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. 2008-O-18. Passed 10-28-08.)

   For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply, unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:

   (a)   “Cut-off angle” (of a luminaire). The angle, measured up from the nadir, between the vertical axis and the first line of site at which the bare source of the bulb or light source is not visible.

   (b)   “Direct light.” Light emitted directly from the lamp, off of the reflector or reflector diffuser, or through the refractor or diffuser lens, of a luminaire.

   (c)   “Foot candle.” A unit of illuminance 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 luminaire with an intensity great enough to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss of visual performance and visibility.

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

   (g)   “High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting technology.” Lighting technology that uses a capsule of gas instead of a filament for a light bulb. The light is emitted from an arc discharge between two closely spaced electrodes hermetically sealed inside a small quartz glass tubular envelope capsule.

   (h)   “Light trespass.”The unwanted shining of direct light produced by a luminaire beyond the boundaries of the property on which it is located. Light that is of an intrusive and objectionable nature.

   (i)   “Luminaire.”The complete lighting unit or system and this includes a lamp or lamps and/or a fixture or fixtures.

   (j)   “Lux.” The SI unit of illuminance. One lux is one lumen per square yard.

   (k)   “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 seventy-five percent of the new lamp lumen output.

   (l)   “Temporary outdoor lighting.”Lighting that is applied temporarily for construction, safety, seasonal events, or public events.

(Ord. 2008-O-18. Passed 10-28-08.)

   (a)   Outdoor lighting fixtures installed in the Multifamily, Garden-Type and Elderly Apartment District, Condominium District, Garden Condominium District, Business District, Office Building District, Industrial District or Yacht Club District per Chapters 1254, 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 luminaires shall be utilized.

      (2)   The cut-off angle or placement of all luminaires will be such that the level of lighting shall not exceed eleven lux at any property line measured by meter line of sight to any luminaire. 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 and any decorative lighting mounted as shielded sconces (emitting a maximum of three thousand 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 two hundred percent of recommended averages or maximums. Average lux levels in excess of three hundred percent 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 fifty lux at ground level.

      (6)   All outdoor light pole fixtures shall not be taller than the building or thirty-six feet, whichever is shorter.

      (1)   All HID lighting (including mercury vapor) shall 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 shall be shielded or aimed in such a way so as to not allow direct light to trespass onto adjacent properties.

      (3)   Floodlights and all other forms of exterior lighting shall be shielded or aimed in such a way that the light bulb and/or the light emitting source of the luminaire cannot be seen and/or is not visible from an adjacent property.

   (c)   All outdoor lighting luminaires or fixtures that are installed or that are in use in the Residential Districts of the City as defined in Chapter 1252 after the effective date of this code shall comply with the following:

      (1)   All HID lighting (including mercury vapor) shall 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 shall be shielded or aimed in such a way so as to not allow direct light to trespass onto other residential properties.

      (3)   Floodlights and all other forms of exterior lighting shall be shielded or aimed in such a way that the light bulb and/or the light emitting source of the luminaire cannot be seen and/or is not visible from an adjacent property.

(Ord. 2008-O-18. Passed 10-28-08.)

   (a)   Kerosene, propane, battery and natural gas lamps. The light bulb and/or the light emitting source of the kerosene, propane, battery or natural gas lamp shall not be aimed at an adjacent property.

   (b)   All low voltage lighting rated at twenty-four volts or less.

   (c)   Seasonal lighting. The light bulb and/or the light emitting source of the seasonal lighting shall not be aimed at an adjacent property.

(Ord. 2008-O-18. Passed 10-28-08.)

   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. 2008-O-18. Passed 10-28-08.)

   Notwithstanding Mentor-on-the-Lake Code of Ordinances Section 1242.99, any person, firm, or corporation who violates or fails to comply with any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00). A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which a violation or noncompliance occurs or continues.

(Ord. 2008-O-18. Passed 10-28-08.)