03-21-2016 Planning Commission Packet

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FILE#15-3784 March 21,2016 � Page 2 of 3 Li�htin�Ordinance. Below is a brief synopsis of the proposed ordinance: The Ordinance as drafted applies to every lot in the city. It establishes maximum amount of light permitted within Commercial/Industrial zones (100,000 lumens per acre) (Line 36). For outdoor display(Line 56), staff recommends a modification from the originally proposed Nit based criteria to a requirement that the light be adjusted automatically. Staffs recommended text is inserted. The original text follows: �3) Outdoor Dvnamic Displav. The luminance for any outdoor dvnamic disnlav shall not exceed 5000 Nits durin�aylight hours or 150 Nits at all other times. Brightness must be measured from the brightest element of the si�n's face. The applicant shall rp ovide documentation from the sign manufacturer that the light intensitv has been factorv pre-set so that it will not exceed the luminance levels for dav and ni�ht. Recall Nit is the measure of luminance. Staff suggests a departure from the Nit based criteria is because it requires the purchase and maintenance of specialized, expensive equipment. This entire section is new text. The ordinance establishes light beam control (Line 66), which was a concern to the Commission as the visible light source is often more obtrusive than the brightness of the bulb. Light trespass is addressed on line 99, and establishes maximum intrusion into zones, based on their zone (residential, commercial/ industrial). These standards are lower than the standards established by the nuisance ordinance because there should be a distinction between merely not meeting a performance standard and being a defined nuisance. Light hours is discussed starting on line 107, and provides for security lighting at 25%of the normal total light output during a specified time. The standards for luminaires are established in line 126, and require full cutoff fixtures (the light bulb or diode is completely encased in a shroud or shield such that all of the light is directed downward, below horizon level). The section also discusses installed height (Line 142). 20 feet is generally the height of a 2 story building, not including the roof. The lower the light fixture,the more light fixtures will be required to light a large area, like a parking lot. Line 145 introduces prohibited lights, including neon lights. It should be noted that we are regulating method,while the result is what prompts the concern. For example, Holiday gas stations often use neon like light banding around their signs and their buildings. If these bands were LED, would the effect be more acceptable? Also prohibited is lighting above 3300 Kelvin. A chart outlining lighting in Kelvin is attached as Exhibit C. The ordinance also outlines(Line 159) exempt lighting, including holiday lighting. Holiday lighting is not defined. Line 172 outlines the approval process for Commercial/Industrial. These requirements will be incorporated into the site plan review process. There is no formal approval process for residential.