Wayne City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1221
Lighting
1221.01 INTENT.
To ensure that sufficient lighting is provided in publicly accessible areas of buildings and properties that complements and enhances the environment and character of Wayne by aiming to:
(a) Permit reasonable uses of exterior lighting for night-time security, utility, productivity, enjoyment, and commerce.
(b) Minimize glare, obtrusive light, and artificial sky glow by limiting exterior lighting that is misdirected, excessive, or unnecessary.
(c) Conserve energy and resources.
(d) Protect the natural environment from the damaging effects of light pollution.
(Ord. 2023-01. Passed 2-7-23.)
1221.02 GENERAL STANDARDS.
(a) Illumination Levels. Existing and proposed lights may not exceed the following maximum intensity levels (measured at a height of five-feet above grade):
Location / Use
| Max. Level of Illumination (footcandles - fc) |
Overall average for the site | 5.0 fc |
At any point within the site (see Section 1221.05 for exceptions) | 10.0 fc |
At any property line | 0.5 fc |
Gas station (directly under the canopy) See footnote (a)(1) | 20.0 fc |
(1) Lighting under gas station canopies is limited to fully recessed lighting fixtures.
(b) Shielding. All exterior lighting, excluding accent lighting in residential districts, must be fully cut off and shielded so the surface of the source of the light is not visible, and is directed downward and shielded away from adjacent properties, with particular consideration to protecting residential uses.
(c) Non-Essential Lighting. Non-essential lighting must be turned off after business hours, except for the minimum necessary security lighting. The use of a motion detector or other automatic timing system of security lighting is encouraged.
(d) Consistent Fixtures. The type and design of lighting must be consistent throughout a site.
(e) Impact. Lighting must be arranged as to not adversely affect driver visibility on rights-of-way.
(f) Downtown Lighting. Sites located within the DT Overlay are subject to the additional lighting standards in Section 1221.05.
(g) Height. The maximum height of light fixtures (measured from the finished grade to the top of the fixture) may not exceed the height of the building or the following, whichever is less:
Zoning Districts
| Max. Light Fixture Height (feet) |
R1, R2, MF, HR, RV | 14 feet |
SF, MU | 16 feet |
B1, B2, IB | 20 feet |
I1, I2 | 50 feet |
(Ord. 2023-01. Passed 2-7-23.)
1221.03 EXEMPT LIGHTING.
The following are exempt from the requirements of this chapter:
(a) Required exit signs and safety lights for stairs and ramps.
(b) Temporary holiday lights (provided that such lighting is installed no more than thirty-days prior to, and fifteen-days following, the holiday such decorations represent).
(c) Lights required by the Federal Aviation Administration, or other federal or state agency.
(d) Interior lights.
(e) Temporary lights necessary for construction or emergencies.
(Ord. 2023-01. Passed 2-7-23.)
1221.04 PROHIBITED LIGHTING.
The following lights are prohibited:
(a) Rope lights (including neon) around and within window and door openings, and around/on the building.
(b) Aerial lasers and/or “searchlight” style lights.
(c) Flashing, moving, or intermittent lights (including lighting that changes colors).
(d) Other intense lights, defined as having a light source exceeding 200,000 lumens or more.
(Ord. 2023-01. Passed 2-7-23.)
1221.05 SPECIAL EXCEPTION LIGHTING.
(a) Lighting systems not complying with the requirements of this chapter, but consistent with its intent, may be considered by the Planning Commission, subject to special land use approval. This includes instances of:
(1) Sport fields and stadiums.
(2) Industrial lighting for hazardous areas or areas where higher pole heights are necessary to avoid interference with vehicles / operations.
(3) Public monuments, public buildings, government facilities, and religious institutions.
(4) Any other lighting application determined to be appropriate by the Planning Commission.
(b) Review Standards. The Planning Commission must find that the proposed lighting will not create unwarranted glare, sky glow, or light trespass. The applicant must demonstrate that every reasonable effort has been made to mitigate obtrusive light and artificial sky glow, supported by a signed statement from a registered engineer or by a lighting certified professional describing the mitigation measures.
(Ord. 2023-01. Passed 2-7-23.)