It is the intent of this Chapter to establish regulations for the private outdoor illumination of improved property within the City of Monte Sereno in order to permit the reasonable enjoyment of private property in accordance with the general plan of the City of Monte Sereno without adverse impact on the environment or public health, safety and/or welfare because of excessive glare impairment of natural scenic beauty and establishment of hazardous conditions. All private outdoor illumination regularly used on any private improved property within the City of Monte Sereno should be installed and maintained so that bare bulbs, and bulbs with lenses and/or shielding will not glare in such a way as to cause undue annoyance to the occupants of contiguous or neighboring properties, nor undue interference with their comfortable enjoyment and use of their properties.

(Ord. 121 § 2 (part), 2000)

A.

"Bulb" means the glass or glassy envelope surrounding the hot filament or other material or assembly that is the source of light.

B.

"Lens" means the transparent covering over the bulb that serves to direct or diffuse the light.

C.

"Shielding" means the deflecting or diffusing of light coming from the bulb to direct or block the rays of the light.

(Ord. 121 § 2 (part), 2000)

A.

It shall be unlawful for any person, other than personnel of government agencies having jurisdiction, to install, use, or maintain any lighting facilities within the City of Monte Sereno which facilities create an intensity of light greater than one (1) foot candle above the ambient light on any contiguous or neighboring residential property or public right-of-way within the City.

B.

All permitted lighting shall be arranged to be directed onto the property from which the light originates and its improvements including trees, plants and shrubbery and not to shine upon or directly reflect upon contiguous or neighboring residential property.

C.

High and low pressure sodium and mercury vapor lights are prohibited. This prohibition also applies to any lighting that is permitted under Section 10.17.040 of this Chapter.

(Ord. 125 § 1, 2001; Ord. 121 § 2 (part), 2000)

The following lighting shall be permitted as a matter of right:

A.

One (1) or two (2) post lights per entrance, but not exceeding four (4) aggregate post lights if more than one (1) entrance exists, installed at the place where private roads on the property exist off the public rights-of-way, provided: (i) bulb heights shall not exceed eight (8) feet above ground level; and (ii) no bulb shall have greater illumination than a seventy-five (75) watt incandescent bulb without a reflector.

B.

Unshielded bulbs commonly called "porch lights" installed at heights no greater than seven (7) feet above the floor of the doorway on or near the front, rear, side or garage doors of residences and enclosed outbuildings, provided that the illumination of each bulb shall not exceed a seventy-five (75) watt incandescent bulb.

C.

Lighting for the public benefit and safety which is installed as directed or approved by a governmental agency having jurisdiction and for which a special permit has been issued by the City.

D.

Temporary emergency lighting to be used for a period not to exceed four (4) days. Any use which is longer than four (4) days requires a special permit from the City.

E.

Emergency outdoor lighting for safety or security reasons, provided that the lighting shall not be turned on for periods in excess of ten (10) minutes.

(Ord. 140 § 1, 2003; Ord. 125 § 2, 2001: Ord. 121 § 2 (part), 2000)

(Ord. No. NS-210, § 3, 3-21-2017)

Light posts or entry columns constructed and used prior to the effective date of this Section shall continue to be permitted as legal nonconforming structures in accordance with Chapter 10.07. Architectural elements may be added to light posts or entry columns constructed and used prior to the effective date of this Section in accordance with Subsection 10.08.040.G. The addition of an architectural element shall not be considered an expansion or enlargement of a nonconforming structure. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to affect the right of the City to abate a public nuisance should the City find one to exist as a result of excessive, unsafe or careless use of lighting that is injurious to the surrounding neighbors or the public generally.

(Ord. 125 § 3, 2001: Ord. 121 § 2 (part), 2000)

(Ord. No. NS-178, § 7, 7-19-2011)