Auburn City Zoning Code
18.55 Outdoor
Lighting
18.55.010 Intent.
To discourage excessive lighting of outdoor spaces, encourage energy conservation and promote exterior lighting that promotes safe vehicular and pedestrian access to and within a development while minimizing impacts on adjacent properties. Decorative lighting that is architecturally integrated with the character of the associated structures, site design and landscape is encouraged. (Ord. 6390 § 1, 2011.)
18.55.020 Applicability.
A. A lighting plan shall be required for projects as follows:
1. When an exterior lighting installation is part of a new development proposal requiring site plan review, an administrative or conditional use permit, or other development application that requires outside lighting or is a commercial project adjacent to property zoned residential; and
2. For projects undergoing redevelopment, expansion or remodel when the redevelopment requires site plan approval, or for tenant improvements or other minor building improvements when exterior lighting is proposed to be installed or modified.
B. These regulations do not apply to subdivisions or individual dwelling units, with the exception of common areas. Examples of common areas include, but are not limited to, pathways, clubhouses, parking lots and play areas.
C. These regulations are not applicable to public rights-of-way.
D. These regulations do not apply to lighting necessary for emergency equipment and work conducted in the interests of law enforcement or for the safety, health, or welfare of the public. (Ord. 6390 § 1, 2011.)
18.55.030 General requirements.
A. Shielding Required. Except as otherwise exempt, all outdoor lighting fixtures shall be constructed with shielding on all sides. The outdoor light source (bulb or element) shall not be visible at or beyond the property line.
Figure 18.55.030. Examples of light fixtures with shielding on all sides
B. Fixture Heights. Lighting fixtures shall not exceed the following maximum heights:
Table 18.55.030.
Outdoor Lighting Location | Fixture Height (Maximum as measured to the top of the fixture from grade) |
|---|---|
Within 50' of a residential zoning district | 16 ft |
Surface Parking Area C-1, C-2, M-1, M-2 All other districts | 30 ft 24 ft |
C. Photometric Plan Requirements. A photometric plan shall be prepared and submitted for review and approval when required under ACC 18.55.020, Applicability. The required elements of the plan shall be specified in application forms to be provided by the city. The photometric plan will be reviewed to ensure compliance with the provisions in this chapter.
D. Level of Illumination.
1. Parking lots, driveways, and trash enclosures/areas shall be illuminated with a minimum maintained one foot-candle of light and an average not to exceed four foot-candles of light.
2. Pedestrian walkways shall be illuminated with a minimum maintained one-half foot-candle of light and an average not to exceed two foot-candles of light.
3. In order to minimize light spillage on abutting residential property, illumination measured at the nearest residential structure or rear yard setback line shall not exceed one-tenth foot-candle.
E. Accent Lighting. Lighting used to accent architectural features, landscaping or art is permitted to be directed upward; provided, that the fixture shall be located, aimed, or shielded to minimize light spill. No permit is required for this type of lighting.
F. Periods of Illumination.
1. All outdoor lighting systems shall be equipped with automatic switches conforming to the requirements of Section C405.2.9.4 of the Washington State Energy Code.
2. The use of sensor technologies, timers or other means to activate lighting during times when it will be needed is encouraged to conserve energy, provide safety and promote compatibility between different land uses. Lower lighting levels at off-peak times are encouraged as a safety measure.
3. However, outdoor lights may remain on during the required off hours when:
a. Illuminating flags representing country, state, or other civic entity;
b. Functioning as security lighting (e.g., illuminating a pathway, building entry, etc.);
c. Associated with special events, etc. (Ord. 6959 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 6885 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 6390 § 1, 2011.)
18.55.040 Prohibited lights.
The following lights are prohibited unless a temporary use permit is obtained for specific events with specific times of operation:
A. Strobe lights, search lights, laser source lights, or any similar high-intensity light except for emergency use by police and fire personnel or at their direction.
B. Roof-mounted lights except for security purposes with motion detection and full shielding so that the glare of the light source is not visible from any public right-of-way or a neighboring residence.
C. Any light that imitates or causes visual interference with a traffic signal or other necessary safety or emergency light. (Ord. 6390 § 1, 2011.)
18.55.050 Exceptions.
The following light sources are exempt from the requirements of this chapter:
A. Navigation and airport lighting required for the safe operation of boats and airplanes.
B. Temporary lights used for holiday decorations.
C. Emergency lighting required by police, fire, and rescue authorities.
D. Lighting for state and federal highways authorized by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
E. Internal lighting of permitted signs.
F. Outdoor lighting for public monuments.
G. Temporary lighting in use during active construction projects.
H. Stadium and field lighting. (Ord. 6390 § 1, 2011.)