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Universal City City Zoning Code

ARTICLE X

- OUTDOOR RESIDENTIAL LIGHTING

Sec. 4-5-99. - Definitions.

In this article the following words and terms shall have the meanings ascribed:

Full Cutoff Fixtures. Fixtures, as installed, that are designed or shielded in such a manner that all light rays emitted by the fixture, either directly from the lamps or indirectly from the fixture, are projected downward to produce downlighting.

Lighting. Any source of light that does not include natural light emitted from celestial objects or fire. The term includes any type of lighting, fixed or movable, designed or used for outdoor illumination of buildings or homes. The term includes luminous elements or lighting attached to structures, poles, the earth, or any other location.

Light Trespass. Light emitted from fixtures designed or installed in a manner that unreasonably causes light to fall on a property other than the one where the light is installed, in a motor vehicle driver's eyes, or upwards toward the sky.

Luminous Elements (of a light fixture). The lamp (light bulb), any diffusing elements, and surfaces intended to reflect or refract light emitted from the lamp individually or collectively comprise the luminous elements of a light fixture (luminaire).

Outdoor Lighting. Temporary or permanent lighting that is installed, located or used in such a manner to cause light rays to shine outdoors. Nonresidential fixtures that are installed indoors that cause light to shine outside are considered outdoor lighting under this article. Residential fixtures installed indoors that cause light to shine outside are also considered outdoor lighting.

Residential. Property designated as residential under the city's zoning ordinance.

Temporary Lighting. Lighting intended for uses which by their nature are of limited duration such as holiday decorations, civic events, or construction projects.

Downlighting. Lighting that is directed in such a manner as to shine light rays downward.

Uplighting. Lighting that is directed in such a manner as to shine light rays upward, including lighting used for landscaping and tree illumination.

Unreasonable Glare. See Light Trespass.

(Ord. No. 581-S-2020, § 1, 8-4-20)

Sec. 4-5-100. - General.

(1)

No outdoor residential lighting shall unreasonably glare into, or upon, the surrounding area or any residential premises.

(2)

No outdoor residential lighting may be used in any manner that could interfere with the safe movement of motor vehicles on public streets.

(3)

All outdoor residential lighting shall be installed in conformance with the provisions of this article, applicable electrical codes, energy codes, and building codes.

(4)

All outdoor residential light fixtures located under canopies, under building overhangs, or under roof eaves must conform to all provisions of this article.

(5)

All outdoor residential lighting installed on residential properties that is affixed to a construction project for which a building permit is required under this code shall conform to the standards established by this article.

(6)

All existing outdoor residential lighting that does not reasonably conform to the standards specified and imposed by this article shall be replaced or modified to reasonably conform to the standards specified and imposed by this article.

(7)

Prohibited Lighting.

(a)

Any light not designated for roadway illumination that produces direct or reflected glare that disturbs the operator of a motor vehicle.

(b)

Any light that may be construed as a traffic control device, except as authorized by state, federal or local government.

(c)

Lighting that impedes the safe take-off and landing of aircraft.

(Ord. No. 581-S-2020, § 1, 8-4-20)

Sec. 4-5-101. - Shielding.

(1)

All outdoor residential lighting shall be shielded to generate downlighting so that the luminous elements of the fixture are not unreasonably visible from any other property. Note that mounting height or proximity to property lines may cause the luminous elements of a light fixture to need additional shielding.

(2)

Outdoor residential uplighting used in landscaping and tree illumination shall not unreasonably glare into, or upon, the surrounding area or any residential premises. All other outdoor residential uplighting is prohibited, except in cases where the fixture is shielded by a roof overhang or similar structural shield.

(Ord. No. 581-S-2020, § 1, 8-4-20)

Sec. 4-5-102. - Residential flagpoles and light poles.

(1)

Flagpoles. Lighting of only one (1) flagpole per property is permitted with the following restrictions:

(a)

Flagpoles illuminated from below are limited to a height of thirty (30) feet above ground level. They are to be illuminated with a single spot type fixture mounted so that the lens is perpendicular to the flagpole.

(b)

Flagpoles illuminated from above may utilize a light fixture attached to the top of the flagpole or a fixture mounted above the top of the flagpole on a structure within fifteen (15) feet of the flagpole (i.e. house roof overhang) and must comply with Section 4-5-101(1).

(2)

Light Poles. Lighting shall be directed so that it does not produce unreasonable glare upon adjacent properties.

(Ord. No. 581-S-2020, § 1, 8-4-20)

Sec. 4-5-103. - Exemptions.

The following lighting instances are exempt from this article:

(1)

Holiday lights are exempt from the requirements of this article.

(2)

Lighting required by law to be installed on motor vehicles.

(3)

Lighting needed during activities of law enforcement, fire and other emergency services.

(4)

Lighting required for the safe operation of aircraft.

(5)

Temporary lighting required to save life or property from imminent peril provided the lights are positioned so they do not shine in the eyes of passing drivers.

(Ord. No. 581-S-2020, § 1, 8-4-20)

Sec. 4-5-104. - Penalty.

Whoever violates any provision of this Chapter shall be subject to penalty as provided in Section 1-1-6 of this Code.

(Ord. No. 581-S-2020, § 1, 8-4-20)