Mentor City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1169
Outdoor Lighting
1169.01 PURPOSE AND INTENT.
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.
(1969 Code 150.901)
1169.02 DEFINITIONS.
(a) Cut-off Angle (of a lumenaire) - 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 - 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 - a unit of illumenance equal to one lumen per square foot or 10.76 Lux.
(d) Flood or Spotlight - 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) Glare - light emitting from a lumenaire with an intensity great enough to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss of visual performance and visibility.
(f) Full Cut-off or Fully-Shielded Lumenaire - 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.
(g) Light Trespass- 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 - the SI unit of illuminance. one lux is one (1) lumen per square yard.
(i) Maximum Mean Average Lux - the maximum average lux level on a surface based upon the average lumen output of a lamp over its life. Average lumen output over the life of the lamp is typically about 75% of new lamp lumen output.
(j) Temporary Outdoor Lighting - lighting that is applied temporarily for construction, safety, seasonal events, or public events.
(1969 Code 150.902)
1169.03 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Outdoor lighting fixtures installed in commercial, industrial, multi-family or trailer park zoned districts per Chapters 1153 et seq. after the effective date of this code shall comply with the following:
(1) Where used for safety or security purposes, only fully shielded lumenaires shall be utilized.
(2) The cut-off angle or placement of all lumenaires will be such that the level of lighting shall not exceed 11 lux at any property line measured by meter line of sight to any lumenaire. Other than light incidental to fully shielded lighting, no direct light will be allowed to trespass onto other properties.
(3) Island canopy ceiling fixtures shall be recessed so that direct light cannot radiate onto adjacent properties or roadways.
(4) With the exception of flag lighting, ground level signs, any decorative lighting mounted as shielded sconces (emitting a maximum of 3,000 lumens each) on building side walls, no lighting may be pointed in an upward direction.
(5) All commercial lighting will be designed to provide average lux levels at ground level in keeping with the recommended averages published in RP-33 Lighting for Exterior Environments and RP-20 Light for Parking Facilities by the IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America), industrial and commercial lighting will be designed to achieve no more than a maximum mean average equal to 200% of recommended averages or maximums. Average lux levels in excess of 300% of recommended averages or maximum at ground level will be in non- conformance with this code. Parking lot lighting shall not exceed more than a maximum mean average of 50 lux at ground level.
(6) All outdoor light pole fixtures shall not be taller than the building or 36 feet, whichever is shorter.
(b) Residential uses other than multi-family and trailer park:
(1) All HID lighting (including mercury vapor) 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.
(1969 Code 150.903)
1169.04 EXCEPTIONS.
(a) Kerosene, propane, battery and natural gas lamps.
(b) All low voltage lighting rated at twenty-four volts or less.
(c) Seasonal lighting.
(1969 Code 150.904)
1169.05 NONCONFORMANCE.
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.
(1969 Code 150.905)
1169.99 PENALTY.
Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any provision of this code shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor, shall be subject to the penalties as set forth in Section 501.99 of the General Offenses Code for minor misdemeanors. Each day upon which said violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
(1969 Code 150.906)