The purpose of this chapter 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 light trespass and
light pollution, which create a nuisance. It is the intent of this
chapter to allow for reasonably uniform illumination levels in the
community. This chapter applies to all residential districts, Cultural
Professional Districts, Two-Family Residential Districts and Multifamily
Residential Districts.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
DIRECT LIGHT
Light emitted by a fixture from the lamp, from a reflector,
or through a refractor.
FACADE LIGHTING
Permanent outdoor fixtures that are specifically intended
to illuminate the exterior surfaces or buildings or structure.
FIXTURE
A complete lighting unit, including the lamp together with
the parts designated to distribute the light, to position and protect
the lamp and to connect the lamp to the power supply.
FLOOD- OR SPOTLIGHT
Any fixture or lamp that incorporates a reflector or a refractor
to concentrate the light output into a directed beam in a particular
direction.
FULLY SHIELDED FIXTURE
A fixture that allows no direct light from the fixture above
a horizontal plane through the fixture's lowest light-emitting
part in its mounted position.
GLARE
Light emitted by a fixture that causes discomfort or reduced
visibility.
HEIGHT OF LUMINAIRE
The height of a luminaire shall be the vertical distance
from the ground directly below the center line of the luminaire to
the lowest direct light-emitting part of the luminaire.
INCIDENT RAYS
A ray of light that is pointing towards and striking a surface.
INDIRECT LIGHT
Direct light that has been reflected or scattered off of
other surfaces.
LAMP
A light bulb or other component of a fixture that changes
electricity into visible light.
LIGHT TRESPASS
Light that falls beyond the property it is not intended to
illuminate.
SKY GLOW
A condition caused by light directed upwards or sideways
reducing one's ability to view the night sky.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
The nighttime illumination of an outside area or object by
any man-made device located outdoors that produces light by any means.
No light or lights shall be so operated as to be a nuisance.
A nuisance shall be characterized by a lamp or fixture that exceeds
60 watts incandescent or the lumen equivalent (900) that is not pointed
away or shielded from light trespass into a neighbor's property.
The investigation of a nuisance light will be in response to a written
complaint. Where practicable, lighting installations are encouraged
to include timers, sensors and dimmers to reduce energy consumption
and unnecessary or unwanted lighting.
Any prohibited light, lights or lighting now in existence, in
connection with a permitted use or granted variance or in connection
with a valid nonconforming use, which violates or does not conform
to the provisions hereof shall be altered, removed or replaced in
conformity with the provisions hereof.