A. 
Purpose.
(1) 
The purpose of this section is to regulate the spillover of light and glare on operators of motor vehicles, pedestrians, and land uses in the proximity of the light source.
(2) 
With respect to motor vehicles in particular, safety considerations form the basis of the regulations contained herein. In other cases, both the nuisance and hazard aspects of glare are regulated.
B. 
In general.
(1) 
The following standards are required for all exterior lighting, except for outdoor public street lighting and recreational uses specifically exempted under Subsection D of this section.
(2) 
The maximum luminaire height allowed is dependent on whether the luminaire has a total cutoff of light at an angle of less than 90°. This is designed as a protection against excessive glare and light spilling over to neighboring properties. The exceptions that are permitted provide adequate protection for neighboring residential property.
C. 
Exterior lighting standards.
(1) 
Exterior lighting shall meet the following standards.
(a) 
If a luminaire has no cutoff, then the maximum permitted height of the luminaire shall be:
Standard
Maximum Permitted Height of Luminaire
(feet)
Residential uses
12
Nonresidential uses
20
(b) 
If a luminaire has a total cutoff of light at an angle less than 90° and is located so that the bare light bulb, lamp, or light source is completely shielded from the direct view of an observer five feet above the ground at the point where the cutoff angle intersects the ground, then the maximum permitted height of the luminaire shall be:
Standard
Maximum Permitted Height of Luminaire
(feet)
Nongrowth area residential uses
20
Nongrowth area nonresidential uses
30
Growth area residential uses
30
(2) 
All exterior lighting shall be installed and maintained so as to confine direct light beams to the lighted property and away from nearby properties and the vision of passing motorists.
(3) 
No exterior lighting shall cause illumination in excess of 0.25 footcandle above background light levels, as measured at grade at the property line of the site.
D. 
Exemption for specified outdoor recreational uses. Because of their unique requirements for nighttime visibility and their limited hours of operation, ball diamonds, playing fields, and tennis courts are exempted from the exterior lighting standards of Subsection C of this section, provided that the Planning Commission, during a site plan review, is satisfied that the site plan indicates that the outdoor recreational uses meet all other requirements of this section and of this article and the following conditions:
(1) 
Lighting for the outdoor recreational uses specified above may not exceed a maximum allowed luminaire height of 80 feet; and
(2) 
Lighting for the outdoor recreational uses specified above may exceed a total cutoff angle of 90°, provided that the luminaire is shielded in either its orientation or by a landscaped buffer yard to prevent light and glare spillover to adjacent residential property.
E. 
Additional regulations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section to the contrary:
(1) 
Flickering or flashing lights may not be permitted; and
(2) 
Light sources or luminaires may not be located within buffer yard areas except on pedestrian walkways.
F. 
Exterior lighting plan. At the time an exterior light is installed or substantially modified, and whenever a zoning certificate is sought, an exterior lighting plan shall be submitted to the County in order to determine whether the requirements of this section have been met and that adjoining property will not be adversely impacted by the proposed lighting.