03-21-2016 Planning Commission Packet

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Item 7 ��r VO To: Chair Leskinen and Planning Commission Members Jessica Loftus, City Administrator y� �' G t�xf S H00.� From: Jeremy Barnhart, Community Development Director Date: March 21, 2016 Subject: #15-3784, City of Orono, Text Amendment: Lighting Text Amendment: Lighting as a nuisance Public Hearing Application Summary: The proposed ordinance would establish lighting standards for properties throughout the community, in order to prevent light intrusion into adjacent property, onto streets, and to promote the dark sky, a key characteristic of the community. A second ordinance establishes lighting levels over certain parameters as a nuisance. Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval of the two ordinances as drafted. list of Exhibits ExhibitA. Draft Ordinance Chapter 78 Exhibit B. Draft Ordinance Chapter 70 Exhibit C. Examples of light levels Exhibit D. Ordinances of neighboring cities' Background The Planning Commission has discussed an ordinance intended to address lighting, its impact on neighboring properties, and the protection of the Dark Skies over the past several months, including Planning Commission public hearings in September 21, October 19,and November 16, 2015 and on January 19, and February 16, 2016, a workshop listening session on February 3�d and a workshop on March 2"d The issue of lighting standards, in particular those that promote a "dark skies" characteristic, was the second highest ranking issue for discussion by the Planning Commission and City Council in November. The proposed ordinance is intended to address the following concerns: The current lighting regulations do not adequately provide guidance and direction for property owners to light their property. The existing regulations do not clearly provide an enforceable standard for obtrusive lighting. Lastly,the current lighting standards do not adequately preserve the night sky, a characteristic desired by the City of Orono.