Calimesa City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 18
120 OUTDOOR LIGHTING
§ 18.120.010 Purpose and intent.
It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to establish regulations and standards which will reduce light pollution generated by residential, commercial and industrial lighting fixtures and devices, minimize light pollution which has a detrimental effect on the environment and the enjoyment of the night sky, reduce and minimize lighting and lighting practices which cause unnecessary illumination of adjacent properties, correct problems of glare and light trespass, reduce energy use, comply with the regulations set forth in the California Building Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Parts 1 and 6 of the California Code of Regulations, enacted pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 25402.1, or successor statute), and implement the Calimesa general plan.
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
§ 18.120.020 Definitions.
The terms used in this chapter shall have the meanings set forth in this section, except as provided as follows:
“Abandoned property”
means a condition in which a property is: (A) vacant; or (B) distressed. (See CMC § 8.55.020.)
“Adult-oriented business”
means an adult-oriented business as defined in CMC § 5.25.020.
“Day”
means a calendar day.
“Disabling glare”
means glare that (A) impairs the visibility and creates a potentially hazardous situation for either pedestrians or motorists, or (B) precludes the operation of a nearby business or the provision of activities, programs or services on nearby property.
“Distressed”
means distressed as defined in CMC § 8.55.020.
“Fixture”
means the assembly that holds a lamp and may include an assembly housing, a mounting bracket or polo socket, lamp holder, ballast, reflector, or mirror and a refractor or lens.
“Foot-candle”
means a unit of light measurement equal to one lumen per square foot.
“Glare”
means the brightness of a light source that causes annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility to the eye.
“Light trespass”
means light emitted by a lighting installation which shines beyond the boundaries of the property on which the installation is sited.
“Lumen”
means a unit of measurement of light. One lumen equals one foot-candle falling onto one square foot of area.
“Luminaire”
means a lighting fixture complete with the light source or lamp, the reflector for directing the light, an aperture (with or without a lens), the outer shell or housing for lamp alignment and protection, an electrical ballast, if required, and connection to a power source.
“Nuisance glare”
means glare that (A) creates an annoyance or aggravation but does not create a potentially hazardous situation, or (B) creates an annoyance or aggravation that impairs or impedes a person’s right of quiet enjoyment of his/her property.
“Outdoor advertising sign”
means an outdoor advertising sign as defined in CMC § 18.60.020.
“Outdoor advertising structure”
means an outdoor advertising structure as defined in CMC § 18.60.020.
“Spillover light”
means light trespass.
“Vacant”
means vacant as defined in CMC § 8.55.020.
“Watt”
means a standard unit of power (energy per unit time), the equivalent of one joule per second.
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
§ 18.120.030 Exempt lighting.
The following outdoor lighting and lighting fixtures are exempt from this chapter:
A.
Fossil fuel (e.g., gas or kerosene) lamps;
B.
Temporary holiday decorations, for the time period commencing 30 days prior to the holiday, and extending not later than 30 days after the holiday;
C.
Flag lighting of 150 watts or less;
D.
Emergency lighting, for the duration of the emergency;
E.
Exposed string outdoor lighting; provided, that (1) they consist exclusively of a white light with a clear bulb, (2) the installation of such lights shall be limited to the lighting of living landscape features (shrubs and trees) in outside dining areas or within the parking areas of a commercial center or plaza, and (3) all such lighting is installed in accordance with applicable safety regulations;
F.
Interior lighting; provided, that overly bright interior light emitted outdoors from any structure will be subject to control by this chapter if it is determined by the community development director that the indoor lighting creates light trespass, nuisance glare or disabling glare.
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
§ 18.120.040 Prohibited lighting.
The following lighting systems are prohibited except as otherwise indicated:
A.
Aerial lasers, “search light” style lights, and flashing lights, unless they are allowed as part of a temporary use as regulated by CMC § 18.15.130 (or any successor ordinance) (See CMC § 18.120.110(B)(8));
B.
Lighting fixtures mounted in such a way as to illuminate a roof, or aimed only towards a property line, or which cause disabling glare or light trespass, as determined by the community development director; and
C.
Billboard lighting that is pointed up.
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
§ 18.120.050 Nonconforming lighting.
All outdoor light fixtures existing and legally installed prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be deemed nonconforming and are exempt from the requirements of this chapter except that nonconforming lighting fixtures shall not be structurally altered, reconstructed or replaced so as to extend their useful life. Nothing herein shall prevent the property owner or occupant from carrying out ordinary repairs and maintenance required to maintain said nonconforming outdoor light fixtures in a safe manner. In the event that any nonconforming lighting fixture is structurally altered, reconstructed or replaced, such fixture shall be made to conform to the requirements of this chapter. Additionally, should it be determined that a nonconforming light fixture results in light trespass, the community development director may require that the light be shielded, filtered, redirected, replaced with a less intense light source, removed or a combination thereof, to eliminate light trespass.
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
§ 18.120.060 Lighting plan required.
The submittal of a lighting plan is required as part of a development application or land use permit or clearance (except for lighting on an existing single-family residence). All lighting plans shall be prepared and certified to its compliance with the requirements of this chapter by a qualified lighting engineer prior to submitting lighting plans to the city. Lighting plans shall contain the information as specified by the lighting plan submittal requirements provided by the community development department.
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
§ 18.120.070 Performance standards applicable in all lighting zones.
The following performance standards are applicable in all lighting zones:
A.
The candlepower of all lights shall be the minimum required to accomplish the purpose of the light, but shall not exceed the candlepower requirements of this chapter.
B.
All lights shall be directed, oriented, and shielded to prevent light trespass or glare onto adjacent properties, onto public rights-of-way, and/or driveway areas.
C.
Lighting for advertising signs shall not cause light trespass, disabling glare or nuisance glare on surrounding properties.
D.
Lighting shall not be directed towards or seen from Interstate Highway 10 in such a manner that would result in disabling glare for drivers, or otherwise result in light trespass.
E.
Motion detector lighting fixtures are allowed; provided, that: (1) there is no light trespass or spillover onto adjacent properties; (2) the fixtures are mounted within five feet of an entrance or exit door, garage door, or alcove of a structure; (3) installed no more than eight feet above the ground; and (4) illuminated with a maximum of two light bulbs of no more than 75 watts each.
F.
Exterior lighting shall be turned off during daylight hours. As used herein, “daylight hours” means the hours between sunrise (dawn) and sunset.
G.
Exterior lighting shall demonstrate an efficient distribution of lighting using low-glare, lowlight pollution fixtures for lighting building exteriors and surrounding areas. Exterior lighting shall demonstrate compliance with Title 24 Energy Standards (including but not limited to Parts 1 and 6 of Title 24, California Code of Regulations, or successor regulations).
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
§ 18.120.080 Lighting in the residential lighting zone.
A.
The residential lighting zone consists of all areas of the city zoned for O-S-R, R-E, R-R, R-L, R-L-M, R-M, R-H, PRD and any other residential zone that may be adopted by the city in the future.
B.
General Requirements.
1.
All outdoor lighting fixtures shall be installed and operated in conformance with this chapter, all other applicable provisions of the code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, Part 6 (and any successor regulations), and the Uniform Building and Electrical Codes. In the event of any conflicts between this chapter and any other provision of the code, the more stringent regulation shall apply.
2.
In multifamily residential dwellings or buildings, lighting for safety and/or security purposes shall be provided at entryways, along walkways, between buildings, and within parking areas subject to the provisions of this chapter.
3.
All outdoor lighting shall comply with the general performance requirements set forth in CMC § 18.120.070(B).
4.
Special Lighting Requirements. All outdoor lighting shall comply with the following additional requirements:
Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
Candlepower | Shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles at property lines. |
Height of Fixtures/Poles | Shall not exceed the maximum permitted building height of the applicable residential zone. If attached to a single-family residence the lighting shall not exceed the height of the roof eave. |
Lighting Design | Lighting poles and fixtures shall complement the overall site architecture and design in terms of scale, color, and style. |
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
§ 18.120.090 Lighting in the commercial/industrial zone.
A.
The commercial/industrial lighting zone consists of all areas of the city zoned for C-N, C-C, C-R, C-P Overlay, O-P, P/Q, L-I, BP and any other commercial/industrial zone that may be adopted by the city in the future.
B.
General Requirements.
1.
All outdoor lighting fixtures shall be installed and operated in conformance with this chapter, all other applicable provisions of the code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, Part 6 (and any successor regulations), and the Uniform Building and Electrical Codes. In the event of any conflicts between this chapter and any other provision of the code, the more stringent regulation shall apply.
2.
In commercial/industrial buildings, lighting for safety and/or security purposes shall be provided at entryways, along walkways, between buildings, and within parking areas subject to the provisions of this chapter.
3.
All outdoor lighting shall comply with the general performance requirements set forth in CMC § 18.120.070(B).
4.
Neon lighting is allowed under the following circumstances:
a.
As signage pursuant to CMC § 18.50.040(E)(3), Neon Tubing.
b.
As part of the architectural theme of a building if approved under Chapter 18.90 CMC, Development Plan Review.
C.
Special Lighting Standards. All outdoor lighting shall comply with the following additional requirements:
Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
Candlepower for Parking Lot Lighting | Lighting shall maintain a minimum of one-foot-candle power across the surface of the parking area. |
Height of Fixtures/Poles | Lights mounted on poles or structures intended primarily for mounting lights shall not exceed a maximum height of 20 feet, except that lighting attached to a single story building shall not exceed the height of the roof eave. |
Lighting Design | – Parking lot lighting poles and fixtures shall complement the overall site architecture and design in terms of scale, color, and style. – Exterior building lights shall complement the overall building appearance. |
D.
Lighting Curfew. Outdoor lighting systems in the commercial/industrial zone shall be turned off or reduced in lighting by at least 50 percent beginning at 10:00 p.m. or close of business, whichever is later, until dawn or the opening of business, whichever is earlier. The reduction shall be determined as an overall average for the parcel. When possible, the lighting system shall be turned off rather than reduced in lighting level. Lighting shall be equipped with either timer controls or with photocell on and off switches.
Exceptions to the lighting curfew are as follows:
1.
When there is only one conforming lighting fixture for the parcel; or
2.
When a law or regulation requires lighting for steps and stairs; or
3.
When, in the opinion of the community development director, reduced lighting levels at a given location (a) will cause unacceptable increased risk to safety and/or security; (b) will impair business operations when a business is open during the light curfew period or will impair the functions, services, or programs conducted during the light curfew period; and (c) will cause only a de minimis effect on nearby properties.
4.
Pending determination of the community development director on an exception application under this section, the responsible party shall bring the property into compliance with the light curfew.
5.
The decision of the community development director may be appealed to the planning commission in accordance with CMC § 18.15.080.
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
§ 18.120.100 Lighting in the open space zone.
A.
The open space lighting zone consists of all areas of the city zoned for O-S and any other open space zone that may be adopted by the city in the future.
B.
General Requirements.
1.
All outdoor lighting fixtures shall be installed and operated in conformance with this chapter, all other applicable provisions of the code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, Part 6 (and any successor regulations), and the Uniform Building and Electrical Codes. In the event of any conflicts between this chapter and any other provision of the code, the more stringent regulation shall apply.
2.
Lighting for safety and/or security purposes shall be provided at entryways, along walkways, between buildings, and within parking areas subject to the provisions of this chapter.
3.
All outdoor lighting shall comply with the general performance requirements set forth in CMC § 18.120.070(B).
C.
Special Lighting Standards. All outdoor lighting shall comply with the following additional requirements:
Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
Candlepower | Shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles at property lines. |
Height of Fixtures/Poles | Shall not exceed the maximum permitted building height of the applicable residential zone. If attached to a single-family residence, the lighting shall not exceed the height of the roof eave. |
Lighting Design | Lighting poles and fixtures shall complement the overall site architecture and design in terms of scale, color, and style while being sensitive to its surroundings. |
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
§ 18.120.110 Lighting for special uses.
A.
The special use lighting zone includes all uses that require specialized lighting requirements because of their unique operating characteristics, secondary effects on surrounding properties, and/or the need for accurate color rendition, as more specifically provided for in this section.
B.
Special Uses Defined. The following uses are included in the special uses lighting zone:
1.
Adult-oriented businesses;
2.
Automobile sales lots;
3.
Drive-through facilities;
4.
Massage establishments;
5.
Outdoor recreation facilities (e.g., tennis courts, driving ranges, sports fields);
6.
Outdoor advertising structures;
7.
Service stations;
8.
Temporary uses (i.e., fairs, festivals, concerts, carnivals, sales events, etc.);
9.
Vacant and abandoned properties.
C.
General Requirements.
1.
All outdoor lighting fixtures shall be installed and operated in conformance with this chapter, all other applicable provisions of the code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, Part 6 (and any successor regulations), and the Uniform Building and Electrical Codes. In the event of any conflicts between this chapter and any other provision of the code, the more stringent regulation shall apply.
2.
Safety and Security. Except as otherwise provided in this section, lighting for safety and/or security purposes shall be provided at entryways, along walkways, between buildings, and within parking areas subject to the provisions of this chapter.
3.
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this section, all outdoor lighting shall also comply with the general performance requirements set forth in CMC § 18.120.070 and the general performance requirements set forth in the applicable lighting zone in which the use is located.
D.
Special Lighting Requirements for Special Uses. In addition to the lighting requirements otherwise required by this chapter, the following shall also apply:
1.
Adult-Oriented Businesses. Off-street parking areas and entries to the building in which the adult-oriented business is located shall each be illuminated from dusk until two hours past closing time with a lighting system that provides an average maintained horizontal illumination of one footcandle of light on the parking surfaces or walkways.
2.
Automobile/Vehicle Sales Lots. Areas for the display of vehicles shall be allowed to use lighting that provides for accurate color rendition of the vehicles. Such lighting shall also comply with the performance standards specified in CMC § 18.120.070.
3.
Drive-Through Facilities. Drive-through lanes shall provide adequate screening to ensure that vehicle headlights do not cause nuisance glare or disabling glare to drivers or pedestrians, or otherwise result in light trespass.
4.
Massage Establishments. All off-street parking locations, entrances and exits to the building in which the massage therapy establishment is located, or which are provided for or belong to the massage therapy establishment, shall be illuminated from dusk until two hours past closing time with a lighting system that provides an average maintained horizontal illumination of one footcandle of light on the parking surface and walkways.
5.
Outdoor Recreation Facilities (e.g., tennis courts, driving ranges, sports fields). Lighting shall be adequately shielded to direct light rays onto the activity area of the facility only. There shall be no illumination of outdoor recreational facilities unless the facilities are being utilized.
6.
Outdoor Advertising Structures. An outdoor advertising display may be illuminated; provided, that the displays are so constructed that no light bulb, tube, filament, or similar source of illumination is visible beyond the display face. Displays making use of lights to convey the effect of movement or flashing, intermittent, or variable intensity shall not be permitted. Displays shall use the most advanced methods to ensure the most energy efficient methods of display illumination.
7.
Service Stations. All light sources, including canopy, perimeter and flood, shall be stationary and shielded or recessed within the roof canopy so that the service station shall be indirectly visible and light is deflected away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way. Lighting shall not be of such a high intensity as to cause nuisance glare or disabling glare to drivers or pedestrians, or result in light trespass to nearby properties. No luminaire shall be higher than 15 feet above finished grade.
8.
Temporary Uses ((i.e., fairs, festivals, concerts, carnivals, sales events, etc.). Aerial lasers, “search light” style lights, and flashing lights may be allowed on a case-by-case basis based on the particular lighting zone, location, and surroundings, subject to the approval of a temporary use permit pursuant to CMC § 18.15.130 (or any successor ordinance). Approved aerial lasers, “search light” style lights, and flashing lights temporarily allowed in connection with temporary uses shall also comply with the requirements of CMC §§ 18.120.070 and 18.120.090.
9.
Vacant and Abandoned Properties. Exterior light fixtures shall be maintained in good working order, free of broken lamps, lenses and light bulbs. Outdoor lighting in working order shall not be directed skyward with exception to typical landscape lighting meant to accent architectural features of structures, trees and shrubs. Outdoor lighting for vacant and abandoned properties shall also otherwise comply with the requirements of CMC § 18.120.070 (Performance standards applicable in all lighting zones) and 18.120.080 (residentially-zoned property), or CMC § 18.120.070 (Performance standards applicable in all lighting zones) and 18.120.090 (commercially/industrially-zoned property).
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
§ 18.120.120 Parks, trails, and wildlife corridor lighting specifications.
A.
Generally. The following specifications shall apply to all public and private sidewalks, pedestrian trails, bicycle paths, and equestrian trails (collectively “trails”), public parks, and wild-life corridors.
B.
State Regulations. All outdoor lighting fixtures shall be installed and operated in conformance with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, Part 6 (and any successor regulations), and the Uniform Building and Electrical Codes. In the event of any conflicts between this chapter and any state statute or regulation, the more stringent regulation shall apply.
C.
Trails. Overhead lighting shall be placed on poles not more than 16 feet in height, illuminating only the trail itself plus an additional area of not more than five feet in width on either side of the trail.
D.
Parks. Overhead lighting in parks shall be placed on poles not more than 16 feet in height, illuminating only the park itself. As part of the review process, a lighting curfew shall be established that addresses impacts to adjacent or nearby residential uses.
E.
Wildlife Corridors. Wildlife corridors, as designated by the city of Calimesa general plan, Western Riverside County multiple species habitat conservation plan, a tentative tract or parcel map, or any other mechanism recognized by the city of Calimesa, shall not be lighted.
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
§ 18.120.130 Calimesa Boulevard Corridor lighting specifications.
The specifications shown on Exhibit “A” to the ordinance codified in this chapter shall apply to all street lighting located within the designated area known as the Calimesa Boulevard Corridor.
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
§ 18.120.140 Administration and enforcement.
A.
Generally. The community development director, planning commission, or city council shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter depending upon the type of land use entitlement application.
B.
Appeal. Appeals from any decision of the community development director or planning commission shall be filed and processed in accordance with CMC § 18.15.080.
C.
Extension of Time to Correct Light Trespass.
1.
In the event the community development director determines that a nonconforming lighting fixture results in light trespass, the responsible party shall shield, filter, redirect or replace the light with a less intense light source, or remove the light to eliminate the light trespass. Corrective action shall be taken within 10 days after the community development director’s determination.
2.
Upon written application by the responsible party, the community development director may grant additional time (not to exceed 90 days) to remedy the light trespass for hardship because the responsible party will incur significant difficulty in physically accessing the fixture, or the responsible party will incur significant financial difficulty in correcting the light trespass.
3.
In seeking additional time, the responsible party shall provide written justification, signed by the property owner and occupant, that includes (a) the circumstances and conditions relied upon to justify the request for an extension of time; (b) the circumstances and conditions by which strict application of this chapter would result in hardship; and (c) that granting an extension of time will have only a de minimis effect on nearby properties.
4.
Appeals from the decision of the community development director on a time extension application shall be filed in accordance with CMC § 18.15.080.
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
§ 18.120.150 Violations and penalties.
Any violation of any provision of this chapter shall be subject to administrative proceedings, and/or criminal or civil prosecution, in accordance with Chapters 1.20 and 1.30 CMC, as determined to be appropriate in the discretion of the city attorney. All remedies stated therein shall be cumulative and nonexclusive.
(Ord. 294 § 15, 2009)
