Schenectady City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VIII
Lighting Standards
§ 264-51 Purpose; intent.
[Amended 11-9-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-11; 9-12-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-15]
Purpose. The purpose of this article is to require and set minimum standards for outdoor lighting that are appropriate for safety, security, and visibility for pedestrians and motorists, while minimizing glare and light pollution.
Intent. These standards are intended to be consistent with the standards of the Historic District Commission and the design guidelines adopted by the Upper Union Street Business Improvement District and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation. In the event that the District Guidelines differ from this section, the District Standards will prevail.
§ 264-52 Applicability.
The lighting standards of this article shall apply to all commercial properties in the City of Schenectady, except that in the M-1 or M-2 District, it shall apply only to that portion of a property that is within 50 feet of a right-of-way or a residentially zoned property.
§ 264-53 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A unit of illumination produced on a surface, all points of which are one foot from a uniform point source equivalent to one candle in brightness of illumination. Footcandle measurements shall be made with a photometric light meter and with a specified horizontal orientation.
An outdoor lighting fixture that is shielded or constructed so that all light emitted is projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest light-emitting part of the fixture.
Figure 264-53  Example of full cutoff lighting fixture. |
Direct light that causes annoyance, discomfort or loss in visual performance and visibility.
The assembly that holds a lamp and may include an assembly housing, a mounting bracket or pole socket, a lamp holder, a ballast, a reflector or mirror, and a refractor or lens A light fixture also includes the assembly for luminous tube and fluorescent lighting.
Artificial light which causes a detrimental effect on the environment, enjoyment of the night sky, or causes undesirable glare or unnecessary illumination of adjacent properties.
A diagram depicting the location of all light poles and building-mounted lighting fixtures in a specified area and a numerical grid of the maintained lighting levels that the fixture will produce in that specified area.
An outdoor lighting fixture recessed into a canopy ceiling so that the bottom of the fixture is flush with the ceiling.
§ 264-54 Lighting plan.
A lighting plan is required for all uses that require site plan approval pursuant to Article XIII of this chapter. The lighting plan shall demonstrate compliance with this section and shall include the following items:
A site plan showing location of all exterior lighting fixtures and a numerical grid of lighting levels (in footcandles) that the fixtures will produce on the ground (photometric report).
Property boundaries, building location(s), parking lot layout, pedestrian paths, adjacent rights-of-way, North arrow and scale.
Lamp type and wattage.
Specifications for all proposed exterior light fixtures and poles showing the design and finishes and designation as Illuminating Engineer Society of North America (IESNA) "cutoff" fixtures.
Any other information and data that are necessary to evaluate the required lighting plan.
§ 264-55 General requirements.
The number of light fixtures and the intensity of lighting shall be appropriate to illuminate the location for safety, without glare to adjoining properties.
Lighting fixtures shall be aimed and shielded in a manner that shall not direct illumination on adjacent residential properties. Full-cutoff fixtures shall be installed and maintained.
To minimize the excessive use of illumination, it is recommended that outdoor lighting, except as required for security, be extinguished during nonoperating hours.
Installation for lighting shall be placed underground.
Automobile-oriented uses such as gasoline stations, service stations and drive-through facilities shall install recessed ceiling fixtures in any canopy.
Signs that are wholly illuminated with an exposed incandescent lamp not exceeding 25 watts shall not require shielding.
Maximum height. The total height of exterior lighting fixtures, including the base, shall be a maximum of 20 feet for parking lots adjacent to nonresidential uses and 14 feet for pedestrian walkways and parking lots adjacent to residential uses.
The intensity of light on a site shall not exceed 0.3 footcandle at any property line that abuts a residential property or more than 0.5 footcandle for any other zoned property.
§ 264-56 Design.
Exterior lighting shall enhance the building design and adjoining landscape.
Decorative style lighting is preferred which utilizes wood, stone, natural materials, or materials that simulate natural materials. Shoebox-style light fixtures are not permitted.
Figure 264-56B | |
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Decorative lighting is preferred. | Shoebox lighting is not permitted. |
§ 264-57 Prohibited lighting.
Blinking and flashing lights.