Chapter 15.52
OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES

Sections:

15.52.010    Intent and purpose.

15.52.020    Definitions.

15.52.030    General requirements.

15.52.040    Acts declared unlawful.

15.52.050    Conditional exemptions.

15.52.060    Exemptions.

15.52.070    Enforcement.

15.52.080    Violation--Penalty.

15.52.010 Intent and purpose.

The purpose and intent of this chapter is to prevent excessive illumination, glare, and reflection in areas adjacent to astronomical research facilities, such as observatories, where such light intrusion would hinder use of sensitive optical devices.  (Ord. 1341 §1(part), 2005)

15.52.020 Definitions.

“Outdoor light fixtures” shall include, but are not limited to, lighting for billboards, streetlights, shopping center parking area lights, externally or internally illuminated on site or business advertising signs and area-type lighting.  (Ord. 1341 §1(part), 2005)

15.52.030 General requirements.

A.    Shielding.  All outdoor light fixtures, installed on or after the date of enactment of the ordinance codified in this chapter, shall be shielded from above in such a manner that the edge of the shield shall be level with or below the center of the light source, so that any direct light emitted above the horizontal is minimized.  Light directing refractors shall be considered to be light sources.

B.    Lighting Replacement.  All replacements of existing mercury vapor lamps with other lighting sources shall meet the requirements of this section.  (Ord. 1341 §1(part), 2005)

15.52.040 Acts declared unlawful.

It is unlawful for any individual to engage in the following activities:

A.    The operation of a searchlight for advertising purposes between midnight and sunrise;

B.    The illumination after midnight of an outdoor public recreation facility, unless a specific recreational activity is already in progress;

C.    The outside illumination of any building, public or private, by floodlight projected above the horizontal, between midnight and sunrise; provided, that this prohibition shall not apply to any emergency lighting as may be required by any public agency engaged in the performance of their duties.  This would include airport runway lighting;

D.    The illumination of outdoor signs by floodlighting projected above the horizontal, between midnight and sunrise;

E.    The use of quartz or metal halide lamps for outdoor illumination.  (Ord. 1341 §1(part), 2005)

15.52.050 Conditional exemptions.

A.    Any individual as defined in this section may submit a written request to the board of adjustment for a temporary exemption to the requirements of this chapter.  The request for the exemption shall contain as a minimum the following information:

1.    Type and use of outdoor light fixture involved;

2.    Specific exemption requested;

3.    Physical size of outdoor light fixture;

4.    Total wattage of lamp or lamps;

5.    Proposed location of outdoor light; and

6.    Duration of use of outdoor light.

B.    In addition to the above data, the board of adjustment may request any additional information which would enable the board to make a reasonable evaluation of the request for exemption.  (Ord. 1341 §1(part), 2005)

15.52.060 Exemptions.

Exemptions to the provisions of this chapter are as follows:

A.    Outdoor light fixtures of all types within the zone limits existing prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter;

B.    Private and commercial holiday lighting.  (Ord. 1341 §1(part), 2005)

15.52.070 Enforcement.

The building official or his duly appointed alternate is authorized and directed to perform all acts necessary and appropriate to enforce and to give effect to this chapter.  (Ord. 1341 §1(part), 2005)

15.52.080 Violation--Penalty.

Any person, firm or corporation that fails to comply with, or violates any of the provisions of this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as provided in Section 1.20.010 of this code.  (Ord. 1341 §1(part), 2005)