The purpose of this article is to establish regulations to allow for outdoor illumination levels which are appropriate for the use, while promoting safety and security, and minimizing the undesirable side effects of excessive illumination such as glare, light trespass, and light pollution. Over time, it is the intent that this article will allow for reasonably uniform illumination levels in the community.
This regulation shall apply to all new outdoor lighting fixtures, the expansion and alteration of existing fixtures, as well as the replacement of lighting fixtures except any routine repair or maintenance.
For uses which require a site plan review, the Planning Board may require a lighting plan to be submitted showing the location, number, type/style, mounting height, and lighting levels produced on the ground (i.e., photometric report). All other uses shall conform to the general requirements contained herein.
A.
Light trespass. All outdoor lighting shall be shielded or otherwise contained so as not to exceed 0.2 footcandle from the property line on which the light originates.
B.
IESNA criteria. Exterior lighting fixtures on commercial, industrial, institutional, and multifamily properties shall conform to the Illuminating Engineer Society of North America (IESNA) criteria for full cutoff fixtures. In addition, the lighting levels shall be designed to meet the minimum requirements of the latest recommended levels set forth by IESNA. Where no standard from IESNA exists, the Planning Board shall determine the appropriate level, taking into account levels for the closest IESNA activity.
C.
Hours of operation. All lighting, except as required for security, shall be extinguished during nonoperating hours in order to minimize the indiscriminate use of illumination. Where practicable, lighting installations are encouraged to include timers, sensors, and dimmers to reduce energy consumption and unnecessary lighting.
A.
Lighting fixtures. All light fixtures are subject to the following standards:
(1)
All exterior lighting fixtures shall be compliant with the International Dark-Sky Association's Simple Guidelines for Small Communities, Urban Neighborhoods, and Subdivisions.
(2)
Lighting along public and private rights-of-way and along sidewalk and pedestrian zones shall be designed such that poles, fixtures, ornamentation, and materials are of a pedestrian scale and height, and provide for enhanced pedestrian experience and safety.
(3)
Lighting along sidewalks and pedestrian zones should be distinctive and human-scaled. Said lighting fixtures shall measure at a minimum of 10 feet, but no more than 15 feet.
(4)
Lighting fixtures within parking areas should not exceed 20 feet in height.
(5)
Lighting fixtures should be compatible with architectural style and other features of adjacent or nearby buildings when deemed appropriate by the Planning Board.
(6)
Lighting fixtures should be of a consistent architectural style and utilize a design that allows light trespass to be fully shielded or fully cutoff.
B.
Parking lots. Parking lots shall not exceed light levels necessary for safety and for locating vehicles at night. The lighting plan shall be designed so that the parking lot is lit from the outside perimeter inward and/or incorporate design features with the intent of eliminating off-site light spillage.
C.
Canopy and roof overhang. Lights installed on canopies or roof overhangs shall be recessed so that the lens cover is flush with the bottom surface of the canopy or overhang. Lights shall not be mounted on the sides or top of the canopy or overhang.
D.
Bottom-mounted or up-lighting. To minimize unnecessary lighting, up-lighting shall be allowed for flagpoles that display federal, state, and/or local government flags only, unless noted otherwise within this chapter (See Article 40, Sign Regulations). Illumination shall be directed solely onto the object for which it is intended.
E.
Security cameras. Facilities that utilize security cameras may employ appropriate lighting to ensure proper function during times when such cameras are in use.
The following types of outdoor lighting are exempt from this regulation unless otherwise specified:
A.
Streetlighting installed by the Town, Livingston County Highway Department, or the NYS Department of Transportation.
B.
Low-voltage lighting as defined by the National Electric Code (NEC).
C.
Holiday lighting.
D.
Temporary construction and emergency lighting needed by police, emergency or highway crews, provided the light is extinguished upon completion of the work.
E.
Hazard warning lights required by a federal or state regulatory agency, except that all fixtures used must be as close as possible to the federally required minimum output.
F.
Lighting associated with farm or agricultural operations. However, farm or agricultural operations within 100 feet of an adjacent residential dwelling shall be shielded to prevent light trespass onto the adjoining property.