Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout17.71 Outdoor LightingBakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance Outdoor Lighting November, 2012 Chapter 17.71, Page 1 Chapter 17.71 OUTDOOR LIGHTING 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 Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance Outdoor Lighting November, 2012 Chapter 17.71, Page 2 17.71.010 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 the Union Pacific Railroad that parallels Edison Highway. 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 Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance Outdoor Lighting November, 2012 Chapter 17.71, Page 3 accordance with this chapter if it is determined that lighting from any outdoor 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. Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance Outdoor Lighting November, 2012 Chapter 17.71, Page 4 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 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. 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 Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance Outdoor Lighting November, 2012 Chapter 17.71, Page 5 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. Illumination should also meet, without exceeding, the IESNA recommendations for the IESNA defined illumination class appropriate for the predominant use of the facility. 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. E. Indiscriminate and excessive lighting should be avoided. Light should be directed Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance Outdoor Lighting November, 2012 Chapter 17.71, Page 6 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. L. Temporary lighting for television or movie film productions, roadway or utility Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance Outdoor Lighting November, 2012 Chapter 17.71, Page 7 construction or building construction. Permanent lighting installations must conform to the requirements of this ordinance. M. Emergency exiting or other public safety related lighting under the applicable California Code. 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. Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance Outdoor Lighting November, 2012 Chapter 17.71, Page 8 17.71.080 FIXTURE DIAGRAMS.