This article establishes minimum requirements for outdoor lighting in residential areas in order to reduce light trespass and glare, and to protect the health, property, and well-being of Butte County residents and visitors.

(Ord. No. 4062, § 1, 9-10-13)

A.

The requirements of this article shall apply to all outdoor lighting in all residential zones. This article does not apply to lighting at publicly owned facilities, including public rights-of-way. Lighting in non-residential zoning districts that exists at the time of the effective date of this Zoning Ordinance is exempt from this article.

(Ord. No. 4062, § 1, 9-10-13)

All residential outdoor lighting installed after the initial effective date of the standards in this article (November 26, 2009) shall be in conformance with the requirements of this article.

(Ord. No. 4062, § 1, 9-10-13)

A.

Outdoor lighting existing at the time of the effective date of the Zoning Ordinance that does not meet the requirements of this article shall be brought into compliance or removed as follows:

1.

Within three (3) months of the effective date of the Zoning Ordinance, where re-direction of the light fixture is feasible and will bring the light fixture into compliance; or

2.

Within six (6) months of the effective date of the Zoning Ordinance, in all other cases.

(Ord. No. 4062, § 1, 9-10-13)

Light fixtures not meeting the standards of this article shall be brought into compliance in any of the following ways:

A.

Re-direction of the light fixture;

B.

Shielding of the lamp;

C.

Redesign or relocation of the light fixture;

D.

Replacement of the light fixture with a conforming fixture; or

E.

Removal of the light fixture.

(Ord. No. 4062, § 1, 9-10-13)

All outdoor lighting shall be located, adequately shielded, and directed such that no direct light falls outside the property line, or into the public right-of-way as illustrated in Figure 24-67-1 (Inadequate and Adequate Shielding) and Figure 24-67-2 (Light Source Not Directly Visible Outside Property Perimeter).

(Ord. No. 4062, § 1, 9-10-13)

The following types of lighting are exempt from the requirements of this article:

A.

Holiday and temporary lighting (less than thirty (30) days in any one (1) year); and

B.

Temporary lighting used by law enforcement or emergency personnel to protect life or property.

(Ord. No. 4062, § 1, 9-10-13)

Security lighting triggered by motion or noise shall be permitted subject to all of the provisions of this article. Sensors for such lighting shall not be triggered by activity located outside the subject property.

(Ord. No. 4062, § 1, 9-10-13)

Flashing, flickering, or other lighting that is distracting or may be confused with traffic or emergency signals shall be prohibited.

FIGURE 24-67-1 INADEQUATE AND ADEQUATE SHIELDING

FIGURE 24-67-2 LIGHT SOURCE NOT DIRECTLY VISIBLE OUTSIDE PROPERTY PERIMETER

(Ord. No. 4062, § 1, 9-10-13)