Dickinson City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XII
Outdoor Lighting
§ 600-86 Intent.
The purpose of this article is to establish regulations to allow for outdoor illumination levels which are appropriate for the use, while promoting safety and security, and minimizing the undesirable side effects of excessive illumination such as glare, light trespass, and light pollution. Over time, it is the intent that this article will allow for reasonably uniform illumination levels in the community.
§ 600-87 Applicability.
This regulation shall apply to all new outdoor lighting fixtures, the expansion and alteration of existing fixtures, as well as the replacement of lighting fixtures; except any repair or maintenance. This regulation shall not apply to NYSDOT or Town lighting on roads, highways, or emergency infrastructure.
§ 600-88 Approvals required.
For uses which require a site plan review, the Planning Board may require a lighting site plan to be submitted showing the location, number, type/style, mounting height, and lighting levels produced on the ground (i.e., photometric report). All other uses shall conform to the general requirements contained herein.
§ 600-89 General requirements/standards.
A.
All outdoor lighting fixtures shall be shielded or otherwise contained on the property from which it originates (known as "light trespass limitations").
B.
Exterior lighting fixtures on commercial, industrial, institutional, and multifamily properties shall conform to the Illuminating Engineer Society of North America (IESNA) criteria for full cutoff fixtures. In addition, the lighting levels shall be designed to meet the minimum requirements of the latest recommended levels set forth by IESNA. Where no standard from IESNA exists, the Planning Board shall determine the appropriate level, taking into account levels for the closest IESNA activity.
C.
To minimize the indiscriminate use of illumination, lighting, except as required for security, shall be extinguished during nonoperating hours. Where practicable, lighting installations are encouraged to include timers, sensors, and dimmers to reduce energy consumption and unnecessary lighting.
§ 600-90 Specific requirements/standards.
A.
Parking lots. Parking lots shall not exceed light levels necessary for safety and for locating vehicles at night. The lighting plan shall be designed so that the parking lot is lit from the outside perimeter inward and/or incorporate design features with the intent of eliminating off-site light spillage.
B.
Canopy and roof overhang. Lights installed on canopies or roof overhangs shall be recessed so that the lens cover is flush with the bottom surface of the canopy or overhang. Lights shall not be mounted on the sides or top of the canopy or overhang.
C.
Outdoor signs. Lighting fixtures used to illuminate an outdoor sign shall be mounted on the top of the sign and shall be shielded or directed in such a way that the light illuminates the sign only. Internal illumination of a sign shall be concealed behind opaque, translucent, or other similar types of glass or plastic.
D.
Bottom-mounted or up-lighting. To comply with "dark skies" and minimize unnecessary lighting, up-lighting shall be only allowed for flagpoles that display federal, state, and/or local government flags only, provided that the illumination is directed onto the flagpole only.
E.
Security cameras. Facilities which employ security cameras may employ appropriate lighting to ensure proper function during all times when such cameras are in use.
§ 600-91 Exemptions.
The following types of outdoor lighting are exempt from this regulation unless otherwise specified:
A.
Street lighting installed by the Town or Villages, Broome County Highway Department, or the New York State Department of Transportation.
B.
Low-voltage lighting as defined by the National Electric Code (NEC).
C.
Holiday lighting.
D.
Temporary construction and emergency lighting needed by police, emergency or highway crews, provided the light is extinguished upon completion of the work.
E.
Hazard warning lights required by a federal or state regulatory agency, except that all fixtures used must be as close as possible to the federally required minimum output.
F.
Lighting associated with farm or agricultural operations. However, farm or agricultural operations within 100 feet of an adjacent residential dwelling shall be shielded to prevent light trespass onto the adjoining property.