Chapter 18.135
LIGHTING STANDARDS
Sections:
18.135.030 Conformance with other regulations.
18.135.060 Permit applications.
18.135.090 Specific standards.
18.135.120 Nonconforming uses.
18.135.140 Administrative interpretations.
18.135.160 Compliance and enforcement.
18.135.010 Purpose.
A. It is the purpose of this chapter to encourage lighting practices and systems which will:
1. Permit the use of outdoor lighting that does not exceed the minimum levels specified in the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) recommended practices for nighttime safety, utility, security, productivity, enjoyment, and commerce;
2. Minimize adverse off-site impacts of lighting such as light trespass and obtrusive light;
3. Curtail light pollution, reduce sky glow, and improve the nighttime environment for astronomy and for animal corridors;
4. Help protect the natural environment from the adverse effects of night lighting from gas or electric sources; and
5. Conserve energy and resources to the greatest extent possible.
B. It is recognized that the residents who live in and near the city of Roslyn value the natural environment and night sky and desire to protect it as a resource which adds to the historic, vernacular character, quality of life, and economic well-being of the city and its surrounding environment and that the prevention of over-lighting, light trespass, and glare in the city has an important role in maintaining this character. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.020 Scope.
The standards included in this chapter are intended primarily for outdoor lighting; however, indoor lighting which has the capacity to create light trespass and glare, such as that within partially enclosed spaces, is also regulated by this chapter. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.030 Conformance with other regulations.
In the event of conflict between the regulations set forth in this chapter and any other regulations, the more stringent limitation(s) and requirement(s) shall govern unless otherwise interpreted by the city. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.040 Definitions.
All definitions relevant to this chapter shall be included in Chapter 18.20 RMC. Unless specifically defined, words or phrases used shall be interpreted as defined in Webster’s Dictionary. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.050 Permits required.
A. Residential lighting permits shall be reviewed concurrently with the application for a building permit or other related approval.
B. Inspections for compliance with this chapter are required.
C. Building, Subdivision, Landscaping, Parking, and Other Similar Lighting Permits (Does Not Include Single-Family or Duplex Residential Building Permits). When a person seeks a permit for one of the above-listed project types, a lighting permit shall be applied for. The applicant shall, as a part of said application, submit sufficient information as delineated by the city to determine if the proposed lighting shall comply with this chapter.
D. Single-Family and Duplex Residential Lighting Permits – Not Required. Exterior lighting plans shall be included in the design review application. Lighting on single-family and duplex residential sites (primarily substantial remodels, and new construction) will be reviewed on site, and compliance with applicable portions of this chapter verified before issuance of the certificate of occupancy. A lighting permit separate from the building permit is not required. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.060 Permit applications.
Applicants seeking permits or approval under this chapter shall:
A. Complete and submit an application for a lighting permit.
B. All permits which shall be issued pursuant to administrative processes outlined under “Limited administrative review” in RMC.
C. Lighting permits shall be reviewed and approved by the design review board in addition to the city. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.070 Approval process.
Applicants seeking permits or approval under this chapter shall be subject to the level of review required for the associated architectural design review and building permit pursuant to Chapter 18.50 RMC. If there is no associated level of review, the application shall be processed pursuant to a Class 1 certificate of zoning compliance. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.080 General standards.
A. Zoning Areas. Different areas, with different developed and natural conditions, have differing levels of appropriate light usage, and different sensitivities to the various obtrusive aspects of light usage. Because of this, three lighting zones are hereby defined and established. These zones are described as follows and, excluding parks and cemeteries, correspond with the zoned districts of the city’s official zone map:
1. Zone LZE0 (No Ambient Lighting). The Roslyn Urban Forest is an area where the natural environment will be seriously and adversely affected by lighting. Impacts can include disturbing the biological cycles of flora and fauna and/or detract from human enjoyment and appreciation of the natural environment. Human activity is subordinate in importance to nature. The vision of human residents and users is adapted to the darkness, and they expect to see little or no lighting. When not needed, lighting should be extinguished. Roads and trails are unlit.
2. Zone LZE1 (Low Ambient Lighting). The residential zone including Runje Field/Pioneer Park, Fireman’s Park and Centennial Park, and all Roslyn cemeteries. The vision of human residents and users is adapted to low light levels. Lighting may be used for safety and convenience, but it is not necessarily uniform or continuous. After 10:00 p.m., most lighting should be extinguished or reduced as activity levels decline.
3. Zone LZE2 (Moderate Ambient Lighting). All areas within the city of Roslyn which are zoned commercial, commercial overlay, and light industrial: lights are to be of moderate ambient brightness. These are areas of human activity where the vision of human residents and users is adapted to moderately high light levels. Lighting is generally desired for safety, security and/or convenience and it is often uniform and used for nighttime activities.
B. In All Lighting Zones. Light fixtures shall be aimed, shielded, diffused, and/or have a limited height so that the direct illumination shall be confined to the property boundaries of the source as much as is feasible and light spilled into the night sky or adjacent properties is minimized.
C. In All Lighting Zones. Compliance with the energy conservation standards of the Washington State Energy Code is required. (See the Washington State Energy Code, most recent version.)
D. In All Lighting Zones. On new construction and substantial remodels, exterior lighting installations shall be designed to avoid harsh contrasts in lighting levels for the purpose of reducing glare.
E. In All Lighting Zones. Fixtures and lighting systems used for safety and security shall be in good working order and shall be maintained in a manner that serves original permit requirements.
F. In All Lighting Zones. Vegetation and landscaping shall be maintained in a manner that does not obstruct security lighting and minimizes possible entrapment spaces pursuant to original permit requirements. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.090 Specific standards.
In addition to those standards required under RMC 18.135.080, General standards, the following prescriptive standards will apply within specific areas and for specific uses as delineated below.
A. Residential Properties.
1. Private fixtures shall not exceed 1,260 lumens per fully shielded luminaire per facade.
B. Commercial Properties.
1. Shall comply with either the Model Lighting Ordinance Method from Table A or B ordinance texts.
a. Parking Space Method, Table A – Allowed lumieres lumens per site for residential outdoor lighting per 630 lumens per space.
b. Hardscape Method, Table B – Allowed initial lumens per site for nonresidential outdoor lighting is 2.5 lumens per square foot of hardscape.
C. Service Station Canopies.
1. Shielding. All luminaires mounted on or recessed into the lower surface of service station canopies shall be fully shielded and utilize flat lenses.
2. Total Under-Canopy Output. The total light output used for illumination under a service station canopy shall be limited to the following:
a. The sum of all under-canopy initial bare-lamp outputs, in lumens, shall not exceed 60 lumens per square foot of canopy.
b. All lighting mounted under the canopy, including but not limited to luminaires mounted on the lower surface or recessed into the lower surface of the canopy and any lighting within signage or illuminated panels over the pumps, is to be included toward the total at full initial lumen output.
D. Outdoor Recreation Facilities.
1. Fixtures shall be fully shielded.
2. Fixtures shall remain extinguished outside of normal operating hours.
3. Fixtures are exempt from mounting height restrictions but shall only be elevated to the height necessary to serve the immediate purpose for which they are being used.
E. Open-Air Parking Lots.
1. Fixtures shall be fully shielded;
2. For multilevel parking facilities, the roof level shall be considered an open-air parking lot;
3. Fixtures shall be designed, located, constructed and maintained so that they shall not cause direct illumination on adjacent and nearby properties or streets; and
4. The mounting height of fixtures shall not exceed 15 feet above grade or pavement.
F. Parking Structures.
1. Fixtures shall be fully shielded;
2. Interior fixtures shall be designed, located, constructed, and maintained so that light and reflected light does not spill over or intrude onto adjacent and nearby properties or streets; and
3. The parking structure shall be designed and constructed so that light and reflected light from cars within the structure shall not spill over or intrude onto adjacent and nearby properties or streets.
G. Subdivision Lighting (Applies to Subdivisions for All Land Uses).
1. All lighting for public thoroughfares and pedestrian areas shall be 1,260 lumens and diffused with the primary purpose of safety;
2. A street light shall be installed at every corner which borders on a dedicated street;
3. Long blocks shall contain intermittent lighting which breaks up the block;
4. Street light mounting heights shall be limited to 20 feet;
5. Light shall be directed onto sidewalks and streets but not onto adjacent properties; and
6. Fixtures shall be fully shielded.
H. Commercial/Industrial Lighting. Owners of new construction and substantial remodels shall be required to sign a waiver of protest to participation in a local improvement district which will pay for future lighting infrastructure.
I. Private Installations on City Property.
1. Property owners may install temporary lighting in the right-of-way subject to design approval by the city and engineering approval by public works;
2. Private street lights installed in the public right-of-way belong to the property owner and are subject to repair and maintenance by the property owner; and
3. The city may require removal of lights within the public right-of-way at any time. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.100 Exemptions.
The following uses are exempt in all zones from all requirements of this chapter. Only the provisions noted following that specific item shall be required.
A. Lighting Within Public Right-of-Way or Easement for the Principal Purpose of Illuminating Streets or Roads. No exemption shall apply to any lighting within the public right-of-way or easement when the purpose of the luminaire is to illuminate areas outside the public right-of-way or easement, unless regulated with a street lighting ordinance.
B. Lighting Within the Public Right-of-Way or Easement for the Principal Purpose of Illuminating Roads and Highways. No exemption shall apply to any street lighting and to any lighting within the public right-of-way or easement when the purpose of the luminaire is to illuminate areas outside of the public right-of-way or easement.
C. Lighting for public monuments, flags and statuary including flag.
D. Lighting solely for signs (lighting for signs is regulated by the sign ordinance).
E. Repairs to existing luminaires not exceeding 25 percent of total installed luminaires.
F. Temporary lighting for theatrical, television, performance areas and construction sites.
G. Underwater lighting in swimming pools and other water features.
H. Temporary lighting and seasonal lighting; provided, that individual lamps are less than 10 watts and 70 lumens.
I. Lighting that is only used under emergency conditions.
J. Low voltage landscape lighting controlled by an automatic device that is set to turn the lights off and on automatically.
K. Radio, communication, and navigation tower lighting. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.110 Prohibitions.
The following are prohibited:
A. Blinking, flashing, moving, revolving, flickering, changing intensity or color, chase lighting, rope lights, and neon, except lighting which is required for public safety or temporary holiday lighting.
B. Any light fixture that may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device: all zones.
C. Any upward-oriented lighting, including sign lighting, except as otherwise provided for in this chapter, shall only be allowed when upward-oriented lighting is completely contained by an overhanging architectural element: all zones.
D. Searchlights, beacons, in times of emergency, and laser source light fixtures: all zones. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.120 Nonconforming uses.
A. Preexisting Nonconforming Lighting.
1. No outdoor lighting fixture which was lawfully installed prior to the enactment of this chapter shall be required to be removed or modified except as expressly provided herein; however, no modification or replacement shall be made to a nonconforming fixture unless the fixture thereafter conforms to the provisions of this chapter.
2. Where an existing legal nonconforming fixture can be adjusted to continue to serve its primary purpose, but provide for less light trespass onto adjacent properties, said fixture shall be adjusted to come into greater compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
B. Conformance After Abandonment/Damage. In the event that an outdoor lighting fixture is abandoned for more than one year or is damaged to the point of requiring repairs for safe operation, the repaired or replacement fixture shall comply with the provisions of this chapter. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.130 Variances.
A. Any person desiring a variance from the standards within this chapter may apply to the city pursuant to the processes in Chapter 18.200 RMC.
B. Alternative Materials and Methods of Construction or Installation/Operation. The provisions of this chapter are not intended to prevent the use of any design, material or method of installation or operation not specifically prescribed by this code, provided any such alternate has been approved by the city.
1. The city may approve any such proposed alternate, provided he/she finds that it:
a. Provides at least approximate equivalence to the applicable specific requirements of this chapter;
b. Provides for greater compliance with the vernacular architectural theme and sign ordinances;
c. Provides for greater public safety; and
d. Is otherwise satisfactory and complies with the intent of this chapter. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.140 Administrative interpretations.
Administrative interpretations of this chapter shall be made by the director of the city pursuant to the processes within Chapter 18.30 RMC. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.150 Appeals.
Appeals of the decisions made under this chapter shall be pursuant to the processes within Chapter 18.30 RMC. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.160 Compliance and enforcement.
Compliance and enforcement of this chapter shall be conducted by the city pursuant to the processes within Chapter 18.30 RMC. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
18.135.170 Severability.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this chapter is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this chapter. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]