This section establishes minimum requirements for outdoor lighting in order to reduce light trespass, reduce glare, improve and maintain views of the night sky, and to protect the health, property and well-being of Colusa County residents and visitors. The requirements of this section apply to all outdoor lighting in all residential, commercial, industrial, and special purpose classifications, and to all outdoor lighting in other classifications adjacent to a residential or commercial classification. This section does not apply to lighting and publicly owned facilities, including public rights-of-way. (Ord. No. 765 § 2 (Exh. A) (part))

44-3.30.010 Lighting Standards.

A. Nuisance Prevention. 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 44-3.30-1 (Light Trespass).

FIGURE 44-3.30-1: LIGHT TRESPASS

B. Shielding. Except as otherwise exempt, all outdoor lighting shall be constructed with full shielding and/or recessed to reduce light trespass to adjoining properties and to reduce illumination of the night sky. Each fixture shall be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way, so that no light fixture directly illuminates an area outside of the site. Fixtures located higher than 6 feet above the ground shall have shielding that limits the angle of the cone of direct illumination to 60 degrees or less, as shown on Figure 44-3.30-2 (Light Shielding). Examples of adequate and inadequate light fixture shielding are shown on Figure 44-3.30-3 (Acceptable and Unacceptable Shielding).

FIGURE 44-3.30-2: LIGHT SHIELDING

FIGURE 44-3.30-3: ACCEPTABLE AND UNACCEPTABLE SHIELDING

C. Level of Illumination. Outdoor lighting shall be designed to illuminate at the minimum level necessary for safety and security and to avoid the harsh contrasts in lighting levels between the project site and adjacent properties. Moving, flashing, or animated lighting shall require a Use Permit.

D. Energy-Efficient Fixtures Required. Outdoor lighting shall utilize energy-efficient (high-pressure sodium, metal halide, low-pressure sodium, hard-wired compact fluorescent, or other lighting technology that is of equal or greater efficiency) fixtures and lamps. All new outdoor lighting fixtures shall be energy efficient with a rated average bulb life of not less than 10,000 hours.

E. Accent Lighting. Architectural features may be illuminated by uplighting, provided that the lamps are low intensity to produce a subtle lighting effect and no glare or light trespass is produced. Where ever feasible, solar-powered fixtures should be used.

F. Signs. Lighting of signs shall be in compliance with Section 44-3.50 of this zoning code.

G. Telecommunications Towers. Telecommunication towers and related equipment shall be unlit, except as provided below:

1. A manually operated or motion-detector-controlled light above the equipment shed door may be provided, except that the light shall remain off except when personnel are present at night; and

2. The minimum tower lighting required under FAA regulation; and

3. Where tower lighting is required, said lighting shall be shielded or directed downward to the greatest extent possible to ensure that such light does not spill over onto abutting properties, especially residential zoning classifications or uses. (Ord. No. 765 § 2 (Exh. A) (part))

44-3.30.020 Exempt Lighting.

The following items shall be exempt from this section.

A. All outdoor light fixtures producing light directly by the combustion of fossil fuels, such as kerosene lanterns or gas fixtures.

B. Temporary lights used for holiday decorations.

C. Emergency or temporary lighting erected for official purposes by local, state, or federal agencies.

D. Lighting for temporary uses and special events permitted by Colusa County. (Ord. No. 765 § 2 (Exh. A) (part))

44-3.30.030 Prohibited Lighting.

The following types of lighting are prohibited:

A. Neon tubing or band lighting along buildings and/or structures, except as approved through a Minor Use Permit, Use Permit, or Sign Permit.

B. Search lights, laser source lights, or any similar high-intensity light, except for emergency use by police or fire personnel, or for approved temporary lighting for a special event approved by the County.

C. Lighting fixtures operated in such a manner as to constitute a hazard or danger to persons or to safe vehicular travel.

D. Illumination of entire buildings.

E. Roof-mounted lighting, except for security purposes. (Ord. No. 765 § 2 (Exh. A) (part))