting used for safety and/or public circulation purposes.
OPAQUE: The effect of a part or parts of a luminaire that provides a barrier above and in some cases around the lamp, that does not allow any light to pass through.
PARTIALLY SHIELDED: The luminaire incorporates a translucent barrier, the "partial shield" around the lamp that allows some light to pass through the barrier of the fixture's walls while concealing the lamp from the viewer.
PLANNING AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR: The Town of Apple Valley planning and zoning administrator.
RECESSED: When a light is built into a structure or portion of a structure such that the light is fully cut off and no part of the light extends or protrudes beyond the underside of a structure or portion of a structure.
SHIELDED: When the light emitted from the fixture is projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest point of the fixture where light is emitted. The bulb is not visible with a shielded light fixture, and no light is emitted from the sides of the fixture. Also considered a full cutoff fixture.
SKY GLOW: The overhead glow from light emitted sideways and upward. Sky glow is caused by the reflection and scattering of light by dust, water vapor and other particles suspended in the atmosphere.
TEMPORARY LIGHTING: Lighting that is intended to be used for a special event for seven (7) days or less, and temporary construction lighting.
TRANSLUCENT: The effect of a part or parts of a luminaire that provides a barrier around the lamp that allows some light to pass through the barrier in a diffused manner, such that the lamp cannot be clearly distinguished.
UNSHIELDED: The luminaires only incorporate clear glass, which permits all light to escape.
UPLIGHTING: Fully shielded lighting that is directed in such a manner as to shine light rays above the horizontal plane.
WALL WASH: The reflectivity of artificial lighting from the exterior surface of a building or structure.
If the Lighting Administrator finds that any provision of this chapter is being violated, the Lighting Administrator shall give notice by hand delivery or by certified mail, return receipt requested, of such violation to the owner and/or to the occupant of such premises, demanding that the violation be abated within thirty (30) days of the date of hand delivery or of the date of mailing of the notice. The Planning Department staff shall be available to assist in working with the violator to correct said violation. If the violation is not abated within the thirty (30) day period, the Lighting Administrator may institute actions and proceedings, either legal or equitable, to enjoin, restrain or abate any violations of this chapter. Such actions or proceedings shall be in addition to the enforcement and penalties provisions of chapter 2 of this title.
This Ordinance shall take place effective immediately upon approval by the Town Council and shall supersede and replace all previous ordinances pertaining to outdoor lighting.