[HISTORY: Adopted 5-9-06 by Ord. No. 2006-626. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Good outdoor lighting at night benefits everyone. It increases
safety, enhances the community's night time character, and helps
provide security. New lighting technologies have produced lights that
are extremely powerful, and these types of lights may be improperly
installed so that they create problems of excessive glare, light trespass,
and higher energy use. Excessive glare can be annoying and may cause
safety problems. Light trespass reduces everyone's privacy, and
higher energy use results in increased costs for everyone. This chapter
recognizes the benefits of outdoor lighting and provides clear guidelines
for its installation so as to help maintain and compliment the borough's
character. Appropriately regulated, and properly installed, outdoor
lighting will contribute to the safety and welfare of Woodstown's
residents. This chapter is intended to reduce the problems created
by improperly designed and installed outdoor lighting. It will help
to eliminate problems of glare, minimize light trespass, and help
reduce the energy and financial costs of outdoor lighting.
For the purposes of this chapter, terms used shall be defined
as follows:
Any 43,560 contiguous square feet or total of portions thereof
within the same parcel if dissected by existing roads or land dedicated
for roads.
Light emitted directly from the lamp, off the reflector or
reflector diffuser or through the refractor or diffuser lens, of a
luminaire.
The assembly that houses the lamp(s) or bulb(s) in a lighting
system and can include all or some of the following elements designed
to give light output: a housing, a mounting bracket or pole socket,
a lamp holder, a ballast, a reflector or mirror and/or a refractor
or lens.
Any light fixture or lamp that incorporates a reflector or
a refractor to concentrate the light output into a directed beam in
a particular direction.
Unit of illuminance (brightness) equal to one lumen per square
foot.
Outdoor light fixtures shielded or constructed so that no
light rays are emitted by the installed fixture at angles above the
horizontal plane as certified by a photometric test report.
Light emitting from a luminaire with an intensity great enough
to reduce a viewer's ability to see; any annoyance, visual impairment
or discomfort experienced by an observer with a direct line of sight
to a light source, or from high-angle lights emanating from a source.
Luminaires not conforming to this chapter that were in place
at the time this chapter was voted into effect. When an ordinance
grandfathers a luminaire, it means that such already existing outdoor
lighting does not need to be changed unless a specific period is specified
for adherence to the chapter.
The vertical distance from the ground directly below the
centerline of the luminaire to the lowest direct-light-emitting part
of the luminaire.
A family of bulb type including mercury vapor, metal halide
and high pressure or low pressure sodium, which glow when an electric
current is passed through a gas mixture inside the bulb.
The amount of light striking a vertical or horizontal plane.
Direct light that has been reflected or has scattered off
other surfaces.
A list of lamps indicating the bulb type, bulb wattage and
manufacturer through which the rated lumens can be determined.
The component of a luminaire that produces the actual light.
The bulb and lens, diffuser, or reflective enclosure.
Light projected by a luminaire beyond the boundaries of the
property on which it is located.
A unit of luminous flux. One footcandle is one lumen per
square foot. For the purposes of this section, the lumen-output values
shall be the initial lumen output ratings of a lamp.
This is a complete lighting system, including a lamp or lamps
and a fixture.
A light fixture which does not cut off all upward transmission
of light.
The nighttime illumination of an outside area or object by
any manmade device located outdoors that produces light by any means.
The specific illumination of an outside area or object by
any manmade device located outdoors that produces light by any means
for a period of less than seven days, with at least 180 days passing
before being used again.
A.
All public and private outdoor lighting installed in the Borough
of Woodstown shall be in conformance with the requirements established
by this section. All previous language in the Borough of Woodstown
ordinances regarding outdoor lighting is replaced with this section.
B.
The style of the light and the light standard shall be consistent
with the architectural style of the principal building.
C.
Control of glare; luminaire design factors.
(1)
Any luminaire with a lamp or lamps rated at a total of more than
1,800 lumens, and all flood or spot luminaires with a lamp or lamps
rated at a total of more than 900 lumens, shall not emit any direct
light above a horizontal plane through the lowest direct-light-emitting
part of the luminaire.
(2)
Any luminaire with a lamp or lamps rate at a total of more than 1,800
lumens, and all flood or spot luminaires with a lamp or lamps rated
at a total of more than nine hundred (900) lumens, shall be mounted
at a height equal to or less than the value 3 + (D/3), where D is
the distance in feet to the nearest property boundary. The maximum
height of the luminaire may not exceed 25 feet.
D.
Light trespass.
(1)
The maximum illumination at five feet inside an adjacent residential
parcel or public right-of-way, or beyond, from light emitted from
a light source, other than light sources from sports and recreational
facilities, is .1 horizontal footcandles and .1 vertical footcandles.
E.
Exceptions to control of glare.
(1)
Any luminaire with a lamp or lamps rated at a total of 1,800 lumens
or less, and all flood or spot luminaires with a lamp or lamps rated
at 900 lumens or less, may be used without restriction to light distribution
or mounting height, except that if any spot of flood luminaire rated
900 lumens or less is aimed, directed or focused such as to cause
direct light from the luminaire to be directed toward residential
buildings on adjacent or nearby land, or to create glare perceptible
to persons operating motor vehicles on public ways, the luminaire
shall be redirected or its light output controlled as necessary to
eliminate such conditions.
(2)
Luminaires used for public roadway illumination may be installed
at a maximum height of 25 feet and may be positioned at that height
up to the edge of any bordering property.
(3)
All temporary emergency lighting needed by the Police or Fire Departments
or other emergency or municipal services, as well as all vehicular
luminaires, shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.
(4)
All hazard warning luminaries required by federal regulatory agencies
are exempt from the requirements of this section, except that all
luminaires used must be red and must be shown to be as close as possible
to the federally required minimum lumen output requirement for the
specific task.
(5)
Luminaires used primarily for sign illumination may be mounted at
any height to a maximum of 25 feet, regardless of lumen rating.
(6)
The illumination of the American flag is excluded from the provisions
of this section and is expressly permitted.
(7)
Luminaires used during and for the planting, protection, treatment
and harvesting of crops, feeding and tending of livestock and other
periodic agricultural activities are permitted.
(8)
Law governing conflicts. Where any provision of federal, state, county
or town statutes, codes or laws conflicts with any provision of this
section, the most restrictive shall govern unless otherwise regulated
by law.
F.
Outdoor advertising signs.
(1)
Top-mounted fixtures required. Lighting fixtures used to illuminate an outdoor advertising sign shall be mounted on the top of the sign structure when such lighting is greater than 100 watts per side. All such fixtures shall comply with the shielding requirements of Subsection C. Bottom-mounted outdoor advertising sign lighting shall not be used except along highways in commercial zoning districts or for lighting less than 100 watts.
(2)
Outdoor advertising signs of the type constructed of translucent
materials and wholly illuminated from within do not require shielding.
Dark backgrounds with light lettering or symbols are preferred to
minimize detrimental effects. In no event shall a sign be placed or
illuminated so as to permit the illumination therefrom to be directed
upon any adjacent right-of-way or public or private premises so as
to cause glare that may constitute a nuisance or traffic hazard.
(3)
Illuminated on-site advertising signs shall be turned off after 10:30
p.m. or upon closing if after 10:30 p.m.
(4)
Compliance limit. Existing outdoor advertising structures shall be
grandfathered unless and until such sign is modified, moved or changed
in a significant way. At such time, said sign shall be brought into
compliance with these regulations.
G.
Sports and recreational facilities. Any light source permitted by
this section may be used for lighting of outdoor recreational facilities
(public or private), such as, but not limited to, football fields,
soccer fields, baseball fields, softball fields, tennis courts or
show areas, provided all of the following conditions are met:
(1)
All fixtures used for event lighting shall be fully shielded to minimize
uplighting, spill light and glare and may exceed 25 feet in height
as necessary, but shall not exceed 75 feet in height.
(2)
All outdoor sporting or entertainment events shall be scheduled so
as to complete before, or as near 10:30 p.m. as practical, but under
no circumstance shall any illumination of the playing or event area
be permitted after 11:00 p.m. This requirement does not apply to agricultural
fairs and shows.
(3)
No recreational facility lighting shall be located within 100 feet
of any residence.
H.
All-night lighting.
(1)
Outdoor lighting at places of business or public venues, except for
security, shall be turned off no later than one hour after closing.
Such lights should be confined to that needed for basic security.
The lights of vacant parking lots shall not remain lighted except
for illuminating entryways by the fixtures closest to building entrances.
I.
Prohibitions.
(1)
Laser source lights and searchlights. The use of laser source light
or the operation of a searchlight or any similar high-intensity light
for outdoor advertising or entertainment, when projected above the
horizontal, is prohibited without the approval of the Borough Council.
(2)
Flashing lights and signage. No flashing, pulsating, animated, moving
or strobe-type lighting or signage that creates a hazard or public
nuisance is permitted.
(3)
Outdoor advertising off-site signs. Electrical illumination of outdoor
advertising off-site signs is prohibited between 10:30 p.m. and sunrise.
(4)
Communications tower lighting. The nighttime use of white lighting
or white strobe lighting is prohibited, unless the applicant can demonstrate
that the Federal Aviation Administration requires such lighting.
J.
Temporary outdoor lighting.
(2)
Any temporary outdoor lighting that conforms to the requirements
of this section shall be allowed. Nonconforming temporary outdoor
lighting may be permitted by the Planning Board after considering:
(3)
The applicant shall submit a detailed description of the proposed
temporary nonconforming lighting to the Planning Board, which shall
consider the request at a duly called meeting of the Planning Board.
Prior notice of the meeting of the Planning Board shall be given to
the applicant. The Planning Board shall render its decision on the
temporary lighting request within two weeks of the date of the meeting.
A failure by the Planning Board to act on a request within the time
allowed shall constitute a denial of the request.
A.
This section shall take effect immediately upon approval by the Borough
Council of the Borough of Woodstown at a regularly scheduled meeting
and shall supersede and replace all previous ordinances pertaining
to outdoor lighting.
B.
All luminaires lawfully in place prior to the date of the chapter[1] shall be grandfathered. However, any luminaire that replaces
a grandfathered luminaire, or any grandfathered luminaire that is
moved, must meet the standards of this chapter.
C.
Grandfathered luminaires which do not comply with this section and
provide for reaming of the fixture shall be aimed in compliance with
this chapter.
D.
Grandfathered luminaires that direct light toward streets or parking
lots that cause disability glare to motorists or cyclists should be
either shielded or redirected within 90 days of notification so that
the luminaires do not cause a potential hazard to motorists or cyclists.
E.
Any applicant seeking any approvals from the Planning Board or seeking
a zoning or construction permit shall be required to replace or otherwise
modify any nonconforming luminaries on the parcel of land to meet
the requirements of this section.
A.
Submission contents. The applicant for any permit required by any
provision of the laws of this jurisdiction in connection with proposed
work involving outdoor lighting fixtures shall submit (as part of
the application for permit) evidence that the proposed work will comply
with this section. The submission shall contain but shall not necessarily
be limited to the following, all or part of which may be part of or
in addition to the information required elsewhere in the laws of this
jurisdiction upon application for the required permit:
(1)
Plans indicating the location on the premises and the type of illuminating
devices, fixtures, lamps, supports, reflectors and other devices.
(2)
Description of the illuminating devices, fixtures, lamps, supports,
reflectors and other devices and the description may include, but
is not limited to, catalog cuts by manufacturers and drawings (including
sections where required).
(3)
Photometric data, such as that furnished by manufacturers or similar,
showing the angle of cutoff or light emissions.
B.
Additional submission. The above required plans, descriptions and
data shall be sufficiently complete to enable the plan examiner to
readily determine whether compliance with the requirements of this
chapter will be secured. If such plans, descriptions and data cannot
enable this ready determination by reason of the nature or configuration
of the devices, fixtures or lamps proposed, the applicant shall additionally
submit as evidence of compliance to enable such determination such
certified reports of tests as will do so, provided that these tests
shall have been performed and certified by a recognized testing laboratory.
C.
Subdivision plat certification. If any subdivision proposes to have
installed street or other common or public area outdoor lighting,
the final plat shall contain a statement certifying that the applicable
provisions of the Borough of Woodstown outdoor lighting section will
be adhered to.
D.
Lamp or fixture substitution. Should any outdoor light fixture, or
the type of light source therein, be changed after the permit has
been issued, a change request must be submitted to the Building Official
for his approval, together with adequate information to assure compliance
with this chapter, which must be received prior to substitution.
A.
Streetlights. Streetlights shall be provided at all road intersections, street curves and cul-de-sacs as deemed necessary by the approving authority for the protection of health, safety and welfare. The developer shall be responsible for the provision of streetlighting in accordance with Section 67-103 of the Woodstown Municipal Code.
B.
Lighting for nonresidential uses. Outdoor lighting shall be provided on the building and in parking areas for security and safety purposes. A minimum illuminance of 1.5 footcandles shall be provided at intersections and 1.0 footcandles shall be provided for the entire parking area. Average illuminance shall not exceed 2.5 footcandles. Where a project site abuts a residential use or zoning district, the Planning Board may waive the minimum parking area illuminance requirement to a minimum of 0.5 footcandles for the entire parking area. Light trespass requirements set forth in Section 71-3, Subsection D(1) remain in effect.
A.
The Borough of Woodstown building permit shall include a statement
asking whether the planned project will include any outdoor lighting.
B.
Within 30 days of the enactment of this chapter, the Borough of Woodstown
shall send a copy of the outdoor lighting section, with cover letter,
to Atlantic City Electric Company and to all electricians within Salem
and Gloucester Counties.
A.
Violation. It shall be a civil infraction for any person to violate
any of the provisions of this chapter. Each and every day during which
the violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
B.
Violations and legal actions. If, after investigation, the Code Enforcement
Officer finds that any provision of the chapter is being violated,
he shall give notice by hand delivery or by certified mail, return
receipt requested, of such violation to the owner and/or to the occupant
of such premises, demanding that violation be abated within 30 days
of the date of hand delivery or of the date of mailing of the notice.
If the violation is not abated within the 30 day period, the Code
Enforcement Officer may institute actions and proceedings, either
legal or equitable, to enjoin, restrain or abate any violations of
this chapter and to collect the penalties for such violations.
C.
Penalties. A violation of this chapter, or any provision thereof, shall be punishable by a civil penalty of not less than $50 nor more than $1,000 for any individual (and not more than $10,000 for any corporation, association or other legal entity) for each violation. The imposition of a fine under this chapter shall not be suspended. Each day of violation after the expiration of the 30 day period provided in Subsection B. shall constitute a separate offense for the purpose of calculating the civil penalty.
D.
All other ordinances and parts of ordinances of Borough of Woodstown
heretofore adopted that are inconsistent with any of the terms and
provisions of this chapter, including by description but not limitation,
are hereby repealed to the extent of inconsistency.
E.
Severability. If the provisions of any section, subsection, paragraph,
subdivision or clause of this chapter, or other ordinance enacted
together with this chapter shall be judged invalid by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such judgment shall not affect or invalidate the remainder
of any section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision or clause of same
and, to this end, the provisions of each section, subsection, paragraph,
subdivision or clause of this chapter, and the ordinances reenacted
together with this chapter, are hereby declared to be severable.
