Oak Hill City Zoning Code

(a)

Definitions:

(1)

Efficacy. A metric that assesses how efficiently a lighting fixture converts electrical power into usable light measured in lumens per watt.

(2)

Festoon Lighting. A string of outdoor lights supported between two (2) points.

(3)

Light Fixture. A complete lighting unit consisting of light source(s) and ballast(s) or driver(s) (when applicable), together with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the light source(s), and to connect the light source(s) to the power supply.

(4)

Footcandle. A unit of measurement that quantifies the amount of light reaching a surface, specifically one (1) lumen of light per square foot

(5)

Lamp. A generic term for a manufactured source created to produce light. Within the context of this section this shall refer to the bulb, LED board, or the actual device producing the light and the not fixture itself as defined above.

(6)

LED—Light Emitting Diode. A semiconductor device that produces light.

(7)

Low Voltage. Systems operating at fifty (50) volts or less.

(b)

Purpose.

(1)

Permit reasonable uses of outdoor lighting for nighttime safety, utility, security, and enjoyment while preserving the ambiance of the night;

(2)

Curtail and reverse any degradation of the nighttime visual environment and the night sky;

(3)

Minimize glare and obtrusive light by limiting outdoor lighting that is misdirected, excessive, or unnecessary; otherwise light going toward neighboring property;

(4)

Conserve energy and resources to the greatest extent possible;

(5)

Help protect the natural environment from the damaging effects of night lighting.

(c)

Lighting fixtures: All outdoor lighting fixtures (luminaires) shall be installed in conformance with this regulation and with the provisions of the residential building code, and the electrical code, as applicable and under permit and inspection, if such is required. Lighting attached to single-family home structures and accessory structures shall not exceed the height of the eave.

(d)

Lighting standards.

(1)

Required lumen range and luminaire shielding. All lighting installations shall be designed and installed to prevent any uplighting (full cutoff), not to exceed a maximum lumen output of ten thousand (10,000.) Additionally, sag or drop lens fixtures shall not be allowed.

(2)

Residential lighting fixtures affixed to stand alone lighting poles shall not exceed a mounting height of fifteen (15) feet and shall not be used between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

(3)

Light shall be shielded such that the lamp or bulb itself or the lamp is not directly visible outside the property perimeter.

(4)

All site lighting shall be shielded so that all directly emitted light falls within the property line. No illumination in excess of one-half foot candle shall be permitted across the boundary of any adjacent residential property or a public right-of-way.

(5)

No illumination shall produce direct, incident or reflected light that interferes with the safe movement of motor vehicles on public streets. Lighting prohibited by this provision shall include but not be limited to any light that may be confused with or construed as a traffic-control device.

(6)

All lighting fixtures shall be equipped with a glare control package (e.g., louvers, shields, or similar devices), and the fixtures shall be aimed so that their beams are directed and fall within the primary playing area.

(7)

All lighting fixtures for the purpose of sports lighting shall be installed a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from the property line. Fixtures shall be allowed to be installed closer to the property line if approved screening to be installed in a manner that effectively shields lighting trespass to adjacent properties. Screening fencing must be approved by the city manager or designee.

(e)

Lighting that is exempt from these regulations.

(1)

Lighting in swimming pools and other water features governed by article 680 of the National Electrical Code.

(2)

Holiday lighting.

(3)

Temporary lighting (less than thirty (30) days use in any one (1) year).

(4)

Low voltage landscape lighting, but such lighting shall be shielded in such a way as to eliminate glare and light trespass.

(5)

String/Festoon Lighting.

(Ord. No. 12-16, Jan. 2013; Ord. No. 2025-07, § 1 (Exh. A), 11-25-2025)

REGULATIONS GOVERNING NONCONFORMING USES, BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES AND LOTS (NONCONFORMITIES)

Nonconformities