Holland City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 39
7 Lighting
Sec. 39-7.01 Intent (Section 39-5.07). [1]
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
To provide sufficient lighting for outdoor areas ensuring the security of property and the safety of people in parking facilities, walkways, driveways, building entrances, loading areas, and common areas.
B.
To prevent adverse effects of inappropriate lighting, including glare, light trespass onto adjoining properties, light pollution, sky glow, and energy waste.
C.
To mitigate light pollution to align with dark sky environmental initiatives as much as possible.
D.
To encourage energy efficient lighting and the conservation of energy throughout the City of Holland.
E.
Light Pollution Diagram. The image below shows how light pollution results from fixtures that are not oriented directly downward. The slight angle of the fixture in the image allows light to escape above the level of the light source and into the sky. This is the source of sky glow that create a nighttime ambient light and interferes with human sleep patterns and the natural ecosystem.
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[1]
Editor's Note: The title of this section was amended 2-2-2022 by Ord. No. 1812.
Sec. 39-7.02 Applicability.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
The provisions of this Article shall apply to all properties other than residential dwellings with one to four units.
[Amended 2-21-2024 by Ord. No. 1843]
Prohibited Fixtures that produce glare and light trespass | Limited Decorative fixtures shall be permitted if the light trespass is 18% or less.  | Permitted Fixtures that shield the light source to minimize glare and light trespass and to facilitate better vision at night |
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This graphic is meant to be illustrative and is not regulatory in and of itself. | ||
Sec. 39-7.03 Maximum and minimum light levels.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
Light levels shall be measured in footcandles, which are equal to one lumen per square foot, as demonstrated in the graphic to the right.
B.
Maximum property line footcandles shall be 0.5 footcandle on any property line abutting a residential use with one to four dwelling units.
C.
Maximum site footcandles shall be 15 footcandles anywhere on any property.
D.
Maximum light temperature for all fixtures shall be a maximum of 4,000° Kelvin on CCT Scale.
Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) Scale  |
E.
A photometric plan of the entire property, including property lines, shall be submitted with site plan applications when outdoor lighting is proposed. The photometric plan shall show light levels at a minimum of ten-foot intervals throughout the site. An example of a photometric plan is pictured below. See Section 39-12.09.
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Sec. 39-7.04 General requirements for light fixtures.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
Downward facing. All outdoor lighting, unless otherwise specified herein, shall be downward facing to reduce glare and shall be arranged to direct and deflect light away from adjacent uses.
B.
Decorative post-top lighting. A maximum of 18% of light may trespass above the ninety-degree angle.
C.
Location. Light poles shall be located in a manner that will not interfere with pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle circulation.
D.
Height shall be the maximum building height allowed in the zone district unless the freestanding light fixture is within 200 feet of a residential zone district, then the height shall be 20 feet maximum. Light fixtures in the Airport Overlay District shall comply with Section 39-2.20.
E.
Ornamental lighting is intended to set a mood, create a play of shadows, or highlight a given area or element. It is not permitted for signage, advertising, parking lots, working areas, safety, or security. Ornamental lighting shall be a hidden source but shall not need to be directed downward 90° if it is designed to directly illuminate a building, landscaping, or structure. Ornamental lighting shall not have any movement or simulation of movement or change color. Each ornamental lighting fixture shall be a maximum of 2,000 lumens.
F.
Lighting of signs. See Article 39-8.
Sec. 39-7.05 Prohibited lighting.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
Searchlights for advertising purposes.
B.
Flashing, pulsating, moving, chasing, or strobing lights, or any other lights that move or simulate movement.
C.
Any light that creates glare outside of the site on which the fixture is located, including lights shining from inside a building.
Sec. 39-7.06 Exempt lighting.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
The following light fixtures shall be exempt from this article:
1.
Temporary lighting necessary for construction work or emergencies, which is discontinued immediately upon completion of the construction work or abatement of the emergency. Light fixtures may remain in place and not be activated except for emergencies.
2.
Special temporary noncommercial lighting, provided that it is used for a maximum of 90 days.
3.
ED Zone District lighting, except for lighting within parking lots, which shall still be subject to this article.
4.
Publicly owned outdoor recreational use lighting.
5.
County, state, or federal government-required lighting, including, but not limited to, airport lighting and lighting of wireless communication towers.
6.
Streetlighting: shall be determined by the Holland Board of Public Works.
7.
Freestanding light fixtures less than 18 inches tall and not upward-directed.
8.
In-ground lighting designed to promote pedestrian safety.
9.
Underwater lighting for fountains, swimming pools, and other bodies of water shall be exempt from the lamp type and shielding provisions of this article, but shall comply with all other regulations.
10.
U.S. flag lighting, as recommended by the Flag Code, provided that the spotlights illuminate only the flag and shall be a maximum of 7,000 lumens.
Sec. 39-7.07 Waivers by special land use approval.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
The provisions of this may be waived by special land use approval by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission shall only approve the special land use if it is determined that the lighting in question meets the criteria in Section 39-12.08D. If the fixture approved through special land use approval is removed, then the special land use shall be considered void, and a new special land use shall be required prior to the installation of any light fixture on the site that does not conform to this article.