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B A K E R S F I E L D
Staff: Rhonda Smiley Zack Scrivner, Chair
Rick Kirkwood Harold Hanson
Ken Weir
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
of the City Council - City of Bakersfield
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
1 :00 P.M.
City Hall North
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
First Floor - Conference Room A
A G E N D A
1 . ROLL CALL
2. ADOPT THE JULY 2, 2009 AGENDA SUMMARY
3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Discussion and Action Regarding Implementation of the Northeast Plan — Eggert
5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS
6. ADJOURNMENT
SACouncil Committees\2009TIanning and Development\October\09 October 6 Agenda.doc
B A K E R S F I E L D
Zack Scrivner, Chair
Rhonda Smiley, Assis ant to the City Manager Harold Hanson
For: Alan Tandy, City Manager Ken Weir
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Thursday, July 2, 2009 - 1 :00 p.m.
City Hall North Conference Room A
First Floor - City Hall North, 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA
The meeting was called to order at 1 :21 :56 PM.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmember Zack Scrivner, Chair
Councilmember Ken Weir
Councilmember Harold Hanson
Staff present:
Alan Tandy, City Manager Steve Teglia, Administrative Analyst
Ginny Gennaro, City Attorney Joshua Rudnick, Deputy City Attorney
Jim Eggert, Asst. Planning Director Kate Shea, Associate Planner
Jim Movius, Planning Director Justin Crumley, Associate Attorney
Others present:
Dave Dmhowski, Premier Planning Group Bob Decker, HBA
Denise Celis, Student Crystal Diaz, Student
2. ADOPT THE JUNE 16, 2009 AGENDA SUMMARY
Adopted as submitted.
3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
None.
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Discussion and action regarding Northeast Plan - Movius
Planning and Development Committee
Ems July 2, 2009
Page 2
At the City Council meeting of June 24, 2009, Committee member Ken Weir referred the
Northeast Community Concept Plan to the Committee and requested assistance from
staff to achieve the following vision for Northeast Bakersfield:
Preserve and enhance the unique aspects of the northeast experience through the
development of a healthy, sustainable community complementary of the area's
resources and identifiable though theme architecture and landscaping.
Committee member Weir shared his ideas on how this vision could be achieved through
a presentation that was previously shared with the northeast community and the Greater
Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. It was well received by both groups. Committee
member Weir provided a brief overview of the concepts and planning process to the
Committee and asked them to consider potential future ordinance changes consistent
with the overall goal and community plan presented. Planning Director Jim Movius
presented planning strategies to the Committee including alternatives and suggestions to
help achieve the Northeast Concept Plan. In developing a strategy, staff needed to
consider the following constraints within the area:
1 . Topocgraphy. Effected by water overflow, urbanization and wildfire.
2. Wildlife/Endangered Species. Fully protected Blunt Nose Lizzard, fox and cactus.
3. Landfills. Gas migration as the materials within the landfill decay and the gases
move out into adjacent soils. Landfills also block area access.
4. Alquist Priolo Zones. Requires further studies to determined fault lines before
developing structures.
5. Vesting Tentative Tracts/Fractured Ownership. Approved and pending tract in
the area that limit the effectiveness of any plan adopted due to vesting maps.
6. Transmission Lines. Major lines for Southern California Edison that serve millions in
population for Southern California. Easement rights impact road alignments.
Mr. Movius added that although challenges exist, there are unique opportunities as well.
The Kern River provides a recreational opportunity for the area. It is also a water source
and trail hub for the northeast. The topography also serves as an aesthetic attribute to the
area. The northeast boasts scenic views, diverse settings, and canyon trails that are not
seen in other areas of the City. With regard to the endangered species, a trust group has
purchased approximately 400 acres of land in the northeast that will allow for
endangered species propagation. The trail system, which connects to CALM, will provide
an educational opportunity as well.
In order to implement Committee member Weir's vision, staff has developed a Northeast
Community Concept plan which will include an architectural theme, commercial design
standards, dark sky criteria, consistent landscaping, wallkability, mixed use and transitions
Planning and Development Committee
A AF1 July 2, 2009
Page 3
to rural areas. The plan is to create a cohesive identity for the area. Some aspects of the
plan include the following:
1 . Architectural Theme. Integrate the use of a river theme as a design guideline,
incorporating river rock, timbers, water features, boulders and tree selection.
Setbacks can be reduced to de-emphasize garages and move homes closer to
the street creating a more inviting neighborhood.
2. Commercial Design Standards. Include variation in elevations on all sides of the
buildings; repeat architectural patterns; enhanced screening of parking lots;
required bicycle parking and pedestrian friendly enhancements; pedestrian
access to adjacent residential neighborhoods; and community space within
commercial centers.
3. Dark Sky Criteria. Encourage the use of shielded, directional fixtures; low
brightness light sources such as florescent, induction, and LED's; curfews and
time controls; and effective outdoor lighting codes.
4. Consistent Landscaping. Instead of the highly manicured, water demanding
landscaping seen in the southwest area, plant more natural drought-tolerant
vegetation. Incorporate the use of boulders, oaks sycamores and other
indigenous trees.
5. Walkability. Integrate detached sidewalks, discourage use of walls in the
residential design plan and design services with '/4 mile from residential areas.
Connectivity is important for walkability. Planning developments with services
and recreation within walking distance could help the City receive credits for
Greenhouse Gas Initiatives.
6. Mixed Use and Transitions to Rural Areas For 50 years the City has done zoning
to basically separate uses that residents use daily that should be integrated.
General Plan Amendments call for roads between the residential and the
commercial centers, instead of walls on all sides.
There are several trail systems adopted that are specific plan trail systems in the
City. The plan is to connect residential to the trail systems, the trail systems to
each other and have corridors to the Kern River.
Mr. Movius concluded that if the Committee wishes, staff can begin the process of
developing ordinances to implement this plan. Committee member Weir added that
comments from the community meetings were provided to staff and asked that staff
incorporate those comments into the plans. A motion was made by Committee member
Weir for staff to come back to the committee with an ordinance that addresses the issue
of night sky, landscaping and architectural them. The motion was passed by a
unanimous vote.
Planning p and Development Committee
July 2, 2009
Page 4
Dave Dmohowski of Premiere Planning commented that the northeast is a large area to
impose a defined architectural theme and suggests that staff focus on landscape design
as a vehicle to create a quality image. Committee member Weir asked staff to check
into areas that have been successful with hillside development plans. Audience member
Denise Celis asked if the theme for the future parks in the canyon will be for walking, bike
paths or if it will be more of a children's playground. Mr. Movius responded that the parks
will be regular neighborhood parks similar to others in the city, but will have connecting
trails.
5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS
None
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 1 :57:57 PM.
cc: Honorable Mayor and City Council members
/XWOMM 0
B A K E R S F I E L D
Development Services Department
Stanley C. Grady, Director
M E M O R A N D U M
OCTOBER 6, 2009
TO: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
FROM: JIM EGGERT, PLANNING DIRECTO
SUBJECT: NORTHEAST DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCES
On July 2, 2009, the Planning and Development Committee directed staff to prepare
draft zoning ordinance changes to incorporate specific design criteria for new
development in the Northeast area as proposed by Councilmember Weir.
Three main focus areas were identified; architectural design for commercial projects,
landscaping, and outdoor lighting (dark sky principles). The proposed changes are
summarized as follows:
Architectural Design (Section 17.08.140):
• Applies to all large retail developments
• River rock, boulders, rough-sawn timbers and logs would be the predominant
theme used throughout a commercial project
• Allows flexibility in design so that projects will not be identical
Landscaping (Section 17.61 .032):
• Predominant use of native California trees (ie. oaks, sycamores)
• Use of boulder clusters and other native rock
• Landscape setting to resemble a more natural setting
• Use of low water or xeriscape plants
• Consistent with hillside overlay zoning requirements
• Standards would also apply to public streetscapes for compatibility with private
development (would add duplicate language in the Planning Commission's wall
and landscape design review policies for parkways and median islands)
Outdoor li htin - Dark sky principals new - Chapter 17.71 ):
• Applies to commercial, industrial and apartment projects (single family is exempt)
• Affects installations of only new lighting
• Requires lighting to be shielded to eliminate light projecting up into the night sky
• Requires design of outdoor recreation lighting (sports fields) to lessen sky glow
• Encourage energy conservation
• Includes a diagram depicting acceptable and unacceptable fixtures
• Prohibits lighting into the Kern River and natural areas
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that if the proposed draft ordinance changes are acceptable, that
the Committee direct staff to take the changes before the Planning Commission to
hold appropriate public hearing(s) and receive public comments. The Commission's
recommendation would subsequently be forwarded to the full City Council for
adoption.
Bakersfield Municipal Code- Title 17, Zoning Ordinance DRAFT- General Regulations
ARCHITECTURAL
17.08.140 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR LARGE
RETAIL DEVELOPMENTS.
A. Purpose.
Bakersfield is concerned with the future design of its commercial areas,
specifically with the growth of large retail developments that include big box
stores. At the same time, it is important to encourage economic development.
These standards help mitigate unwanted design, while encouraging developers
to incorporate good community architecture that enhances the city's character
and quality of life.
B. Applicability.
1. These standards shall apply to large retail developments throughout the
city within all commercial zone districts, and all nonresidential zones
where the development contains retail commercial components, including
but not limited to Planned Unit Development zones, industrial zones, and
recreation/open space zones. These standards also apply to all specific
plan areas unless the plan has standards that are more restrictive.
2. These standards are in addition to any other development requirements
as required by this title, including but not limited to zone district
regulations, signs, parking, landscaping, and accessory uses.
3. Expansion to existing Large Retail Developments.
a. An addition to an existing large retail development that was
initially subject to these standards shall be required to comply with
the requirements of this section.
b. An addition to an existing large retail development that was not
previously subject to the requirements of this section, is required to
comply with this section if the gross floor area of such establishment
as a single expansion or cumulatively since the adoption of this
ordinance is increased by 50 percent or more, or the addition is such
that it creates a large retail development and that addition increases
the gross floor area of such building by 50 percent or more as a single
expansion or cumulatively since the adoption of this ordinance.
DRAFT—October 2009
Chapter 17.08, Page 1
Bakersfield Municipal Code- Title 17, Zoning Ordinance DRAFT- General Regulations
4. Reference may be made in this subsection to specific geographic
areas, which are defined as follows:
a. Northeast Bakersfield - includes all lands east of Fairfax Road
(and any northern extension thereof) and north of State
Highway 58.
C. Building Design Standards.
1. Exterior building walls and facades over 100 feet in length shall incorporate
wall plane projections or recesses with a depth of at least 3 percent of the
length of the facade and extending along at least 20 percent of the length
of the facade. No facade shall have an uninterrupted length of flat wall that
exceeds 100 horizontal feet. Facades that face public streets shall include
arcades, display windows, entry areas, or other such permanent features
along no less than 60 percent of their horizontal length.
WINDOWS AWNINGS ENTRYAREAS ARCADES `
Animating features such as these must total 60%of the total
fagade length for any fagade abutting a public street
pirincipal building
Building Facades ^'
oWl Mn9u'of fpWe',,,�°eris',Oa FEr
Projections/recesses shall comprise at
least 20% of fagade length with a
minimum depth of 3%of fagade length
DRAFT—October 2009
Chapter 17.08, Page 2
Bakersfield Municipal Code- Title 17, Zoning Ordinance DRAFT- General Regulations
2. All building facades must include a repeating pattern that includes no
less than three of the following elements. At least one of the elements
(a, b or c), shall repeat horizontally. All elements shall repeat at intervals
of no more than 30 feet, either horizontally or vertically.
a. color change;
b. texture change;
C. material change;
d. an expression of architectural or structural bays through a change
in plane no less than 12 inches in width, such as an offset, reveal
or projecting rib, or other architecturally appropriate feature.
offsets
—_ projecting ribs
------Y reveals
structural bay layout
Expression of Architectural or Structural Bay
3. Where large retail developments contain smaller additional, separately
owned stores that occupy less than 25,000 square feet of gross floor
area with separate, exterior customer entrances, the street level facade
of such stores shall be transparent between the height of 3 feet and 8
feet above the walkway grade for no less than 60 percent of the
horizontal length of the building of such additional stores. Windows shall
be recessed and include visually prominent sills, shutters, or other such
forms of framing.
4. In multiple building developments, each individual building shall include
prominent architectural characteristics shared by all buildings in the
center so that the development forms a cohesive sense of place.
5. Rooflines shall be varied with a change in height every 100 linear feet of
the building length. Parapets, mansard roofs, gable roofs, hip roofs, or
dormers shall be used to conceal flat roofs and roof top equipment from
public view. Alternating lengths and designs of the roofline are
acceptable. If parapets are used, their average height shall not exceed
DRAFT—October 2009
Chapter 17.08, Page 3
Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance DRAFT- General Regulations
15 percent of the height of the supporting wall and such parapets shall
not at any point exceed one-third (1/3) of the height of the supporting
wall. All parapets shall feature three-dimensional cornice treatment.
„a
average
parapet height
shall not exceed
15% of supporting
wall height
Parapet heights
shall not exceed
113 of supporting
wall height
Parapet Standards
6. Exterior building materials shall be high quality materials, including, but
not limited to, brick, sandstone, and other native stone, manufactured
stone (realistic), wood, glass, decorative metal elements, and
tinted/textured concrete masonry units, including stucco and synthetic
stucco-type materials.
a. For projects in Northeast Bakersfield, building materials
consisting of river rock, boulders, native stone, rough-sawn
timbers, and lops shall be used as the predominate theme
throughout the project area.
7. Primary facade colors shall be low reflectance, subtle colors over
primary, bold or dramatic colors. The use of reflective metallic or
fluorescent colors is discouraged. However, building trim and accent
areas may feature brighter colors, including primary colors. Paint
applied over brick, stone and concrete is prohibited.
8. Finished exterior building materials shall not include smooth-faced
concrete block, tilt-up concrete panels or prefabricated steel panels.
DRAFT-October 2009
Chapter 17.08, Page 4
Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance DRAFT- General Regulations
9. Entryways.
a. At least two sides of a large retail development shall feature
customer entrances. The two required sides shall be those
planned to have the highest level of public pedestrian activity.
One of the sides shall be that which most directly faces a primary
public or private street with pedestrian access. The other may
face a second street with pedestrian access or the main parking
lot area if there is no second street. All entrances shall be
architecturally prominent and clearly visible from the abutting
public street.
b. Public entrances must include architectural elements that
emphasize the entry. Each large retail development on a site
shall have clearly defined, highly visible customer entrances
featuring no less than three of the following:
i. canopies or porticos;
ii. overhangs;
iii. recesses/projections;
iv. arcades;
V. raised corniced parapets over the door;
vi. peaked roof forms or towers;
vii. arches;
viii. plazas or outdoor patios;
ix. display windows;
X. fountains or other water features;
xi. architectural details such as tile work and moldings that are
integrated into the building structure and design;
xii. integral planters or wing walls that incorporate landscaped
areas and/or places for sitting.
b. Where additional stores will be located in the large retail
development, each such store shall have at least one (1) exterior
customer entrance, which shall conform to the above
requirements.
c. Weather protection elements shall be provided at all public
entrances.
DRAFT—October 2009
Chapter 17.08, Page 5
Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance DRAFT- Landscape Standards
LANDSCAPING
17.61 .032 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
In addition to the minimum standards contained in Section 17.61.030, the followinq shall
apply to those specific geographic areas as identified below:
A. Central Citv Area. For the purposes of this subsection Central City Area is identified as
including all lands bounded by 23rd Street to the north Truxtun Avenue to the south M
Street to the east and G Street to the west
1. Street tree species shall be consistent with the Central City Master Street Tree
Plan as adopted by City Council Resolution No 195-92
B. Northeast Bakersfield. For the purposes of this subsection Northeast
Bakersfield is identified as including all lands east of Fairfax Road (and any
northern extension thereof) and north of State Highway 58
1. New landscape areas shall consist predominately of native California trees
(eq. oaks and sycamores) shrubs and groundcovers Firescape species
contained in Table 1 of Chapter 17.66 shall be used along the perimeter of
the project site adjacent to native or slope areas if outside the HD zone
district.
2. Use of boulder clusters and other native rock combinations shall be
installed with vegetation to resemble a natural distribution blending into
the surrounding native areas and/or street parkways that may contain
similar design elements.
3. Design content shall retain the natural flora and site character as much as
possible.
4. Xeriscape and/or regional native plant selections shall be used to
revegetate any disturbed areas outside the project area unless citv
ordinances, resolutions or conditions of approval state otherwise
5. New landscape areas along slopes and slope easements may be required
to be privately maintained as determined by the Planning Director, or as
may be conditioned by the Planning Commission or City Council
6. These standards do not apply to residential protects that contain four
units or less.
Draft-October 2009
Chapter 17.61, Page 1
Bakersfield Municipal Code- Title 17, Zoning Ordinance DRAFT—NE Outdoor Lighting
NEW CHAPTER
Chapter 17.71
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
(Dark Sky)
Sections:
17.71 .010 Purpose
17.71 .020 Applicability
17.71 .030 General standards
17.71 .040 Additional standards for specific uses
17.71 .040 Energy conservation
17.71 .050 Exemptions
17.71 .060 Prohibitions
17.71 .070 Fixture diagrams
DRAFT-October 2009
Chapter 17.71, Page 1
Bakersfield Municipal Code- Title 17, Zoning Ordinance DRAFT—NE Outdoor Lighting
17.10.010 PURPOSE.
The purpose of this chapter is to minimize light trespass, excessive glare and sky glow
caused by inappropriate or misaligned light fixtures. Properly designed lighting will
provide the proper amount of illumination appropriate for the required task that will not
cause unpleasant or adverse affects upon adjacent properties, and will enhance
nighttime views of the sky. These standards will:
A. Promote a safe and pleasant nighttime environment for businesses, residents
and visitors;
B. Protect and improve public safety and security;
C. Prevent nuisances caused by unnecessary light intensity, glare, and light trespass;
D. Protect the ability to view the night sky by restricting unnecessary upward
projection of light;
E. Enhance the aesthetics of the built environment and protect the character of the
natural environment; and
F. Promote energy conservation.
17.71 .020 APPLICABILITY.
A. The provisions of this chapter only apply to Northeast Bakersfield, which is the
geographic area that includes all lands in the city limits east of Fairfax Road
(and any northern extension thereof) and north of State Highway 58.
B. All outdoor lighting fixtures installed on private and public property after the
effective date of this ordinance shall comply with these standards.
C. This ordinance does not apply to interior lighting. However, overly bright inside
light emitted outdoors from any structure, including through the roof, will be
subject to control by this chapter if it is determined by the Planning Director that
it creates a nuisance to adjacent properties, negatively impacts safe travel along
streets, or contributes to sky glow.
D. All existing outdoor lighting fixtures legally installed and operative before the
effective date of this ordinance are not subject to these requirements. However,
the Planning Director may at any time, require appropriate action be taken in
accordance with this chapter if it is determined that lighting from any outdoor
DRAFT-October 2009
Chapter 17-71, Page 2
Bakersfield Municipal Code- Title 17, Zoning Ordinance DRAFT—NE Outdoor Lighting
fixtures creates a nuisance to adjacent properties or negatively impacts safe
travel along streets.
E. At such time changes or modifications occur on the site that necessitates a site
plan review pursuant to Chapter 17.08 or other discretionary approval, the
decision-making body shall determine whether some or all the requirements of
this chapter will be implemented under said approval.
F. When existing lighting fixtures are replaced, replacement fixtures and light
emanating from them shall meet the requirements of this chapter.
G. All governmental agencies, including their security facilities which operate within
the city limits, should comply with the provisions of this chapter
17.71 .030 GENERAL STANDARDS.
The following standards shall apply to all outdoor lighting installed after the effective
date of this chapter:
A. Outdoor lighting must be fully shielded and aimed downward. Fully shielded
denotes lighting fixtures that are shielded, focused, or constructed so that light
rays do not project horizontally or vertically. The shield must be arranged in such
a manner that light rays emitted from the device or fixture, whether directly from
the lamp or indirectly from the fixture, are projected below the horizontal plane at
the lowest point on the fixture where the light is emitted. The light must be aimed
to ensure that the illumination is only pointing downward onto the ground surface
with no escaping light permitted to contribute to sky glow by shining upward into
the sky. Examples of acceptable and unacceptable lighting fixtures are shown in
Section 17.71.070.
B. Post-top luminaries, which may also be referred to as period lighting or historical
lighting, shall have built-in reflectors that effectively eliminate up-lighting.
C. Any outdoor lighting that shines onto adjacent property or streets that produce a
nuisance or disabling glare, or that is above the horizontal plane, shall not be
permitted.
D. Light trespass that extends beyond the property or project boundaries within or
adjacent to residentially zoned and/or designated properties shall not exceed an
intensity level of 0.5 foot-candles at the property line as measured 3 feet above
the ground or finished grade. This light intensity maximum shall also apply to
lands zoned and/or designated agriculture, parks, and open space.
DRAFT-October 2009
Chapter 17.71, Page 3
Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance DRAFT— NE Outdoor Lighting
E. Light fixtures mounted under a canopy shall be recessed so that lighting is fully
shielded by either the roof or canopy fascia and is projected below the
horizontal plane as stated in subsection A of this section. Lights shall not be
mounted on either the top or sides of a canopy.
F. Up-lighting is only permitted if it is effectively contained and will not shine beyond
the intended target into the night sky. Containment of lighting may include, but is
not limited to, overhanging architectural elements such as eaves or awnings, or
landscaping such as dense shrubs or dense evergreen tree canopies.
G. Outlining of a building by means of neon, LED or other lighting shall effectively
contained to not shine into the night sky. Containment of lighting may include, but
is not limited to, overhanging architectural elements such as eaves or awnings, or
use of backlighting techniques.
H. Existing fixtures may be adapted to comply with this ordinance by adding a
properly designed shield or by pointing any upward-mounted, shielded fixture
downward towards the ground surface.
I. Lighting sources, fixtures and related structures shall be maintained in sound
operating condition at all times. Maintenance shall include but is not limited to
replacement of broken lenses, burned out light sources, adjustments to fixture
tilt, cleaning of fixtures and lenses, painting of standards, and replacement or
adjustments to shields and/or baffles.
J. All fixture installations shall meet the most recent applicable regulations of the
Uniform Building Code, Electrical Code, Title 24, and any other related health,
safety, and energy codes as they pertain to lighting and light fixtures as adopted
by the City.
17.71 .040 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC USES.
In addition to the general standards contained in Section 17.71.030, the following shall
apply to the specific use identified below:
A. Parking lots and garages:
1. Lighting shall be in accordance with the provisions in Section 17.58.060 B.
DRAFT-October 2009
Chapter 17.71, Page 4
Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance DRAFT—NE Outdoor Lighting
B. Outdoor performance, sports, and recreation facilities:
1. Where playing fields or other special activity areas are to be illuminated,
lighting fixtures shall be mounted, aimed, and shielded so that their beams
fall within the primary playing area and immediate surroundings within the
project site. Illumination should be no greater than the minimum
recommended levels established by the Illuminating Engineering Society
of North America (IESNA) for the type of activity.
2. The main lighting shall be turned off within one-hour or as soon as possible
following the end of an event. Where feasible, a low level lighting system
may be used immediately following events to facilitate patrons leaving the
facility, cleanup, maintenance, and other closing activities.
3. Because lighted fields and other lighted outdoor facilities may also be
subject to discretionary approval, operational regulations, and the
standards in this chapter may be further restricted, modified or otherwise
conditioned by the Board of Zoning Adjustment, Planning Commission, or
City Council.
17.71 .050 ENERGY CONSERVATION.
Incorrect installations, poor choice of fixtures, and over-lighting can result in
unnecessarily high energy costs. The following recommendations are intended to
encourage the efficient use of energy for lighting purposes:
A. All non-essential outdoor commercial and residential lighting should be turned
off after business hours when it is not necessary for public safety or when an
activity needing such light is not in use.
B. Lighting levels may be reduced after hours to provide minimal visibility without
compromising security.
C. Where practical, outdoor lighting installations should include timers, dimmers,
sensors, or photocell controllers that turn the lights off during daylight hours to
reduce overall energy consumption and eliminate unnecessary lighting. Sensor
activated fixtures should not be triggered by activities off the subject property.
D. When selecting new outdoor lighting, the full cost of operation over the life of the
fixture(s) should be considered. Substantial annual energy savings may be
realized by using quality efficient fixtures and light sources, the lowest wattage for
the intended task, and alternative sources of power such as wind or solar, when
feasible.
DRAFT-October 2009
Chapter 17.71, Page 5
Bakersfield Municipal Code- Title 17, Zoning Ordinance DRAFT—NE Outdoor Lighting
E. Indiscriminate and excessive lighting should be avoided. Light should be directed
only where it is needed, when it is needed, with the appropriate intensity.
17.71 .060 EXEMPTIONS.
The following are exempt from the provisions of this ordinance:
A. Traffic control signals and devices.
B.. Temporary emergency related lighting (e.g. fire, police, utility repair).
C. Moving vehicle lights.
D. Navigation lights (e.g. airports, heliports, radio/television towers).
E. Signs in conformance with Chapter 17.60.
F. Seasonal decorations provided they are not in use longer than 60 consecutive days.
G. Temporary or periodic events with temporary lighting as approved by the City
(e.g. rodeos, revivals, fairs, fiestas, carnivals). Permanent lighting installations
must conform to the requirements of this ordinance.
H Lighting on any single family residentially zoned lot, or multiple family
residentially zoned lot that contains four units or less.
I. All outdoor light fixtures lawfully installed and operating prior to the effective date
of this ordinance. This exemption shall not apply if an existing light fixture is
replaced. The addition of supplementary shielding and/or re-aiming of existing
fixtures that shine direct illumination or visible glare beyond the property line
where the fixture is installed are encouraged.
J. Decorative low voltage (12v) lighting used to highlight driveways, landscaping,
artwork and buildings providing they are properly aimed and shielded to not
shine visible glare into the public right of way or onto adjacent or nearby
properties.
K. Flag poles with the United States, state, foreign or municipal flags displayed by
fully shielded top mounted light. If up-lighting is used, it shall be placed as close
to the base of the pole as possible with a narrow cone or spread focused to
minimize light spill into the night sky or onto adjacent properties.
DRAFT-October 2009
Chapter 17.71, Page 6
Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance DRAFT—NE Outdoor Lighting
L. Temporary lighting for television or movie film productions, roadway or utility
construction or building construction. Permanent lighting installations must
conform to the requirements of this ordinance.
M. Exiting or other public safety related lighting.
N. Underwater lighting to illuminate swimming pools, and other water features
provided they meet all required Uniform Building, Electrical and other safety
codes as adopted by the City.
17.71 .070 PROHIBITIONS.
A. No outdoor lighting fixture may resemble a traffic signal or be operated in such a
manner as to constitute a hazard or danger to persons for safe vehicular and
pedestrian travel.
B. Lighting that is oriented upward, except as otherwise permitted by this chapter.
C. Searchlights, beacons, and laser source lights, except as permitted by the City
under a special event permit in accordance with Section 17.60.070 B.
D. Lights that blink, flash, move, and revolve, except as otherwise permitted by the
Bakersfield Municipal Code.
E. Permanent lighting directed at or into the Kern River or natural areas.
DRAFT-October 2009
Chapter 17-71, Page 7
Bakersfield Municipal Code- Title 17, Zoning Ordinance DRAFT—NE Outdoor Lighting
17.71 .080 FIXTURE DIAGRAMS.
Examples of Acceptable / Unacceptable Lighting Fixtures
Unacceptable / Discouraged Acceptable
Fixtures that produce glare and light trespass Fixtures that shield the light source to minimize glare and light trespass
and to facilitate better vision at night
�El`
Nax lens Full Cutoff Fixtures
nertecave
Unshielded Floodlights
or Poorly-shielded Floodlights
Fully Shielded
LLE7 ® Watlpack 8,Wall j
Mount Fixtures
Unshielded Wallpacks
&Unshielded or -
Poorly-shielded Wall ° °°� -
smrie pousnad z�
Mount Fixtures
Drop-Lens 8,Sag-Lens Fixtures Fully Shielded Fixtures
w/exposed bulb/refractor lens
C Unshielded Streetlight
Full Cutoff Streetlight
Unshielded Bollards
U Fully Shielded
Unshielded Barn Fully Shielded Walkway
Light Barn Light Bollards
Unshielded Fully Shielded
'Period'Style Decorative Fully Shielded
Fixtures Fixtures Period'Style
Lowered y bulbshimdw Fixtures -
'Marine'style n Waaua xm bLAb sNWd d
Fixtures
�, ��opaque xop
Drop Lens Canopy Flush Mounted or Side
Fixtures Shielded Under Canopy
Fixtures
Unshielded PAR
Floodlights
Shielded/Properly-aimed
P Floodlights
DRAFT-October 2009
Chapter 17.71, Page 8