[Ord. 1634, 9/13/2000, Section 701]
a.
Title. This ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the "State
College Light Control Ordinance."
b.
Purpose. This ordinance aims to ensure that public health, safety,
and welfare shall not be abridged by the making and creating of public
nuisances from disturbing, excessive or offensive light. This ordinance
attempts to foster mutual respect among residents and to establish
a community position against light pollution.
c.
Relationship with Other Restrictions. If more stringent requirements
concerning light abatement are contained in other rules, regulations
or ordinances, the more stringent regulations shall apply.
d.
Applicability. This ordinance shall apply to existing outdoor lighting
within the Borough of State College.
[Ord. 1634, 9/13/2000, Section 702]
The following words and phrases, when used in this ordinance
shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings
given to them in this section. All other words and terms not defined
herein shall be used with a meaning of standard usage.
A subjective perception of undesirable illumination including
the following examples:
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The classic light shining in a window.
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Unwanted light on an adjacent property.
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Excessive brightness (glare) in the normal field of vision.
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One footcandle is one lumen per square foot (1m/ft2).
The areal density of the luminous flux incident at a point
on a surface. It is measured in footcandles.
A non-technical term designating the state of emitting visible
light or having visible light reflected off an object.
Any light which:
Photometrically, it is the luminous flux emitted within a
unit solid angle (one steradian) by a point source having a uniform
luminous intensity of one candle.
A complete lighting unit consisting of a light source(s)
together with all parts designed to control the light distribution,
and any other mechanical, electrical, or decorative parts.
Lighting designed for and expressly used to deter criminal
activity by illuminating a specific area at nighttime.
Any lamp or luminaire that by its design concentrates light
output into a directional beam.
[Ord. 1634, 9/13/2000, Section 703]
It shall be unlawful for any person(s) to make, or cause to
be made, a light disturbance within the limits of the Borough. Any
such disturbances are declared to be public nuisances.
[Ord. 1634, 9/13/2000, Section 704]
a.
Outdoor Facility and Event Lighting. The primary light source (e.g.
spotlights or floodlights) for all activities held in ball fields,
stadiums, tennis courts, soccer fields, golf courses, golf driving
ranges, recreational fields, etc., shall be turned off within 60 minutes
following the end of the event.
b.
Security Lighting and Spotlights. All luminaires shall be shielded
and aimed so that the candlepower distribution is directed toward
the areas being secured or protected. Luminaires shall not be directed
toward property lines if such direction causes light trespass.
[Ord. 1634, 9/13/2000, Section 705]
The light from the following sources shall be exempt from this
ordinance:
a.
Emergency Lighting for Public Safety Agencies. Temporary lighting
used by a public safety agency during an emergency;
b.
Lighting for Municipally Approved Community Celebrations/Events.
Lighting for community events/celebration sponsored or approved by
the Borough of State College or sponsored by the State College Area
School District;
c.
Lighting for Public Works. Temporary lighting for municipal or State
public works projects;
d.
Other Cases Approved by the Borough of State College. Temporary lighting
used for private emergencies or construction approved by the Council
of the Borough of State College.
[Ord. 1634, 9/13/2000, Section 706]
Upon receipt of a complaint, the provisions of this ordinance
shall be enforced by Borough enforcement officers, police officers,
or others designated by the Borough Manager.
[Ord. 1634, 9/13/2000, Section 707]
The light meter used for verification of illuminance levels
shall be certified by the manufacturer as meeting N.I.S.T (National
Institute of Standards and Technology) standards for light meters.
