The purpose of this chapter is to: a) increase overnight health, safety, utility, and security; b) promote business development by setting standards for ambient lighting in parking lots and in other locations; c) conserve energy and resources; and d) minimize glare, light trespass, and sky glow. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013)

All outdoor illuminating devices shall be installed in conformance with the provisions of this code, the building code, the electrical code, and the sign code of the village of Bloomingdale as applicable and under appropriate permit and inspection. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013)

Applies to all applications for site plan review, zoning code or development ordinance amendment, planned development, special use permit, site plan review, and zoning variations for new lighting installations in all zoning districts, while excluding applications for zoning variations located in single-family residential districts and in the single-family portions of planned developments and planned development districts. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013)

For the purposes of this chapter, terms used shall be defined as follows:

AVG:MIN OR AVERAGE:MINIMUM RATIO: A measurement of the uniformity of light distribution on a horizontal surface achieved by dividing the average light output on the paved surface by the minimum light output on that surface.

BACKSIDE SHIELD OR SHIELD: A device which is added or attached to a light fixture made from an opaque material which prevents light from being emitted in certain directions, and is commonly applied to prevent light from entering an adjacent property.

COLOR RENDITION INDEX OR CRI: A measure of the ability of a light source to reproduce the colors of various objects faithfully in comparison with an ideal or natural light source. A CRI of 100 is the maximum score and indicates a true replication of the color of an object in natural light conditions.

COLOR TEMPERATURE: A measurement in kelvin that indicates the hue of a specific type of light source for the purpose of comparing a proposed light source to natural daylight.

FIXTURE OR FIXTURE, LIGHT (Also Called LUMINAIRE): The complete lighting assembly (including the lamp(s), housing, ballasts, photocells, reflectors or refractors, lenses, sensors and shields) less the support assembly of pole, mounting bracket and base, consisting of one or more lamps together with the parts designed to distribute light, position and protect the lamp, and connect the lamp to a source of power. Light fixtures are evaluated for safety by Underwriters Laboratory and are "rated" to certain wattage limits, as affixed by a UL issued label. (See definition of UL Rating.)

FOOT-CANDLE (FC): A unit of measurement used to determine the amount of light incident on a surface, also known as "illuminance". One foot-candle (1 FC) is equivalent to one lumen evenly distributed over one square foot of surface area at a distance of one foot (1'). Foot-candle measurements can be taken with a handheld light meter.

FOOT-CANDLE LIGHT METER: A portable instrument which measures light levels in foot-candle (FC) units emitted from a light source on a horizontal or vertical surface.

FULL OR FULLY CUT OFF: A light fixture or luminaire designed, constructed and installed in such a manner that all light emitted from the fixture, either directly from the lamp(s) or a diffusing element, or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the fixture, is projected below the horizontal plane through the fixture's lowest light emitting part.

GLARE: A visual disturbance produced by a direct view of a distinct light source within the visual field that is sufficiently brighter than the level to which the eyes are adapted to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility; blinding light.

ILLUMINANCE: Measure of incident light. The amount of light, evaluated according to its capacity to produce visual stimulation, that reaches a unit of surface area during a unit of time. It is measured in lux, or in foot-candles when evaluated on a square foot basis.

ILLUMINATING ENGINEERING SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA (IESNA OR IES): A nonprofit organization founded in 1906 with a mission to improve the lighted environment by bringing together engineers, lighting designers, consultants, lighting equipment manufacturers, sales professionals, electrical contractors, and academics to conduct research and promote best practices with the publication of reference guides for a variety of specific lighting applications.

LAMP: The source of light being emitted from a luminaire, such as a bulb.

LIGHT LEVEL: The illuminance as measured by a light meter as reported in photometry.

LIGHT OUTPUT: The amount of light which is emitted by a lamp or fixture.

LIGHT POLLUTION: Any unnecessary or adverse effect of artificial light including, but not limited to: glare, light trespass, excessive or unnecessary lighting, uplighting and sky glow; and any artificial light that unnecessarily diminishes the ability to view the night sky or is disruptive to the natural environment.

LIGHT SOURCE OR SOURCE: The light emitting part or parts of a light fixture, consisting of the lamp or lamps, and any transparent or translucent covering over the lamp, as well as any refractors, reflectors, prismatic lenses, mirrors, or diffusers which emit or transmit light.

LIGHT TRESPASS: Light that falls on neighboring properties or produces glare or distraction for observers away from the area for which the light is intended.

LIGHTING: Any or all parts of a luminaire that function to produce light, or light produced by a manmade source, including, but not limited to, electric lamps, gas lamps, and solar lamps.

LIGHTING, DECORATIVE: Lights that have an aesthetic purpose to illuminate the architectural features of a building, site or landscaping and produce generally low levels of light (less than 100 watts for traditional incandescent lights, or less than 1600 to 1800 lumens) including, but not limited to, "gooseneck" lights, sconce lights, recessed lighting in roof soffits, and silhouette lights.

LIGHTING, ESSENTIAL: Light that is used for a specified period of time which is necessary for a specific task or purpose while said task or purpose is actively being performed.

LIGHTING, EXCESSIVE: Illuminance which exceeds the amount of light which is permitted by the provisions, requirements and specifications contained herein.

LIGHTING, EXTERIOR: Temporary or permanent lighting that is installed, located or used in such a manner to cause light rays to shine outdoors. For the purposes of this chapter, fixtures which are located indoors, but which are intended to illuminate something outside are considered exterior lighting.

LIGHTING, HID (HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE): A high intensity discharge family of lighting that includes high pressure sodium, fluorescent, mercury vapor, metal halide and ceramic metal halide type bulbs. These types require a warmup time, usually require a ballast exclusive to the light source, and have a higher lumen output per watt than incandescent or halogen lamps.

LIGHTING, HOLIDAY: Temporary lighting installed in connection with a holiday or religious observances and intended to be removed thereafter.

LIGHTING INSTALLATION: The whole system of exterior lighting, including light poles, mounting systems, and lighting fixture elements (including light sources, such as incandescent, metal halide, mercury vapor lamps, and light emitting diodes (LED)) that provide illumination to a given building exterior, parking lot or other paved structure, or unpaved area.

LIGHTING INSTALLATION, NEW: A new lighting installation occurs in one or both of the following circumstances:

   A.   In a new development or redevelopment, where exterior lighting, including mounting poles, brackets, and fixtures are proposed to be affixed to or erected upon: 1) a new structure, including building, patio, canopy, sidewalk, parking lot or other paved area, or 2) an unpaved area;

   B.   When all exterior lighting, including mounting poles, brackets, and fixtures, affixed to or erected upon: 1) an existing structure, including building, patio, canopy, sidewalk, parking lot or other paved area, or 2) an unpaved area, are removed and replaced or renovated with new exterior lighting, including mounting poles, brackets, and fixtures.

LIGHTING, LANDSCAPE: Exterior lighting for the purpose of illuminating trees, shrubbery, plants, flowerbeds, waterways, gardens and nonstructural, manmade features, including, but not limited to, sculptures, fountains, trellises, statuaries, tree houses and other features.

LIGHTING, NONCONFORMING: Lighting which does not meet the provisions, requirements and specifications contained herein.

LIGHTING, NONESSENTIAL: Lighting which is unnecessary for pedestrian passage and not generally useful (e.g., aesthetic, decorative or landscape lighting). This includes lighting intended for a specific task or purpose when said task or purpose is not being actively performed (e.g., parking lot illumination and wall mounted perimeter lights after business hours).

LIGHTING, SPECIAL EVENT: Lighting approved by the village for use at a temporary special event.

LIGHTING, SPORTS: Light fixtures used to illuminate courts, arenas, riding arenas, fields, tracks and other recreational areas generally utilizing high light output fixtures, higher light levels and are mounted on higher than average freestanding poles.

LUMEN: The unit of measurement used to quantify the amount of light produced by a lamp or emitted from a fixture (as distinct from "watt" which is a measurement of the electrical power).

LUMINAIRE: See definition of Fixture Or Fixture, Light.

LUMINOUS FLUX: The power emitted from a source of electromagnetic radiation, such as a light bulb or light transmitting elements, in the form of visible light. Luminous flux is measured in lumens (lux) and is typically specified by the manufacturer for a given lamp or fixture. Typical luminous flux values for incandescent bulbs are 100W: 1550 lumens, 75W: 1080 lumens, 60W: 780 lumens and 40W: 450 lumens.

LUMINOUS TRANSMITTANCE: A measure of the amount of light that passes through a sample of transparent material, generally plastic. This measurement forms a basis for directly comparing the transparency of various grades and types of plastics. A haze meter and/or a recording spectrophotometer are used in the test. ASTM D-1003.

MAINTAINED FOOT-CANDLES: Illuminance of lighting fixtures adjusted for a maintenance factor accounting for dirt buildup and lamp output depreciation. The maintenance factor used in the design process to account for this depreciation cannot be lower than 0.64 of the initial lumen output for metal halide and mercury vapor lamps.

MOTION SENSOR: A sensor which causes a luminaire to become illuminated automatically upon the presence of motion or infrared radiation, or a combination thereof, within its field of view.

MOUNTING HEIGHT: The height above normal grade to the lowest light emitting part of an installed fixture.

PHOTOMETRY: A technical test report that indicates light distribution and performance of a fixture. A photometric plan may include candlepower distribution data, cutoff classification, foot-candle chart, etc., some of which are generally available directly from the manufacturer, and which may have been produced by an independent laboratory.

SEARCHLIGHT: Lighting installation, either ground or vehicle mounted, designed to project a high intensity beam of light that is typically used to sweep the sky for promotional purposes.

SHIELD OR SHIELDED: When applied to lighting, an opaque barrier which does not allow light to be transmitted in certain directions.

SKY GLOW: The brightening of the night sky or the overhead glow from artificial light that is directed upward or reflected off moisture and dust particles in the atmosphere, reducing the ability to view the natural night sky.

UL RATING: A reference to "Underwriters Laboratory", a commercial agency that certifies the maximum safe wattage for fixtures and other electrical devices. A UL label indicating the maximum safe wattage is affixed or imprinted on all light fixtures which are offered for sale.

UNIFORMITY RATIO: A ratio that describes uniformity of illuminance across an area.

UNSHIELDED: The luminaire only incorporates clear glass, which permits all light to escape. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013)

As part of submittal for zoning relief as spelled out in section 11-20-2 of this chapter, applicants shall include the following:

   A.   A site plan with all existing and proposed structures, which should show location, height, pole foundation details and mounting methods.

   B.   Lighting plans shall show foot-candle readings on a five foot (5') grid.

   C.   The grid shall include the location and installed height of each existing and proposed fixture, i.e., pole mounted, wall mounted, on-street lights, and overall lights in foot-candles.

   D.   Grid should extend twenty feet (20') beyond the property lines and indicate the zoning of adjacent properties.

   E.   Photometrics shall be prepared by the fixture manufacturer or other professional, and shall provide calculation of the following:

      1.   Maximum and minimum foot-candle readings.

      2.   Average maintained foot-candle readings.

      3.   Average to minimum uniformity ratio.

   F.   A description of each light fixture should be provided, including:

      1.   Manufacturer, model number.

      2.   A photo of the fixture and manufacturer cut sheet, indicating pole and fixture size, color and finish.

      3.   Detailed IES formatted photometric data.

      4.   Description of the cutoff characteristics of each fixture.

      5.   Light output in initial lumens and lamp type, verifying any compliance requirements specified.

   G.   Mounting height shall be indicated with distance to nearest property line, including pole foundation dimension.

   H.   Shielding or glare reduction devices and all mounting details, including base.

   I.   Types of timing devices or motion sensor devices used to control the fixtures and a schedule of the proposed hours when each fixture will be operated. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013)

Prior to issuance of a final certificate of occupancy, the applicant shall schedule an on site inspection and observation with the building and zoning official during hours of darkness to confirm that the new lighting installation does not cause glare. The building and zoning official may, at his discretion, require a postinstallation photometric plan or verify measurements from a foot-candle light meter to compare with the approved photometric plan. If glare is observed, or if the foot-candle readings are not consistent with the approved photometric plan, the applicant shall provide a plan to the building and zoning official to remedy the problem, and shall implement the plan to the satisfaction of the building and zoning official. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013)

   A.   Requirements For All Exterior Lighting Fixtures:

      1.   Light Measurements: All electrical light sources shall have a color rendition index ("CRI") of 65 or more, and a color temperature ranging from three thousand (3000) to five thousand five hundred (5500) kelvin. The building and zoning official may, at his discretion, permit measurements outside of these ranges for specific lighting applications.

      2.   Fixtures Prohibited:

         a.   Exposed luminous tube lighting, whether neon, LED, or fluorescent.

         b.   Strobe lights.

         c.   Laser lights.

         d.   Blinking, flickering, scrolling, rolling, pulsating, and tracing lights, or revolving lighting, including on signs.

         e.   Searchlights, except as required by law enforcement, or permitted as part of a temporary land use permit for a grand opening or similar event.

      3.   Fixture Color And Finish: All light poles, fixtures, and external housing shall be black or dark bronze in color, with a matte, or nonglossy finish.

   B.   Parking Lot And Access Drive Lighting:

      1.   Uniform Illumination: During business hours, parking lots shall be uniformly illuminated such that vehicular license plates, addresses, and directional, instructional, and regulatory signs are plainly visible without blind spots or excessive distortion of color.

      2.   Automatic Controls: Lighting shall have automatic controls capable of being turned off when sufficient daylight is available or when lighting is not required during nighttime hours. Lighting not designated for dusk to dawn operation shall be controlled by time switch or photo sensor. The aforementioned controls shall not apply to exit lighting as required by life safety regulations.

      3.   Full Cutoff Fixtures: All luminaires serving parking lots shall be full cutoff fixtures as defined by the IESNA "Lighting Handbook". (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013)

      4.   Light Source: All luminaires shall be metal halide, mercury vapor, or light emitting diode (LED) light source. (Ord. 2013-33, 10-28-2013)

      5.   Mounting Heights, Including Base: Parking lot light poles shall have a minimum height of twenty feet (20'), and a maximum height of twenty eight feet (28') above grade. Notwithstanding this limitation, in a planned unit development with a floor area in excess of three hundred thousand (300,000) square feet, the village board may allow a height of up to forty feet (40') if all of the following apply:

         a.   There is no residential use or no overnight occupancy within one hundred fifty feet (150') of the parking lot perimeter;

         b.   The buildings at the perimeter of the parking lot are configured so that the lighting is shielded from the residential uses or overnight occupancy; and

         c.   The site measures ten (10) acres or greater.

      6.   Fixture Setback: The setback distance for freestanding light fixtures to the property line in any nonresidential district shall be no less than three (3) times the mounting height unless it can be demonstrated, on a lighting plan, that with the use of a backside shield, all light trespass limits are met.

      7.   Method Of Measurement: Unless otherwise specified, light levels shall be measured on the horizontal plane at grade level within the site.

      8.   Glare: The village may require a change in fixture type if there are concerns and/or complaints of excessive glare for fixtures installed without the requisite building or electrical permit.

      9.   Illuminance Values For Parking Lots:

         a.   Paved Areas: The following levels of illumination apply to parking lots in nonresidential areas, and in multi-family planned developments in the R-4 multiple-family dwelling residence district and the R-5 multiple-family high rise residence district:

         PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR PAVED
         AREAS OF OFF STREET PARKING LOTS

 

 

         b.   Light Trespass, Lighting Transition, And Entrance Drives: To the greatest extent possible, light levels at a property line should be compatible with the surrounding property, especially at the point where the access drive meets the right of way. The primary intent is to assist motorists and pedestrians in locating the access drive, and avoiding an excessive contrast between the light levels of the driveway and the roadway that could impair visual acuity in this area.

If the proposed development is adjacent to residential uses, institutional uses, or hotels and motels where there are patients, residents, or guests, the light levels at the property line shall not exceed the lesser of 0.2 FC or the light level of the adjacent property. Landscaping shall be provided to buffer direct view of fixture.

If adjacent to a commercial use with a similar land use and existing illuminance at the property line, then light levels at this location should not exceed the lesser of 2.0 FC or the light level of the adjacent property.

The light levels at an entrance drive, at the point at which the drive intersects with the public street, shall be the lesser of: 1) one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the average maintained light levels on the site, or 2) the light levels currently existing in the street right of way.

   C.   Automobile Service Station And Drive-Through Establishments: (Maximum values in FC, measured horizontal at grade.)

 

 

Lighting under the canopy shall be recessed, with fixtures flush with the underside of the canopy. The canopy shall contain a buffer incorporated into the architectural style of the canopy, to block direct view of the fixtures from passing motorists and pedestrians.

   D.   Building Mounted Security Or Functional Lighting: All fixtures shall be full or fully cut off. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013)

   E.   Building Or Canopy Mounted Lighting Of An Architectural Or Decorative Nature:

      1.   Lighting fixtures shall be selected, located, aimed, and shielded so that direct illumination is focused exclusively on the building or canopy facade, plantings, and other intended site features, and away from adjoining properties and public street rights of way.

      2.   Illumination on a vertical surface or angular roof shall not exceed 5.0 FC average maintained.

      3.   To the extent practical, lighting shall be directed downward rather than upward.

      4.   If upward lighting is to be allowed, low wattage fixtures with shields shall be placed as close to the building as possible to avoid glare from windows and other surfaces. (Ord. 2013-33, 10-28-2013)

      5.   Notwithstanding the restrictions as set out in subsections E1 through E4 of this section, canopies for automobile gas stations may consist of some or all of the following methods of illumination: indirect silhouette lighting, reflective lighting, or internally lit elements, subject to the approval of the village board, who may, at their discretion, refer any proposed canopy lighting to the planning and zoning commission for a prior review at a public meeting in the manner of a site plan review as provided for elsewhere in this code. In that case, the planning and zoning commission will prepare a finding of fact to be submitted to the board containing its review of the revised exterior lighting plans. (Ord. 2013-33, 10-28-2013; amd. Ord. 2014-48, 10-27-2014)

      6.   Proposals for canopy lighting shall include technical details of all proposed lighting installations, including lumen output, color rendition index, and Kelvin temperature. (Ord. 2013-33, 10-28-2013)

   F.   Permanent Sign Lighting:

      1.   Freestanding, Not Interior Lit: Lighting fixtures that illuminate signs shall be aimed and shielded so that direct illumination is focused directly on the sign. Signs may be illuminated by a ground mounted light not to exceed the lumens generated by a one hundred (100) watt incandescent lamp (typically 1600 to 1800 lumens), or its equivalent metal halide fixture. If necessary, landscaping shall be installed to screen motorists and pedestrians from glare associated with any light spillage from the light illuminating the signs.

      2.   Internally Lit: Internally illuminated freestanding signs are permitted so long as the sign meets the following requirements:

         a.   Signs shall consist of light lettering (or symbols) on a dark background;

         b.   The lettering or symbols shall constitute no more than forty percent (40%) of the surface area of the sign;

         c.   The luminous transmittance for the lettering and symbols shall not exceed thirty five percent (35%) of the surface area of the sign;

         d.   The luminous transmittance for the background portion of the sign shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the surface area of the sign.

         e.   Light sources shall be fluorescent tubes, spaced at least twelve inches (12") on center, mounted 3.5 inches from the translucent surface material. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013)

   G.   Decorative Lighting Or Pedestrian Scale Lighting: All installations for decorative street and parking lot lighting, or pedestrian walkway lighting, whether or not they are part of a formal petition for zoning review, shall require a review by the planning and zoning commission and approval by the village board of trustees. Said review shall require a public hearing if it is part of a larger petition for zoning relief that would require a public hearing. If the installation does not otherwise require a public hearing, then the review can be accomplished through a public meeting process. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013; amd. Ord. 2014-48, 10-27-2014)

      1.   The height of fixtures may be less than the minimum height of twenty feet (20') pending a determination that the photometrics indicate that light levels will be well distributed, glare will be avoided, and the fixtures will be well integrated with the parking lot and walkway layout.

      2.   The petitioner shall demonstrate that additional light poles, fixtures and luminaires will be purchased and stored to address eventual problems with damaged poles and burned out luminaires.

      3.   Special emphasis will be needed on eliminating glare. A written explanation shall accompany the plans that address how glare will be minimized through fixture design or placement. Where appropriate, a luminaire shall be coated to minimize glare.

      4.   All aspects of the light fixtures shall comply with IESNA standards for decorative fixtures. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013)

   A.   Any freestanding lighting fixture, light source, or lighting installation lawfully in place or approved by the village prior to the adoption of this chapter shall be exempt from these requirements. At the time that a fixture (see definition of "fixture or fixture, light") or light source that does not comply with the standards of this chapter, and is not exempt, is replaced, moved, upgraded, or otherwise changed, the fixture or light source must be brought into compliance with the requirements of this chapter for light fixtures and light sources. At the time that a lighting installation becomes a new lighting installation, it must be brought into compliance with the requirements of this chapter.

   B.   If a fixture does not conform to the standards of this chapter, and is not exempt, and was installed without the required building or electrical permit, and has been reported to the village or otherwise observed by the village to be causing glare to the extent it is a danger to public safety, it shall be considered a violation of the standards of this chapter. Both the owner of the property and the business operating on the premises shall be notified in writing of the violation. The fixture must be brought into conformance with the provisions of this chapter within thirty (30) days, with such extensions as the building and zoning official deems reasonable.

   C.   Where a lighting installation is damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty, or act of God, to the extent that the cost of restoration will exceed fifty percent (50%) of the cost of the installation if new, the provisions of chapter 12, "Nonconforming Buildings, Structures And Uses", of this title shall apply.

   D.   When redevelopment occurs in a planned development in excess of one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet of gross leasable area and there is need to replace a portion of the exterior parking lot lighting, the new lighting fixtures shall be compatible with the lighting in the remainder of the development. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013)

Requests for relief from the provisions of this chapter shall require a review by the planning and zoning commission at a public meeting and approval by the village board. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013; amd. Ord. 2014-48, 10-27-2014)

If any portion of this chapter or of the regulations incorporated herein by reference is declared or held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration or finding of invalidity shall not affect any remaining portion of this chapter or the regulations incorporated herein which may be given effect without such invalid provisions, and to that end the provisions of this chapter are severable. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013)

This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any greater restrictions imposed on existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. Whenever the provisions of any other law, ordinance, or regulation impose higher standards than are required by the provisions of this chapter, the provision of such law, ordinance, or regulation shall govern. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013)

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 11-20-11 of this chapter, property owners in planned developments desirous of replacing their approved installations to include light source that will achieve the light levels permitted under this chapter shall require the necessary permits in compliance with applicable codes as specified in section 11-20-2 of this chapter, but said owners will not require a formal amendment of their development ordinance. (Ord. 2013-19, 4-22-2013)