21.5 Exterior Lighting

21.5.A Light Trespass and Distraction   

1.  No exterior lighting may glare into, or upon, the surrounding area or any residential premises. In addition, no exterior lighting may be used in any manner that could interfere with the safe movement of motor vehicles on public streets. The light level shall be no greater than one-half (0.5) footcandle at a residential property line and one (1) footcandle at any non-residential property line or public right-of-way line.

2.  Specifically, the following types of light trespass are prohibited:

a.  Any light not designed for roadway illumination that produces direct or reflected glare that could disturb the operator of a motor vehicle.

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

21.5.B Unshielded Lighting   

The use of unshielded lighting, including incandescent light bulbs hung or strung on poles, wires, or any other type of support, are prohibited, except on a temporary basis in areas where approved carnivals, fairs, or similar activities are held and only when such activities are taking place.

21.5.C Light Pole and Building-Mounted Lighting Heights   

The maximum height of light poles on private property, such as in off-street parking lots, is specified below unless otherwise specifically permitted by this Ordinance. Maximum height is measured from grade at the base to the bottom of the luminaire. These standards do not apply to public right-of-way lighting. 

21.5.C.1 Non-Residential Uses   

a.  Light poles and building-mounted fixtures shall be designed with fully shielded luminaries. Such poles or mounts are limited to a maximum of eighteen (18) feet in height, except for industrial uses in Centers for Industry districts. For industrial uses in Centers for Industry districts, such poles or mounts are limited to a maximum of seventy-five (75) feet in height when an industrial property does not abut a residential district. When industrial uses in Centers for Industry districts are abutting a residential district, all light poles and building-mounted fixtures are limited to fifty (50) feet in height but may exceed fifty (50) feet if set back one (1) foot for each foot above fifty (50) feet up to seventy-five (75) feet.

b.  Light poles for outdoor recreational facilities, including those that are part of an educational facility, are limited to a maximum of sixty (60) feet in height.

c.  Lighting mounted on a non-residential structure is limited to a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet as measured from the first floor elevation.

Adopted by Ord. 28095 MCS, Sec. 1, May 23, 2019, ZD 28/19; Technical Correction #6, 12-17-18

21.5.C.2 Residential Uses   

a.  Light poles for single- and two-family dwellings, including any accessory structures or uses on site, are limited to a maximum of eight (8) feet in height.

b.  Light poles for multi-family and townhouse dwellings, including any accessory structures or uses on site, are limited to a maximum of twelve (12) feet in height.

c.  Under-soffit lighting for a residential dwelling may be mounted to a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet as measured from the first floor elevation.