Chapter 18.125
RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Sections:
18.125.005 Purpose and intent.
18.125.020 Residential lighting standards.
18.125.005 Purpose and intent.
The purpose of the lighting requirements in this chapter is to reasonably preserve visibility of the night sky and to reduce the impact of unnecessary lighting in residential zones. This does not require the elimination of any light to adjacent zones but requires reasonable efforts to mitigate or eliminate unnecessary lighting in residential zones. Reductions may be accomplished through the use of fencing, landscaping, structure locations, and light fixtures, although this list does not limit other means of light reduction. (Ord. 2021-01 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021.)
18.125.010 Definitions.
“Agricultural lighting” means lighting that is used in relation to the tilling of soil, the raising of crops and animals for private, commercial or industry, horticulture, and gardening as defined in FCC 18.10.010.
“Full cutoff” means the bulb is fully recessed within the lighting fixture with no light emitted above the horizontal plane of the fixture. Fixtures with translucent or transparent sides, or sides with perforations or slits, do not qualify as full cutoff. Any glass or diffuser on the bottom of the fixture must be flush with the fixture (no drop lenses). Merely placing a light fixture under an eave, canopy, patio cover, or other similar cover does not qualify as full cutoff.
“Holiday/temporary lighting” means any lights or lighting of decorations in conjunction with the celebration of a national, state, local, cultural, or religious holiday, or residential celebration of a temporary nature.
“Special events” means events that are temporary in nature, multiple days in length and have obtained a special event permit from Francis City. (Ord. 2023-02 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 2021-01 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021.)
18.125.015 Lighting plan.
An outdoor lighting plan shall be submitted with a site/development plan. The plan must show the location, height, number and type of fixtures to be used for all outdoor lighting. All lighting plans must be approved by the Francis City Building Inspector for compliance with Francis City Code. (Ord. 2021-01 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021.)
18.125.020 Residential lighting standards.
The following standards must be met for lighting in residential zones:
1. Outdoor lighting must be full cutoff directing the light downward.
2. The bulb or lighting source cannot be visible from the property line.
3. Outdoor lighting cannot be directed towards any adjacent neighboring properties.
4. Eaves lighting is not allowed except when directly over a porch or deck area and when the fixture is mounted at a height of 12 feet or less, as measured from the fixture to finished grade. Eaves lighting shall be fully shielded and downward directed. Angled eaves lighting that directs light beyond the face of the eaves is prohibited. (Ord. 2023-02 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 2021-01 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021.)
18.125.025 Exemptions.
The following are exempt from the lighting regulations and standards found in this chapter:
1. The lighting of a federal or state flag;
2. Holiday lighting;
3. Agriculture uses;
4. Monuments;
5. Special events. (Ord. 2021-01 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021.)
18.125.030 Compliance.
All outdoor lighting existing prior to the adoption of this chapter can remain in its current state.
(Ord. 2021-01 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021.)