It is the intent of this code to preserve, protect, and enhance the lawful nighttime use and enjoyment of any and all property through the use of appropriate lighting practices and systems. Such individual fixtures and lighting systems shall be designed, constructed, and installed to: control glare, prevent light trespass, minimize obtrusive light, and conserve energy while maintaining safety, security and productivity.

(Ord. 11-O-1, passed 2-23-2011)

   (a)   Cut-off angle (of a lumenaire). "Cut-off angle (of a lumenaire)" means the angle, measured up from the nadir, between the vertical axis and the first line of site at which the bare source is not visible.

   (b)   Director light. "Director light" means light emitted directly from the lamp, off of the reflector or reflector diffuser, or through the refractor or diffuser lens of a lumenaire.

   (c)   Foot candle. "Foot candle" means a unit of illuminance equal to one lumen per square foot or 10.76 Lux.

   (d)   Flood or spot light. "Flood or spot light" means any light fixture or lamp that incorporates a reflector or a refractor to concentrate the light output into a directed beam in a particular direction.

   (e)   Full cut-off or fully shielded lumenaire. "Full cut-off or fully shielded lumenaire" means a lumenaire constructed or shielded in such a manner that all light emitted by the lumenaire, either directly from the lamp or indirectly from the lumenaire, is projected below the horizontal plane through the lumenaire's lowest light emitting part as certified by the manufacturer.

   (f)   Glare. "Glare" means light emitting from a lumenaire with an intensity great enough to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss of visual performance and visibility.

   (g)   Light trespass. "Light trespass" means the unwanted shining of direct light produced by a lumenaire beyond the boundaries of the property on which it is located. Light that is of an intrusive and objectionable nature.

   (h)   Lux. "Lux" means the SI unit of illuminance. One lux is one lumen per square yard. 10.76 lux is equal to one lumen per square foot or one foot candle.

   (i)   Recessed ceiling fixture. "Recessed ceiling fixture" means an outdoor lighting fixture recessed into a canopy ceiling so that the bottom of the fixture is flush with the ceiling.

   (j)   Temporary outdoor lighting. "Temporary outdoor lighting" means lighting that is applied temporarily for construction, safety, seasonal events, or public events.

   (k)   Uplighting. "Uplighting" means any light source that distributes illumination above a 90 degree horizontal plane.

(Ord. 11-O-1, passed 2-23-2011)

   (a)   Outdoor lighting fixtures in retail business, offices, institutions, industrial, all other nonresidential uses, multi-family developments and mobile home parks shall comply with the following regulations:

      (1)   Where used for safety or security reasons, only fully shielded lumenaires shall be utilized.

      (2)   The cut-off angle or placement of all lumenaires shall be such that the level of lighting shall not exceed 10.76 lux or one foot candle at the property line of any nonresidential use and shall be zero foot candles at the property line adjoining a residential use.

      (3)   All on-site lighting of buildings, lawns, parking areas and signs shall be designed so as to not shine onto any adjacent property or building or to cause glare onto any public street.

      (4)   Light levels shall be measured in foot candles with a direct reading, portable light meter. Readings shall be taken only after the cell has been exposed long enough to take a constant reading. Measurements shall be taken at the property line, along a horizontal plane at a height of three and one-half feet above the ground.

      (5)   All non-essential outdoor lighting fixtures, including parking, display and aesthetic lighting, shall be turned off after business hours. Only that lighting needed for safety or security may remain lit after close of business, in which case the lighting shall be reduced to the minimum level necessary.

      (6)   Island canopy ceiling fixtures shall be recessed so that direct light cannot radiate onto adjacent properties or roadways.

      (7)   With the exception of flag lighting or ground level signs, no lighting may be pointed in an upward direction.

      (8)   The height of pole-mounted lighting fixtures in parking Jots and elsewhere on the site shall not exceed 22 feet.

      (9)   A photometric drawing showing light levels on the site and at the property lines shall be required as part of the site development plan.

   (b)   Outdoor lighting for one-family and two-family dwellings:

      (1)   All lighting will have full cut-off fixtures or be shielded to prevent the trespass of glare from direct light onto adjacent properties.

      (2)   All spot or flood lighting will be shielded or aimed in such a way as to not direct light to trespass onto other residential properties.

      (3)   Lamps on raised posts shall be permitted provided posts are not located in the street right-of-way, are not more than nine feet above grade and that lighting does not create a glare on adjoining residences.

(Ord. 11-O-1, passed 2-23-2011; Am. Ord. 24-O-40, passed 6-17-2024)

   The following types of illumination are exempted from the outdoor lighting requirements:

   (a)   Kerosene, propane, battery and natural gas lamps.

   (b)   All low voltage lighting rated at 24 volts or less.

   (c)   Temporary lighting as required or provided by a governmental entity for special events or public construction.

   (d)   Street lighting provided as required by a public utility in the public right-of-way.

(Ord. 11-O-1, passed 2-23-2011)

   There shall be no change in use or lamp type or any replacement or structural alteration made, without conforming to all applicable requirements of this code.

(Ord. 11-O-1, passed 2-23-2011)

   Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any provision of this code shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to the penalties as set forth in Chapter 698 of the City of Kirtland Code of Ordinances for minor misdemeanors. Each day upon which said violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.

(Ord. 11-O-1, passed 2-23-2011)