Clarkdale City Zoning Code

1. Any modification of an existing outdoor light fixture shall comply with this chapter.

2. All outdoor lighting shall be installed in compliance with the Town of Clarkdale Building Regulations and the Town of Clarkdale Fire Code. (Revised by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26)

1. “Major” shall be defined as an increase of twenty-five percent (25%) or more in terms of additional dwelling units, gross floor area, seating capacity, or parking spaces, either with a single addition or with cumulative additions after the effective date of this provision; or

2. Single or cumulative modifications or replacements of legally installed outdoor light fixtures after December 31, 2025, constituting twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the lumens that would be permitted under this chapter for the property, regardless of the total outdoor light output currently existing on a site.

3. New Uses or Change of Use. Whenever there is a new use of a property (zoning or variance change) or the use on the property is changed, all outdoor lighting on the property shall be brought into compliance with this chapter before the new or changed use commences.

1. All new or modified outdoor light fixtures shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.

2. The total outdoor light output shall not exceed the amount allowed by this chapter, or the total legal nonconforming light output, whichever is greater. (Revised by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26)

1. Class 1 Lighting (High-Impact Areas). Class 1 lighting applies to areas with high-activity or safety requirements, such as athletic fields, sales, service, commercial, assembly, repair, and maintenance. This class is designed for high-visibility and operational needs, and all fixtures must be fully shielded to prevent off-site glare and light pollution. Lighting in Class 1 areas may remain operational until 10:00 p.m. or for as long as the area is in active use. After 10:00 p.m., lighting shall be reduced or turned off unless required for safety, operational, or security purposes. This provision does not apply to fixtures lawfully installed prior to the adoption of this Zoning Code.

2. Class 2 Lighting (Industrial and Light Industrial Uses). Class 2 lighting applies to industrial and light industrial areas, including but not limited to manufacturing plants, cement plants, railroad yards, and other heavy industrial facilities. Due to the nature of these operations, higher lighting allowances are permitted to ensure safety, security, and operational efficiency. These areas may use higher-intensity lighting as necessary to meet operational needs, but all lighting must be designed to prevent light trespass and glare, especially toward surrounding residential areas or natural habitats. Class 2 is lighting used for applications where general illumination for safety or security is the primary concern.

3. Class 3 Lighting (Moderate-Impact Areas). Class 3 lighting applies to residential areas and community spaces, including but not limited to street lighting, pathway lighting, and security lighting. Lighting in these areas must be designed to prevent glare and light trespass into neighboring properties. All fixtures must be shielded, and lighting shall be dimmed or turned off during non-use hours (e.g., after 10:00 p.m.) unless necessary for safety.

1. All outdoor light fixtures, including motion sensing lighting, shall be located, aimed, and shielded so that the direct illumination from the fixture shall be confined to the property boundaries of the source.

2. Any privately or publicly owned outdoor light fixture with an output over ten thousand (10,000) lumens located within fifty (50) feet of any residential (including multifamily developments) property or public right-of-way shall utilize an internal or external shield, with the outdoor light fixture and shield oriented to prevent direct illumination over the adjacent property or right-of-way line. If an external shield is used, its surface must be painted black to minimize reflections (Figure 8-050.H.2).

1. Motion sensing outdoor light fixtures shall be fully shielded.

2. Motion sensing lighting fixtures shall be properly adjusted, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Motion sensors shall be programmed to activate lighting only when movement is detected and to automatically turn off after no movement is detected for a period of no longer than five (5) minutes.

1. Architectural and landscape lighting that is directed downward onto a structure, tree, or other landscape feature shall be included in the total outdoor light output standards provided in Table 8-050.E, Maximum Total Outdoor Light Output Standards, based on whether a fully shielded or partially shielded light fixture is used; and

2. Architectural and landscape lighting that is directed upward onto a structure, tree, or other landscape features is not allowed.

3. Lighting shall not be directed toward adjacent properties to prevent light trespass.

1. Lighting Levels. The lighting shall be bright enough to provide adequate visibility for security purposes and not hinder the use of any CCTV systems but shall not exceed one-half (0.5) foot-candles at the property line in residential areas.

2. Shielding and Direction. All security lighting must be shielded or directed to prevent light trespass or glare onto adjacent properties, roadways, or natural habitats.

3. Use During Inactivity. Security lighting shall not remain continuously illuminated unless necessary for safety or operational reasons and shall be equipped with motion sensors programmed to activate lighting only when movement is detected and to automatically turn off after no movement is detected for a period of no longer than five (5) minutes.

1. General outdoor lighting: one hundred (100) to three hundred (300) lumens (five (5) to ten (10) lux).

2. Main entry lighting: two hundred (200) to eight hundred (800) lumens (ten (10) to thirty (30) lux).

3. Low-voltage landscape lighting: fifty (50) to two hundred (200) lumens (two (2) to five (5) lux).

4. Shielded floodlighting: five hundred (500) to one thousand five hundred (1,500) lumens (twenty (20) to thirty (30) lux).

5. Exceptions include:

1. Landscape lighting must comply with the residential lumen output limits mentioned above.

2. It shall not be directed toward adjacent properties to prevent light trespass. (Revised by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26)

1. Shielding. All outdoor light fixtures attached, mounted to, or within a canopy, building overhang, or roof eave shall be fully shielded.

2. Total Lumens. The total lumens of each outdoor light fixture shall be calculated based on the distance from the edge of the canopy, building overhang, or roof eave subject to Figure 8-070.A.

1. Light Color and Temperature. Lighting shall use warm-toned lighting (such as amber or soft white) rather than harsh blue or cool white lights.

2. Fixture Design. All lighting fixtures under canopies must be fully shielded to minimize light trespass and glare, ensuring that light is directed only where needed – such as at the service area, pump stations, and customer pathways.

3. Energy Efficiency. Fixtures shall utilize energy-efficient technologies, like LED lighting, and be equipped with dimming capabilities or motion sensors where feasible. Lighting in non-essential areas (such as store lighting or decorative lighting) shall be minimized or turned off when not in use.

4. Security Lighting. Lighting for doorways, payment areas, and pumps must remain operational throughout the night to ensure customer safety and security. However, unnecessary lighting, including decorative or ambient lights, shall be minimized, especially when the facility is not in active use.

1. Lighting Class. Lighting for an athletic field/ track/ arena area only shall be considered Class 1 lighting.

2. Lumen Cap Requirements.

3. Shielding. Fixtures used for athletic field/ track/ arena areas shall be fully shielded.

4. Time Limits. Outdoor sports facilities shall not be illuminated after 10:00 p.m., except to conclude a scheduled recreational or sporting event in progress prior to the time limitation.

5. Certification. Lighting systems for outdoor recreational facilities shall be designed and certified by an engineer registered in Arizona as conforming to all applicable restrictions of this code before construction commences. Further, after installation is complete, the system shall be again certified by a registered engineer to verify that the installation is consistent with the certified design.

1. Street lighting installed on public rights-of-way shall be in accordance with the Town of Clarkdale Engineering Design Standards and Specifications.

2. Street lighting installed on private street tracts or easements shall be in accordance with the Town of Clarkdale Engineering Design Standards and Specifications.

1. Fixture Design. Fixtures must be designed and installed to minimize glare, light trespass, and upward light pollution. Light shall be directed to illuminate the parking area and walking paths without affecting adjacent properties or the sky.

2. Maximum Color Temperature. All outdoor lighting in parking lots must have a color temperature of four thousand (4,000) Kelvin or lower and be fully shielded. This helps reduce glare and light pollution and is more compatible with the natural night environment.

3. Illumination Levels. The illumination level in parking lots must provide adequate visibility for safety while reducing excess brightness. The appropriate lighting levels are as follows:

4. Maximum fixture height is twenty (20) feet.

5. Security lighting shall focus on vulnerable areas, exterior doors, remote corners.

6. Motion sensors or timers shall be used during low-traffic hours.

1. Lighting Class. Lighting installed for general illumination of parking areas within parking garages, where the parking areas are open to the outside, shall be considered Class 2.

2. Total Outdoor Light Output. Ten percent (10%) of the lumen output of light fixtures mounted less than fifteen (15) feet from the nearest opening to the outdoors of an open parking garage shall be included toward the total outdoor light output standards established in Table 8-050.H subject to Figure 8-070.A. The lumen output of light fixtures mounted sixteen (16) feet or more from the nearest opening to the outdoors of an open parking garage shall not be included toward the total outdoor light output standards in Table 8-050.H subject to Figure 8-070.F.

3. Shielding. All light fixtures used on or within open parking garages, including those mounted to the ceilings above the parking decks, shall be fully shielded.

1. Lighting Class. Class 1 lighting may be used to illuminate outdoor display lots and shall be included toward the total outdoor light output standards in Table 8-050.H.

2. Lighting Time Limitations. All Class 1 outdoor display lighting shall be turned off no later than thirty (30) minutes after the business closes. Only lighting meeting Class 2 lighting standards may be used to illuminate an outdoor display area thirty (30) minutes or later after the close of business.

3. Shielding. All light fixtures used in outdoor display lots shall be fully shielded and be aimed so that the direct illumination shall be confined to the property boundaries of the source.

1. The Community Development Director may grant a permit for temporary lighting if he/she finds all the following:

2. The Community Development Director shall rule on the application within five (5) business days from the date of submission of the request and notify the applicant in writing of his/her decision. The Community Development Director may grant one (1) renewal of the permit for an additional thirty (30) days if he or she finds that, because of an unanticipated change in circumstances, a renewal would be in the public’s best interest. The Community Development Director is not authorized to grant more than one (1) temporary permit and one (1) renewal for the same property within one (1) calendar year. Temporary construction projects may be extended at the discretion of the Community Development Director up to a time that is reasonable for project completion. (Revised by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26)

1. Fixed lights must be fully shielded; and

2. Movable lights, such as spotlights attached to infrared sensitive cameras, must be mounted such that the lights cannot be directed higher than twenty (20) degrees below the horizontal, measured from the center of the light beam.

1. A site plan indicating the proposed location, type and size of all outdoor lighting fixtures; and

2. A description of each illuminating device, fixture, lamp, support and shied. This description may include, but is not limited to, manufacturer’s catalog cuts and drawings (including sections where required), lamp types and lumen outputs; and

3. Such other information as the Community Development Director may determine is necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter. For large developments this may include a shingle detailed sheet which specifically lists all fixtures and outputs for the entire project to enable the Community Development Department to determine compliance to this chapter.