(a) 
Generally.
All luminaires and outdoor lighting fixtures on nonresidential properties (except ornamental entrance accent luminaires and similar luminaires that do not emit 500 or more lumens) shall be fco fixtures. All luminaires and outdoor lighting fixtures emitting 1,800 or more lumens shall be fco fixtures. Luminaires and outdoor lighting fixtures that emit less than 1,800 lumens shall be equipped with bulbs constructed of frosted glass or installed behind a translucent cover, except floodlights which must be aimed no higher than 30 degrees below horizontal, or shielded with visors, louvers, or other devices such that the light emitted from the floodlight is transmitted no higher than 30 degrees below horizontal.
(b) 
Maximum allowable lumens.
The maximum allowable aggregate light level is the lumens set forth in subsection (c) of this section with fco) fixture lighting. For tracts that are less than one net acre in size, the allowable fco lumens is that proportion of the maximum allowable lumens equal to the proportion that the lot size bears to one acre. In calculating the aggregate light level on a parcel of land, only one-half of the lumens emitted by any luminaire or outdoor lighting fixture mounted on the underside of a roof shall be included. Only one-fourth of the lumens emitted from luminaires and outdoor lighting fixtures that are mounted at least 15 feet from the edge of the roof shall be included. Notwithstanding the foregoing requirements, each lot or parcel of land shall have a minimum allowance of 5,500 lumens, regardless of lot size.
(c) 
Lumens allowance in each zone.
The following table represents the maximum allowable aggregate light level in each lighting zone:
Lighting zone 1: 20,000 per acre.
Lighting zone 2: 40,000 per acre.
Lighting zone 3: 80,000 per acre; provided, however, that properties with a 200-foot buffer between commercial and residential zoning districts may emit not more than 60,000 per acre. As determined by the city’s governing body following approval of a lighting plan and application and permit.
Lighting zone 4: Variable and as determined by the city council through the granting of a variance to this article.
(d) 
Minimum lighting levels.
In addition to the maximum lighting levels, all site lighting of pedestrian areas of an individual site must supply a minimum of.5 footcandles at the floor or ground surface. Pedestrian areas include sidewalks and all areas of parking lots used for parking of passenger vehicles.
(e) 
Variance.
The city council may grant a variance from one or more of the requirements of this article to avoid an unnecessary hardship, where the spirit and intent of this article is met. The city council may place conditions on any variance granted under this article. A variance may only be granted if:
(1) 
special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land, structure, or building involved and which are not applicable to other lands, structures, or buildings that are located in the same zoning district;
(2) 
the literal interpretation of the provisions of this article would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same zoning district;
(3) 
the special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant; and
(4) 
the granting the variance requested will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this article to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district;
No nonconforming use of neighboring lands, structures, or buildings in the same zoning district and no permitted use of lands, structures, or buildings in other zoning districts shall be considered grounds for the issuance of a variance.
(Ordinance 571-15, sec. 2, adopted 8/18/15)
(a) 
Light trespass.
The illumination at ten feet inside adjacent residential property or public right-of-way from light emitted from an artificial light source shall not exceed one horizontal footcandle and one vertical footcandle. The illumination at 20 feet inside adjacent retail, commercial or industrial property shall not exceed 0.1 horizontal footcandles and 0.1 vertical footcandles. No direct line of sight to an unshielded bulb is permitted ten feet or more beyond a residential or public right-of-way property line by an observer viewing from a position that is level with or higher than the ground below the fixture. Compliance may be achieved with fixture shielding, directional control designed into the fixture, fixture location, fixture height, fixture aim, or a combination of these factors.
(b) 
Light pollution.
No luminaire or outdoor lighting fixture may cause or contribute to light pollution.
(Ordinance 571-15, sec. 2, adopted 8/18/15)
(a) 
Search lights.
The use of search lights, strobes and pulsating lights are prohibited, except for public safety purposes by civil authorities.
(b) 
Telecommunications towers.
The nighttime use of white lighting or white strobe lighting is prohibited for use on communications towers.
(c) 
Temporary, seasonal, festival lighting.
The temporary use of low wattage or low voltage lighting for public festivals, entertainment events, celebrations, and the observance of holidays are excepted from the provisions of this article except: (1) where the installation, use or maintenance create a hazard or nuisance from glare; or (2) where the lighting constitutes a light trespass in accordance this article. A lighting permit is required for commercial activities, such as carnivals, and is valid for up to seven consecutive days. Where possible, lighting should be supplied by one or more fco fixtures.
(d) 
All-night lighting.
Lighting at places of business or public venues shall be turned off no later than two hours after closing, except where necessary for security purposes. Security lighting shall be limited to that needed for basic security, illuminating entryways by lighting fixtures closest to building entrances, and minimal lighting in parking areas.
(e) 
Sports lighting.
Lighting for sporting events is excepted from the lumens per net acre limitations as to the playing field only. Only fco fixtures may be used to supply lighting and light trespass requirements apply. No outside sporting or entertainment event allowed to have lighting under this subsection may utilize such lighting earlier than sunrise or extend beyond 11:30 p.m. For the purposes of this subsection, the time of day at which sunrise occurs on any given date shall be as set forth for such date by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or its successor agency for the following latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates: 33°18'N 96°59'W.
(f) 
Signs.
All illuminated signs must be lighted internally or lighted by top-mounted lights pointed downward. No sign may be illuminated with fixtures not shielded from upward transmission of light. Illuminated off-premises signs must be turned off after 10:30 p.m., and on-site signs turned off upon closing if after 10:30 p.m. Moving, flashing, animated, intermittently lighted, changing color, revolving or similarly constructed signs, beacons, jump clocks or digital display devices showing messages, pricing information, and similar data are prohibited, with the exception of scoreboards and time and temperature displays.
(g) 
HID lighting.
A lighting inventory of existing lights is required to be submitted to the City for approval prior to the repair, installation, or alteration of any HID lighting.
(h) 
Unshielded light sources.
Unshielded light sources, including bare bulbs, in excess of 15 watts are prohibited.
(i) 
Exceptions.
The following are exempt from the requirements of this article:
(1) 
Airport and airplane lighting for navigational purposes.
(2) 
Hazard warning lights required by federal or state agencies.
(3) 
Temporary emergency lighting.
(4) 
Lighting in swimming pools and other water features.
(5) 
Exit signs and other illumination required by building and fire codes.
(6) 
Lighting for stairs and ramps, as required by building and fire codes.
(7) 
Low voltage landscape lighting, if such lighting is shielded so as to eliminate glare and light trespass.
(8) 
Lighting used to illuminate an American flag.
(9) 
Decorative seasonal lighting on display for no more than 30 consecutive days.
(10) 
Street lighting on public streets and highways.
(11) 
Headlights, taillights and turn signal lights on motor vehicles while being operated on streets and highways.
(12) 
Lighting required under state or federal law or regulation.
(Ordinance 571-15, sec. 2, adopted 8/18/15)
(a) 
Before a permit may be issued for the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, or occupancy of a nonresidential structure, building, lot, or tract, a lighting plan shall be submitted for review and approval as part of the site plans for development. The plan shall include the location and description of all outdoor lighting fixtures on the site. The lighting plan shall include, but not be limited to: a lighting inventory, pole heights, fixture types, shielding, lighting controls, and proposed hours of operation. A certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until the lighting plan is approved by the planning and zoning commission. Approval by the commission does not in any way relieve the owner or manager from compliance with other elements of this article. Any changes in the plan before, during, or after construction of the facility shall require submission and approval of an amended plan.
(b) 
The denial of a lighting plan may be appealed to the city council, and the city council’s decision shall be final and binding.
(Ordinance 571-15, sec. 2, adopted 8/18/15)
(a) 
Luminaires and outdoor lighting fixtures existing and installed on or before the effective date of this article are exempt from the application of this article, except luminaires and outdoor lighting fixtures that:
(1) 
Cause or create a public hazard or nuisance; or
(2) 
May be readily adjusted or re-aimed to comply with this article.
(Ordinance 571-15, sec. 2, adopted 8/18/15)
Measurement of light and light sources may be performed with a color and cosine corrected light meter, with a basic accuracy of plus or minus five percent or better, at approximately five feet above the average grade of the ground with the sensor facing the lighting in question.
(Ordinance 571-15, sec. 2, adopted 8/18/15)
(a) 
No person shall cause, allow or permit a violation of this article.
(b) 
Any owner, manager, agent, occupant, person or persons in charge of a premises on which luminaires and outdoor lighting fixtures are located, operated or maintained shall be responsible for compliance with this article and may be prosecuted for any violation.
(c) 
Any person, firm, corporation or association violating any of the provisions of this article shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed the sum of $2,000.00 and each and every day that a violation continues or is allowed to continue shall constitute a separate offense. The city may also pursue violations of any of the terms of this article by seeking injunctive relief in a court of proper jurisdiction. The remedies provided for herein shall be cumulative and any and all other remedies provided for under applicable law.
(Ordinance 571-15, sec. 2, adopted 8/18/15)