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Montrose City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 11

9.- OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Sec. 11-9-1.- Applicability.

This Chapter applies to the following new development, construction, and changes in use, excluding single-family dwelling units, farms and ranches:

(1)

For subdivisions, deviations from the standards set forth herein may be granted pursuant to Section 11-5-14 of this Title.

(2)

For new construction or additions to existing structures, or for any action that requires a sign permit or coordinated sign plan, variances from the standards set forth herein may be granted pursuant to Section 11-8-1 of this Title.

(3)

For rezones and conditional use permits, variances from the standards set forth herein may be granted pursuant to Section 11-7-13 of this Title.

(4)

Where a use located within a commercial or industrial zone, other than a single-family residence, farm or ranch, is abandoned or discontinued for a period in excess of six months, all outdoor and exterior lighting shall be brought into compliance upon resumption of the prior or a substantially similar use, or upon issuance of a building permit.

(Ord. No. 2626, § 3(exh. A), 5-16-2023)

Sec. 11-9-2. - Lighting plan required.

A lighting plan shall be submitted for all construction or development subject to the requirements of this Chapter. The submission shall contain four complete sets of the following:

(1)

The location and types of all outdoor and exterior lighting and fixtures, both existing and proposed on the premises, including point by point lighting level print-outs, with calculation areas delineated where required. Where requested by the City, the plan shall also include a mounting height, mounting method, location, type, lumen output, manufacturer's catalog cuts, photometric report with candela distribution, and shielding information;

(2)

The above-required plans and descriptions shall be sufficiently complete to enable the City to readily determine whether compliance with the requirements of this Chapter are met. If such plans, descriptions and data cannot enable this determination, the applicant shall submit further evidence of compliance, as required by the City.

(Ord. No. 2626, § 3(exh. A), 5-16-2023)

Sec. 11-9-3. - Lighting standards.

(A)

Exterior and outdoor lighting, including illuminated signs, shall be designed, located, installed and directed in such a manner as to prevent light trespass, up-light and glare at any location on or off the property. All such lighting shall be full cut-off fixtures with the light source fully shielded, with the following exceptions:

(1)

Luminaires that have a maximum output of 260 lumens per fixture, regardless of number of bulbs (equal to one 20-watt incandescent light), may be left unshielded provided the fixture has an opaque top to keep light from shining directly up.

(2)

Luminaires that have a maximum output of 1,000 lumens per fixture, regardless of number of bulbs (equal to one 60-watt incandescent light) may be partially shielded, provided the bulb is not visible, and the fixture has an opaque top to keep light from shining directly up.

(3)

For security purposes, floodlights with external shielding may be angled, provided that no light escapes above a 25-degree angle, measured from the vertical line from the center of the light extended to the ground, and only if the light does not cause glare or light to shine on adjacent property or public rights-of-way. Floodlights with directional shielding, photocells with timers, and motion sensor devices are encouraged.

(B)

In addition to Subsection (A) of this Section, street lights shall comply with the following:

(1)

Street lights along both residential and nonresidential streets shall be limited to a 100-watt high pressure sodium (hps) light, except lights at the intersection of arterial and/or collector streets shall be 250-watt hps.

(2)

The mounting height for street lights shall not exceed 16 feet from ground level for fixtures that do not protrude over the street, and 30 feet from ground level for fixtures which do protrude over the street.

(C)

In addition to Subsection (A) of this Section, parking area lights shall comply with the following:

(1)

Parking area lights shall be no higher than 25 feet above the stand/pole at ground level.

(2)

With the intent of minimizing light pollution and glare, all parking area lights are encouraged to be greater in number, lower in height, and lower in light level, as opposed to fewer in number, higher in height and higher in light level.

(D)

The maximum height for light fixtures used to light pedestrian walkways, crossings, or trails shall be no higher than 16 feet above the stand/pole base at ground level.

(E)

All other freestanding luminaires, including the fixture, shall be no higher than 25 feet above the stand/pole base at ground level, except that luminaires used for playing fields shall be exempt from the height restriction, provided all other provisions of this Chapter are met and the light is used only while the field is in use.

(F)

Building-mounted luminaires shall be attached only to walls, and the top of the fixture shall not exceed 16 feet in height above ground level.

(G)

Light fixtures mounted on canopies shall be surface or recessed so that the lens is flush with the bottom surface of the canopy. Lights shall not be mounted on the top or side of the canopy. The face of the canopy shall not be illuminated for any purpose with the exception of internally illuminated signage, which shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 10 Signs of this Title.

(Ord. No. 2626, § 3(exh. A), 5-16-2023)

Sec. 11-9-4. - Exemptions.

The following luminaires and lighting fixtures are exempt from the requirements of this Chapter:

(1)

Holiday lights;

(2)

Illuminated signs or other lighting installed for the benefit of public health, safety and welfare;

(3)

Airport lighting;

(4)

Emergency lighting, providing such lighting is temporary and is discontinued upon completion or abatement of the emergency;

(5)

Lighting of the American Flag, provided all such lighting shall be selected and installed to shield the lamps from direct view to the greatest extent possible, and to minimize upward lighting and light trespass.

(Ord. No. 2626, § 3(exh. A), 5-16-2023)