(1)

The community lighting standards chapter of this title is enacted for the purpose of regulating the impacts of light intensity, invasion, and glare resulting from lighting fixtures installed on buildings as well as free standing lighting fixtures. The regulations are intended to lessen the negative impacts caused by outdoor lighting on the quality of life of residents and property owners, while recognizing safety and security needs. Purposes of the community lighting standards include:

(a)

Reducing light invasion and glare;

(b)

Promoting energy conservation and efficient lighting;

(c)

Providing adequate light for safety and security.

(2)

In furtherance of adopted goals for resource efficiency, the city encourages projects subject to this chapter to consider the use of compact fluorescents (CFL) or other high efficiency light bulbs, and discourages the use of incandescent lighting.

(3)

To minimize the amount of unnecessary lighting at night, projects subject to this chapter are encouraged to consider the use of motion sensors, photocells, and/or photocell/timers to control duration of nighttime illumination.

(a)

Motion sensors. These mechanisms are the preferred method for controlling nighttime illumination since they turn on lights only when activated by motion and will remain on during the activity or for a set period of time (typically up to 30 minutes) following the last detection of motion. Sensors must be triggered by activity within the owner's property lines and should be used with incandescent, compact fluorescent, or halogen lamps directed downward, or suitably shielded.

(b)

Timer/photocell combinations. These are also a preferred method for control when used at nighttime at primary points of entrance (e.g., front entries) and at commercial and industrial properties. These activate the light source at dusk and turn it off at a selected time several hours later, before dawn.

(Ord. 1845, 2009)

(1)

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the installation, operation, repair, and replacement of outdoor lighting fixtures and facilities for all private and public uses, subject to this title.

(a)

No building permit or electrical permit shall be issued, and no lighting installation for outdoor lighting shall be performed unless in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.

(2)

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to lighting fixtures and facilities including, but not limited to, temporary construction lighting, permanent residential or nonresidential lighting, and temporary residential or nonresidential lighting.

(3)

The installation, operation or replacement of outdoor lighting for the following uses of a level of illuminance not otherwise permitted by this chapter shall be permitted only upon approval by planning commission of a special use permit pursuant to the requirements of chapter 18.30:

(a)

Outdoor recreational facilities, public or private, where proposed light levels are expected to exceed the maximum levels permitted in subsection 18.34.080(1) and (2).

(b)

Vehicle fueling facilities, drive through uses, car wash facilities and 24-hour operations.

(c)

Display lots or areas.

(d)

Billboards.

(Ord. No. 2279, § 8, 10-28-2025; Ord. 1845, 2009)

[The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:]

Approved fixtures means International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) approved fixtures as long as topographical considerations and all other regulations of this chapter are met.

Display lot or area means outdoor display areas including, but not limited to, motor vehicle sales or rental, boat sales, building supply sales, garden or nursery sales, construction equipment rentals, personal recreational equipment sales, and swap meets, or other uses as determined by the director of community and economic development.

Fixture means the assembly that houses the lamp or lamps and can include all or some of the following parts: Housing, mounting bracket or pole socket, lamp holder, ballast, reflector or mirror, and/or refractor or lens.

Footcandle (fc) means a unit of illuminance equal to one lumen per square foot.

Fully shielded means a lighting fixture manufactured and installed so that all light emitted by the fixture, either directly from the lamp, or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the luminaire is projected below the horizontal plane as determined by photometric test or certified by the manufacturer. Any structural part of the light fixture providing this shielding must be permanently affixed. Fully shielded shall include a luminaire emitting no lumens above a horizontal plane through the luminaire's lowest light-emitting part.

Glare means the sensation produced from a source of light that is so bright that it causes annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual acuity.

Height of light fixture means the vertical distance from the ground directly below the centerline of the luminaire to the highest light emitting portion of the luminaire.

Illuminance means the amount of light that falls on a surface measured in foot candles.

IESNA means the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.

Indirect light means direct light that has been reflected or has scattered off other surfaces.

Light fixture means a complete unit consisting of a light source together with a housing and parts design to distribute and aim the light.

Light invasion means light or glare that falls beyond the boundaries of the property on which the light source is located. Light invasion measurement shall be taken as a horizontal measurement at grade on the property line unless specified in a specific regulation as a line of sight measurement.

Line of sight measurement means a horizontal measurement taken where the vertical line above the property line intersects the line connecting the point of observation and the source of light.

Lumen means the unit of measurement used to quantify the amount of light (distinct from a "watt") produced by a lamp or emitted by a luminaire. For purposes of this chapter, the lumen output values shall be the initial lumen output rating of a lamp.

Maximum allowable light level means the maximum illuminance permitted under the provisions of this chapter, as depicted on a photometric plan and measured by a light meter.

Mixed use building means a building located in a commercial zone district or commercial portion of a planned unit development where more than 25 percent of the gross floor area of the building is dedicated to residential multifamily dwellings.

Nonresidential use means any use other than residential (low density) or residential (multifamily) uses as defined in this section.

Ornamental lighting means low voltage lighting (12 volts or less), low wattage (60 watts or less) landscape lighting fixtures, and solar operated landscape lighting fixtures having self-contained rechargeable batteries, where any single light fixture does not exceed 100 lumens.

Replacement of outdoor fixtures refers to the removal of an existing fixture in favor of another, whether for functional or cosmetic reasons.

Residential (low density) use means single-household detached, duplex, and town home residential properties with up to four dwellings per structure.

Residential (multifamily) use means multifamily residential uses where three or more residential units occupy a single structure, or townhome residential properties with more than four dwellings per structure.

Sign, externally illuminated means a sign illuminated by light sources external to the illuminated face of the sign.

Sign, internally illuminated means a sign illuminated by light sources enclosed entirely within the sign cabinet and not directly visible from outside the sign.

Sign external illumination means lighting used to floodlight the exterior surface of signage.

Sky glow means the brightening of the night sky that results from the scattering of artificial visible radiation from the constituents of the atmosphere.

Temporary outdoor lighting means the specific illumination of an outside area or object by any man made device located outdoors that produces light by any means for a period of less than seven days with at least 180 days passing before it is used again.

Seasonal displays means lighting displays from October 31 through February 28 of the following year.

Wall washer means a fixture or series of fixtures designed for decoration or as a means of highlighting a building's architecture rather than providing illumination for safety.

(Ord. No. 2228, § 11, 2-13-2024; Ord. 1845, 2009)

A lighting plan shall be submitted with any building permit application or development proposal subject to section 18.40.200 except for a single-household dwelling or a two-household structure on an individual lot. The lighting plan shall include:

(1)

A site plan showing the location of all buildings and building heights, parking, and pedestrian areas, and existing and proposed topographic conditions on the lot or parcel.

(2)

The location and description of light fixtures on adjacent properties or the street right-of-way within ten feet of the subject property.

(3)

The location and height above grade of all proposed and existing light fixtures on the subject property.

(4)

The type, initial lumen rating, and wattage of each lamp source.

(5)

The manufacturers catalog information sheet and IESNA photometric distribution type, including any shielding information of each light fixture.

(6)

Control descriptions including type of controls (timer, motion sensor, time clock, etc.), the light fixtures to be controlled by each type, and control schedule when required.

(7)

Aiming angles and diagrams for recreational lighting fixtures.

(8)

A photometric plan which shows the maximum light levels on a grid not to exceed ten feet by ten feet across the entire site and a minimum of ten feet beyond the lot or parcel property line.

(Ord. 1845, 2009)

Prior to a building permit final inspection or the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the applicant shall provide certification that the outdoor lighting as installed complies with the approved lighting plan and the requirements of this chapter unless such certification is waived by the director of community and economic development. The certification shall be completed by the architect, electrical engineer, electrical contractor, or lighting consultant responsible for the lighting plan or the final installation of all light fixtures.

(Ord. 1845, 2009)

(1)

It shall be the duty of the director of community and economic development or the director's designee to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.

(2)

The provisions of this chapter regarding illuminance shall be enforced against existing conditions, only if such conditions are determined to constitute a substantial violation based upon the following criteria:

(a)

Security lights and motion sensor activated security lights greater than 60-watt incandescent bulbs, or 13—18 watts if compact fluorescent, where the light source is visible at the property line of an adjacent residentially zoned property, measured as a line of sight measurement five-foot high at the property line.

(b)

Direct light invasion at the property line of an adjacent residentially zoned property, as defined in subsection 18.34.075(2), from a use with a level of illuminance greater than permitted in section 18.34.080, below.

(Ord. 1845, 2009)

(1)

All outdoor lighting, except for ornamental lighting, for uses defined as residential (low density) shall be designed so the light source shall be completely shielded by the fixture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, porch and yard or driveway light fixtures with incandescent bulbs not greater than 60 watts, or 18 watts if compact fluorescent bulbs, may include a visible light source, if the fixture contains an opaque shield.

(2)

Motion sensor security lighting shall not be aimed in a direction such that the spot or flood light source may be viewed from a point outside the property boundary. If such lighting cannot be redirected, additional shields may be required.

(Ord. 1845, 2009)

(1)

The maximum allowable light level for residential (multifamily) uses shall be five footcandles.

(2)

Downcast and fully shielded fixtures shall be required for all uses other than ornamental lighting. Fully shielded fixtures shall not be tilted above the horizontal plane. On-site lighting for parking areas, buildings, and display areas shall be limited to fixtures installed such that direct light invasion is not cast beyond the limits of the property. For purposes of this section, it shall be deemed unlawful where the generation of light invasion across a property line (other than a street right-of-way) is in excess of two-tenths footcandle for residential uses, or one-half footcandle for nonresidential uses, where measured as prescribed in the definition of light invasion, set forth in section 18.34.030. For adjacent street rights-of-way, it shall be deemed unlawful where the generation of light invasion, from on-site lighting, is in excess of one footcandle, measured as prescribed in the definition of light invasion, set forth in section 18.34.030.

(3)

Additional shielding of fixtures shall be required, when topographic conditions exist such that adjacent or nearby properties are lower than the proposed outdoor lighting installation, such that fully shielded fixtures do not successfully meet light invasion requirements and the light source within the fully shielded fixture is visible.

(4)

Wall washer architectural lighting is prohibited.

(5)

Pole-mounted lighting shall not exceed the lesser of five feet taller than the main building or 25 feet in height. Poles shall be cylindrical and painted a dark and non-reflective color to minimize glare.

(Ord. 1845, 2009)

(1)

The maximum allowable light level for non-residential uses shall be 15.0 footcandles.

(2)

Downcast and fully shielded fixtures shall be required for all uses other than ornamental lighting. Fully shielded fixtures shall not be tilted above the horizontal plane On-site lighting for parking areas, buildings, and display areas shall be limited to fixtures installed such that direct light invasion is not cast beyond the limits of the property. For purposes of this section, it shall be deemed unlawful where the generation of light invasion across a property line (other than a street right-of-way) is in excess of two-tenths footcandle for residential uses, and one-half footcandle for nonresidential uses, where measured as prescribed in the definition of light invasion ,set forth in section 18.34.040. For adjacent street rights-of-way, it shall be deemed unlawful where the generation of light invasion, directly related to on site lighting, is in excess of one footcandle, measured as prescribed in the definition of light invasion, set forth in section 18.34.040.

(3)

Additional shielding of fixtures shall be required, when topographic conditions exist such that adjacent or nearby properties are lower than the proposed outdoor lighting installation, such that fully shielded fixtures do not successfully meet light invasion requirements and the light source within the fully shielded fixture is visible.

(4)

Pole-mounted lighting shall not exceed the lesser of five feet taller than the main building or 25 feet in height. Poles shall be cylindrical and painted a dark and non-reflective color to minimize glare.

(5)

Wall washer architectural lighting is prohibited.

(6)

For mixed use buildings or projects, the residential component shall comply with section 18.34.075 for multifamily standards.

(7)

All light fixtures shall be designed so the light source cannot be viewed from adjacent properties or public streets.

(8)

A special use permit for outdoor lighting is required for the following facilities. Such uses shall be subject to all requirements of this section, unless authorized by section 18.34.090 and planning commission's specific approval of the application.

(a)

Outdoor recreational facilities - public or private, where proposed light levels are expected to exceed the maximum levels permitted in subsection 18.34.080(1) and (2) above.

(b)

Vehicle fueling facilities, drive through uses, car wash facilities and 24-hour operations.

(c)

Display lots or areas.

(d)

Billboards.

(Ord. 1845, 2009)

In addition to the criteria for review of special use permits in chapter 18.30 of this title, planning commission shall consider the following standards in making its decision regarding requests for special use permits for outdoor lighting installation not otherwise permitted by this chapter:

(1)

Outdoor recreational facilities. Any light source permitted by this chapter may be used for lighting of outdoor recreational facilities provided all of the following conditions are met:

(a)

The maximum allowable light level for outdoor recreational facilities or uses shall be 50 footcandles.

(b)

All fixtures used for event lighting shall be fully shielded as defined in subsection 18.34.030(6) or be fitted with cut-off capability.

(c)

All events shall be scheduled so as to end before or as near to 10:30 p.m. as practical, but under no circumstances shall any illumination of the facility be permitted after 11:00 p.m. except to conclude a scheduled event that was in progress prior to 11:00 p.m.

(d)

Light poles for illumination of athletic fields on new and existing public school sites will be allowed to exceed the maximum permitted height set forth in subsection 18.34.080(4), where determined by the planning commission to be necessary to ensure adequate illumination and where the planning commission determines that the increased height provides for the minimum impacts from light and glare to the greatest extent practicable. The applicant must submit an engineer's report demonstrating that impacts from light and glare are minimized to the greatest extent practicable.

(e)

When topographic conditions exist such that adjacent or nearby properties are sufficiently lower than the proposed outdoor lighting installation, such that fully shielded fixtures do not successfully meet light invasion requirements and the light source within the fully shielded fixture is visible the planning commission shall require additional shielding.

(2)

Vehicle fueling facilities and drive through uses:

(a)

The maximum allowable light level shall be the following measured in footcandles.

Pump island area directly beneath a canopy: 30 footcandles.

All other areas: 15 footcandles.

(b)

Downcast and fully shielded fixtures shall be required. Fully shielded fixtures shall not be tilted above the horizontal.

(c)

Pole-mounted lighting shall not exceed the lesser of five feet taller than the main building or 25 feet in height.

(3)

Display lots or areas.

(a)

The maximum allowable light level shall be the following measured in footcandles:

Display areas adjacent to roadway: 35 footcandles.

Display areas within 100 feet of a residential property: 15 footcandles.

(b)

Downcast and fully shielded fixtures shall be required. Fully shielded fixtures shall not be tilted above the horizontal.

(c)

Pole-mounted lighting shall not exceed the lesser of five feet taller than the main building or 30 feet in height.

(d)

When topographic conditions exist such that adjacent or nearby properties are sufficiently lower than the proposed outdoor lighting installation, such that fully shielded fixtures do not otherwise meet light invasion requirements and the light source within the fully shielded fixture is visible, the planning commission shall require additional shielding.

(e)

Special use permit applications for display lots or areas shall include provisions for reduced light levels after 9:00 p.m. Such provisions as approved by planning commission shall become a condition of approval of the special use permit, violation of which shall be cause for revocation.

(4)

Billboards.

(a)

Billboards shall be required to be top-lit only, with fully shielded downcast fixtures that are not tilted above the horizontal to prevent any light invasion as measured at the top and sides of the billboard structure.

(b)

The maximum allowable light level measured in footcandles shall not exceed 30 footcandles.

(Ord. 1845, 2009)

The following types of outdoor light fixtures are prohibited:

(a)

Mercury vapor lamps.

(b)

Low pressure sodium lamps.

(c)

Blinking, flashing, moving, revolving, changing intensity or color, and chase lighting, not including lighting for temporary seasonal displays or lighting for public safety.

(d)

Any upward oriented lighting except as otherwise permitted in this chapter.

(e)

Searchlights, beacons, and laser source light fixtures.

(f)

Exposed linear lamps that include, without limitation: neon, light emitting diode (LED), and fluorescent lighting.

(g)

Any lamp or bulb not within a light fixture, except for seasonal displays, which is visible beyond the property line on which it is located.

(h)

As determined by the city, lighting that is distracting to motorists or in a way that interferes with the safe operation of a motor vehicle.

(Ord. 1845, 2009)

The following lighting is exempt from all requirements of this chapter:

(1)

Temporary emergency lighting as required by emergency service or repair functions.

(2)

Ornamental lighting.

(3)

Seasonal lighting displays.

(4)

Public street lights.

(5)

Traffic control devices and signage installed and operated in accordance with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) as such may be amended from time to time.

(Ord. 1845, 2009)

(1)

Subject to the provisions of section 18.08.010, the planning director, or planning commission in the case of a special use permit shall be authorized to grant relief from the strict interpretation of this chapter in accordance with the following standards:

(a)

Equivalent material: The provisions of this chapter are not intended to prevent the use of any design, material or method of installation not specifically prohibited by this chapter provided such alternative has been approved by the planning director or planning commission. Such alternative may be approved provided that the proposed design, material, or method provides an approximated equivalent method of satisfying the standards of this chapter.

(b)

Waiver: The economic and community development director or planning commission may grant relief from the provisions of this chapter if one of the criteria of subparagraphs 1, 2, or 3 is met and subparagraphs 4 and 5 have been met:

1.

There are special circumstances or conditions applying to the land, buildings, or outdoor light fixtures for which the relief is sought, which circumstances or conditions are peculiar to such land, buildings or outdoor light fixtures and do not apply generally to the land, buildings or outdoor light fixtures in the immediately surrounding area;

2.

For nonresidential uses, there are safety lighting requirements for activities or processes that occur outdoor that are required by an other governmental agency; or

3.

Upon a finding by the economic and community development director or planning commission that outdoor lighting in specific areas of the community, that otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter is not adequate and additional lighting is necessary to improve safety or security for the property or its occupants; and

4.

The granting of the waiver will generally be consistent with the purpose of this chapter and will not be injurious to the community or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare;

5.

The waiver is the minimum waiver that provides the relief required.

(Ord. 1845, 2009)