[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
This article shall be known and cited as the "Outdoor Lighting
Ordinance of the Charter Township of Meridian."
[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
A fully shielded luminaire manufactured and installed so
that at least 97.5% of the light emitted by the fixture, either directly
from the lamp or a diffusing element, or indirectly by reflection
or refraction from any part of the luminaire (excepting only incidental
reflections from supporting brackets or arms) is projected below the
horizontal plane, i.e. a shoe-box or can-style fixture. Any structural
part of the light fixture providing this shielding must be permanently
affixed (see Figure 2).
A luminaire with additional shielding which limits the amount
of light to only 10% within the region 20° below the horizontal
plane and 90% between 90° and 20° below the horizontal plane
(see Figure 1).
The assembly that holds a lamp and may include an assembly
housing a mounting bracket, or pole socket, lamp holder, ballast,
reflector or mirror, and refractor or lens.
Any light fixture, luminaire, or lamp that incorporates a
reflector or a refractor to concentrate the light output into a directed
beam in a particular direction. For purposes of this article, a light
affixed to a light pole in a parking lot is not considered a floodlight
or spotlight.
A measure of light falling upon a given surface. One footcandle
is equal to one lumen per square foot. For purposes of this article,
footcandles shall be measured at approximately six feet above grade.
Light that causes visual discomfort or disability, or a loss
of visual performance because of excessive luminance.
Stray light with an intensity great enough to reduce a viewer's
ability to see or identify objects, and in extreme cases causing momentary
blindness.
The amount of light falling on any point of a surface measured
in footcandles.
A line plotted on a set of coordinates to show all points
on a surface where equal illuminances occur, also known as an iso-footcandle
line or iso-diagram.
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES or
IESNA), the professional society of lighting engineers.
The component of a luminaire that produces the actual light,
commonly referred to as a "bulb."
Luminaires intended solely for lighting landscape material.
General sky glow caused by the scattering of artificial light
in the atmosphere.
The shining of light produced by a luminaire beyond the boundaries
of the property on which the luminaire is located.
A plan used for an approval process indicating all site improvements
and the number, location, type, and design of all luminaires and the
manufacturer's data on the luminaire.
A measure of light energy generated by a light source. For
purposes of this article, the lumen-output values shall be the initial
lumen output rating of a lamp. For example, a 100-watt incandescent
lamp emits approximately 1, 690 initial lumens. A 100-watt metal halide
lamp emits approximately 9,000 initial lumens.
A complete lighting system consisting of a lamp or lamps
together, with the parts, fixtures, and wiring designed to distribute
the light, to position and protect the lamps, and to connect the lamps
to the power supply.
The repair or replacement of a nonconforming luminaire limited
to lamps, ballast, broken lens or globe, broken or damaged internal
parts, and electrical connections.
A luminaire that does not conform to this article but was
lawfully in existence prior to the effective date of this article.
The illumination of an outside area or object by any manmade
device located outdoors that produces light by any means.
An area designed for active recreation, whether publicly
or privately owned, including but not limited to parks, baseball diamonds,
soccer, football fields, golf courses, tennis courts and swimming
pools.
A plan prepared by an electrical engineer or other approved
lighting designer showing the locations of all luminaires on the subject
site by means of either a numerical grid or iso-illuminance curve
pattern of lighting levels in footcandles that the luminaires produce
on the ground.
Devices or techniques that are used as part of a luminaire
or lamp to limit glare, light trespass and light pollution.
The halo effect from outdoor lighting that is not shielded
or from reflection off bright surfaces, including snow cover and which
brightens the night sky over the affected area.
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[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
The purpose of this article is to provide for outdoor lighting
that will:
(a)
Minimize problems associated with improperly designed
and installed outdoor lighting, including glare, light trespass, and
sky glow, by limiting outdoor lighting that is misdirected or excessive.
(b)
Conserve energy and resources to the greatest extent possible.
(c)
Decrease light pollution and curtail and reverse the degradation
of the nighttime visual environment and the night sky.
(d)
Promote and protect the general health, safety, and welfare and security
of the public in the Charter Township of Meridian while not unreasonably
interfering with the use and enjoyment of property within the Township.
[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
All public and private outdoor lighting installed in the Charter
Township of Meridian, including but not limited to, residential, nonresidential,
commercial, industrial, office, and mixed use planned unit developments,
shall be in conformance with the requirements established under this
article.
[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
(a)
All outdoor lighting lawfully in place prior to the effective date of this article which are not in compliance with the requirements of this article may remain in effect until required to comply as provided for in § 38-377.
(b)
Except for maintenance of a nonconforming luminaire, as defined in
this article, a nonconforming luminaire may not be replaced or modified
unless the replacement or modification makes the luminaire conforming.
If a lamp is available that makes the luminaire conform, or progress
towards conformance with the ordinance's requirements, such a lamp
shall be used when the lamp is replaced.
(c)
A nonconforming luminaire may not be returned to service after any
discontinuance of use lasting more than six consecutive months unless
that nonconforming luminaire is first brought into compliance with
the requirements of this article.
[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
(a)
The following types of outdoor lighting are exempt from the regulations
of this article:
(b)
The following types of outdoor lighting are prohibited from causing
direct light or glare towards residential structures or any adjacent
or nearby properties but are otherwise exempt from all other regulations
of this article. In such case(s) of direct light or glare, the luminaire(s)
shall be redirected, shielded, or its light output controlled in such
a manner which eliminates the glare condition.
(1)
Window displays.
(2)
Decorative holiday lighting.
(3)
Publicly owned traffic signs or emergency signs.
(4)
Signs for historic landmarks, where signage is using historic
lighting technology.
(5)
Temporary lighting.
(6)
Interior lighting.
(7)
Underwater pool lights.
(8)
Porch and garage lighting on single-family and two-family residences.
[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
(a)
New outdoor luminaires and posts installed after the effective date
of this article, including replacements for existing luminaires and
posts, must conform to this article.
(b)
Any adjustments necessary to bring an adjustable outdoor light fixture
into compliance with this article shall be completed within 180 days
from the effective date of this article.
(c)
Within 180 days of the effective date of this article, nonconforming
luminaires that cause or contribute to a disability glare, as defined
in this article, shall be shielded or redirected to eliminate glare.
Such luminaires shall be retrofitted for compliance with this article.
(d)
Within 180 days of the effective date of this article, nonconforming
spotlights and floodlights elevated above the ground with a total
lamp output greater than 1,500 lumens, must be adjusted so that their
axis of illumination is at an angle not greater than 20° measured
from the vertical line between the fixture and the ground (see Figure
3). This subsection applies only to spotlights and floodlights with
adjustable mounts and does not apply to outdoor recreational facilities.
(e)
Prior to the time of required compliance and in addition to the above
requirements, an owner of a nonconforming luminaire who is not making
modifications to the luminaire must replace a luminaire so that it
conforms to this article, if requested by the Township Board. Replacement
or modification of such luminaires must be provided at no cost to
the owner including materials and labor.
Figure 3
The axis of illumination shall be adjusted to an angle not
more than 20° from the vertical line between the fixtures and
the ground.
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[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
The following luminaires shall be prohibited:
(a)
Laser source light(s). The uses of laser light sources or similar
high-intensity lighting for outdoor advertising or entertainment.
(b)
Searchlights. The operation of searchlights for advertising and entertainment
purposes. This shall not include searchlights used for emergency purposes.
(c)
Overhead electrical feeds. Overhead electrical feeds to luminaires,
such as but not limited to parking lot lighting.
(d)
Mercury-vapor/quartz lights.
[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007; Ord. No. 2010-09, 8-1-2010]
The following standards shall apply to all outdoor luminaires
unless otherwise stated in this article.
(a)
Luminaires with lumens between 1,000 and 3,500 shall be fully shielded
so that direct light is not emitted at angles above the horizontal
plane of the lowest direct-light emitting part of the luminaire (see
Figure 2). Luminaires with lumens of more than 3,500 shall be shielded
with sharp cut-off or full cut-off fixtures (see Figure 1).
(b)
Outdoor lighting regulated by this article shall incorporate shielding
features such as, but not limited to baffles, louvers, caps, shrouds,
barn doors, house shields, or hoods to prevent direct glare, light
trespass, and sky glow.
(c)
Luminaires shall be designed and located to direct light away from
adjoining and nearby properties and shall not exceed a maximum of
one footcandle at the property line.
(d)
Floodlights and spotlights mounted on a pole or on a building shall
be designed, shielded, installed and maintained in a manner that directs
the light downward and away from adjacent properties and streets.
The floodlight or spotlight shall be aimed no higher than 20°
measured from the vertical line between the fixture and the ground
(see Figure 3). The total lamp output shall not exceed 1,500 lumens
per fixture.
(e)
Whenever practicable, outdoor lighting systems shall include timers,
motion detectors, dimmers, and/or sensors to reduce overall energy
consumption and eliminate unnecessary lighting.
(f)
Landscape lighting shall have wattage equal to or less than 60 watts
or 3,200 lumens per fixture, shall be mounted in or at grade (not
to exceed three feet above grade) and used solely for landscape lighting.
(g)
The maximum height above the adjacent grade for luminaires, including
the pole and pole base, shall not exceed 30 feet, except the maximum
height for street lights in residential developments shall not exceed
20 feet.
(h)
Unless otherwise required by the FCC or FAA, towers or other structures
requiring obstruction lighting at night shall generate the minimum
lumens necessary, oscillating red in color.
(i)
Flag illumination must have narrow spot distribution so that light
illuminates only the flagpole and the flag. In any residential zoning
district, the maximum lumen output is 1,500 lumens and in any other
zoning district, the maximum lumen output is 9,000 lumens. Flags are
encouraged to be taken down at sunset to avoid the need for lighting.
(j)
Regulated luminaires requiring shielding shall not employ flexible
or adjustable mounting systems.
(k)
All nonessential commercial and nonresidential outdoor lighting is
encouraged to be turned off after business hours and/or when not in
use. Essential outdoor lighting includes lighting associated with
safety, security, and flag display.
(l)
New outdoor recreation facilities must conform to the requirements
of this ordinance except when shielding requirements would interfere
with the intended activity, as determined by the Director of Community
Planning and Development. Lighting must be off during times when not
in use.
(m)
All luminaires that are within a distance of 2 1/2 times its
mounting height from the property line when adjoining residential
property shall be properly shielded.
(n)
No wall-mounted luminaire, or a luminaire installed under a canopy,
soffit, overhang or roof eave shall exceed 9,000 lumens per fixture.
(o)
Wall-mounted decorative or architectural lighting shall be fully
shielded and directed downward and shall not exceed 6,500 lumens per
fixture.
(p)
Ground-mounted lighting such as a bollard light or pathlight shall
be fully shielded and directed downward and shall not exceed 3,200
lumens per fixture. Light fixtures shall not exceed 42 inches above
grade and shall be used as area lighting to illuminate pedestrian
areas and walkways. Ground-mounted lighting does not include accent
lighting intended to highlight an object or a feature.
(q)
Outdoor lighting shall comply with the lumen requirements in Table
1.
[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007; Ord. No. 2010-09, 8-1-2010]
The total amount of light, measured in lumens, from all lamps
used in light fixtures shall not exceed the limits in Table 1. The
initial lamp output, as defined by the manufacturer, is the value
to be considered. For determining compliance with Table 1, the light
emitted from lamps in light fixtures is to be included as follows:
(a)
Outdoor luminaires on poles or installed on buildings or structures
shall be included in the total by adding the lumen output of the lamp.
(b)
Luminaires installed under canopies, soffitts, overhangs or roof
eaves where all parts of the luminaire are located at least five feet
from the nearest edge of the canopy or overhang, are to be included
as though they produce only one-quarter of the lamp's initial lumen
output.
(c)
The values in Table 1 are maximums and not design goals; design goals
should be the lowest levels that meet the requirements of the task.
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Table 1
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Area
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Total Lumens l Per Acre
(of area to be illuminated)
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Maximum Footcandles in Any One Spot
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Nonresidential in residential C-1, RD, RDD, RN
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125,000
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Internally on site1, 2
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10
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Driveways
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3
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At property line if abuts residential property
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0.5
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At property line if abuts nonresidential property
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1
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C-2, PO, RP, RC, RCC, and MUPUD
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150,000
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Internally on site1, 2
|
10
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Driveways
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3
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At property line if abuts residential property
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0.5
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At property line if abuts nonresidential property
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1
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C-3, CS, CR and I
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200,000
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Internally on site1, 2
|
10
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Driveways
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3
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At property line if abuts residential property
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0.5
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At property line if abuts nonresidential property
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1
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Internal sidewalks in all zoning districts except one and two-family
residential
|
N/A
|
3
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All service station canopies in any district
|
N/A
|
20
10 (where adjacent to roadways with no streetlights)
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Outdoor recreational facilities
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50 at ground level
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Wall or pole-mounted flood-light/spotlight
|
5
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NOTES:
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|---|---|
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1
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A motor vehicle dealership site shall not exceed 20 footcandles
at the front row and 10 in all other areas, and three in driveways.
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2
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Building entrances and stairways/stairwells shall not exceed
10 footcandles.
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[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
(a)
Partially shielded luminaires for outdoor recreational facilities
are permitted as a substitute for full shielding. However, substitutes
must shield to reduce: glare, safety hazards, light trespass and light
pollution; shall provide levels of luminance consistent with nationally
recognized standards such as the Illuminating Engineering Society
of North America (IESNA); and shall be operated on a schedule that
coincides with scheduled events. Tennis, volleyball, racquetball,
handball and other similar courts, and swimming pools must utilize
fully shielded luminaires.
(b)
No outdoor recreational facility, public or private, shall be illuminated
after 11:00 p.m. except to conclude a sporting event or activities
already in progress.
[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
Streetlight installation in residential developments constructed
after the effective date of this article shall utilize cut-off luminaires
(see Figure 2). The maximum height of street lights above grade shall
not exceed 20 feet. In the event that 50% or more of the existing
luminaires or posts in a residential development constructed prior
to the effective date of this article are replaced or modified, the
luminaires or posts shall be brought into compliance with this article.
[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
Gas station canopies must utilize canopy lights that are sharp
cut-off.
[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
(a)
At any time site plan approval is required from the Township, the
applicant shall submit in conjunction with the site plan, a lighting
plan which identifies all existing and proposed outdoor lighting on
the site, the design and height of all luminaires, lumen output for
each luminaire, total lumen value for the site expressed in lumens
per acre of the area to be illuminated, an iso-illuminance curve pattern
photometric report showing footcandle intensity throughout the subject
site, and specification sheets for all outdoor light fixtures to the
Township to determine whether the proposed lighting will comply with
this article.
(b)
At any time a building permit approval is required from the Township,
the applicant shall submit sufficient information regarding existing
and proposed outdoor lighting on the site, luminaire locations, and
the light intensity planned for each luminaire, as expressed in initial
lumen output, to enable the Township to determine whether the proposed
lighting will comply with this article. A photometric plan may be
required to be submitted if determined necessary by the Director of
Community Planning and Development.
(c)
Prior to the installation of any new outdoor light fixture or modification
of any existing outdoor light fixture required to be brought into
compliance, the applicant shall submit sufficient information regarding
the additional proposed outdoor lighting, luminaire locations, and
the light intensity planned for each luminaire to enable the Township
to determine whether the proposed lighting will comply with this article.
A photometric plan may be required to be submitted if determined necessary
by the Director of Community Planning and Development.
(d)
Upon completion of the installation or modification of any outdoor
light fixture(s) as part of an approved lighting plan, and prior to
the issuance of a certificate of occupancy when required, a registered
engineer or architect shall verify in writing to the Director of Community
Planning and Development the outdoor lighting was installed in accordance
with this article.
(e)
The required plan, descriptions and data required above shall be
sufficiently complete to enable the Township to readily determine
whether compliance with the requirements of this article will be secured.
[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
(a)
Any individual may submit a written request to the Director of Community
Planning and Development for a waiver from these requirements. The
request shall contain the following information:
(1)
Proposed or existing use of luminaires.
(2)
Type of lamp, including manufacturer's part number.
(3)
Type of light fixture, including manufacturer's model number
and specification sheets indicating photometric distribution data
stated in iso-footcandle diagrams.
(4)
Initial lumens of lamps.
(5)
Proposed or existing location of luminaires.
(6)
Contact information including name, affiliation (if applicable),
address and telephone number.
(7)
Reason(s) for the waiver.
(b)
The Director of Community Planning and Development may waive a provision
of this article only after determining that unique conditions exist
where a waiver would not adversely impact neighboring properties and
could not be addressed by other method proscribed by this article,
and is otherwise satisfactory and complies with the intent of this
article.
(c)
The Director of Community Planning and Development shall ensure that
consideration has been given by the applicant to conserving energy;
minimizing glare, light pollution, and light trespass.
[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
Any person aggrieved by an order, requirement, decision or determination
of the Director of Community Planning and Development as it relates
to this article, may appeal to the Township Board in accordance with
the following procedure:
(a)
A written statement containing the specific reason for the appeal
must be filed with the Township Clerk within 10 days of the date of
the decision sought to be appealed.
(b)
The Township Board shall hold a hearing on the appeal, which shall
be open to public comment and shall include an opportunity for the
appealing party to present their appeal.
(c)
Notice of the time and place for consideration of an appeal shall
be sent by mail or personal delivery not less than five days prior
to the date of the hearing to the parties making the appeal. All notices
shall be sent to addresses listed on the most recent assessment roll.
(d)
The Township Board shall issue its decision on the appeal within
a reasonable time. In its determination of the appeal, the Township
Board may take, but is not limited to, any of the following actions:
(1)
Affirm the decision of the Director of Community Planning and
Development with or without modification and with or without such
conditions as the board deems necessary or appropriate to further
the intent and purposes of this article.
(2)
Reverse the decision of the Director of Community Planning and
Development and state its reasons for reversal.
(3)
Make any other decision, determination, order, or requirement
that the Director of Community Planning and Development could have
made with respect to the subject matter of the appeal.
(e)
The Township Clerk shall notify the parties making the request in
writing of the Township Board's decision.
[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
(a)
Any commercial or residential developer, lighting engineer, lighting
designer or consultant, lighting installer, lighting utility company
found in violation of this article, or contributing to a violation
of this article shall be ordered to cease further lighting development/installations
on the project with lighting at issue, until the lighting violations
are brought into compliance with this article.
(b)
In addition to the other enforcement methods provided by this article,
Township building inspectors and code enforcement officers are hereby
designated as authorized Township officials to issue municipal civil
infraction citations or municipal civil infraction violation notices
for violations of this article.
[Ord. No. 2007-03, 4-24-2007]
A person who violates any provision of this article is responsible for a municipal civil infraction, subject to payment of a civil fine of $75, plus costs including all direct and indirect expenses incurred by the Township in connection with the municipal civil infraction as provided in § 1-8 of the Township Code of Ordinances. However, in no case shall costs of less than $9 or more than $500 be ordered. Repeat offenses under this section shall be subject to increased fines as provided by § 1-8 of this Code. As to violations of this article that are continuous with respect to time, each day that the violation continues is a separate offense.
