CC SR 20221018 02 - Lighting Code Amendment Zoning
PUBLIC HEARING
Date: October 18, 2022
Subject:
Consideration and possible action to amend Sections 17.56.030 (Outdoor lighting for residential uses)
and 17.56.040 (Outdoor lighting for nonresidential uses) of Chapter 17.56 (Environmental protection)
of Article IV (Use and development standards), and Chapter 17.96 (Definitions) of Article VIII
(Administration) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code related to the
measurement of light sources and light standard/pole height (Case No. PLCA2022 -0002).
Recommendation:
Introduce Ordinance No.___, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING
SECTIONS 17.56.030 (OUTDOOR LIGHTING FOR RESIDENTIAL USES) AND 17.56.040 (OUTDOOR
LIGHTING FOR NONRESIDENTIAL USES) OF CHAPTER 17.56 (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION) OF
ARTICLE IV (USE AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS), AND CHAPTER 17.96 (DEFINITIONS) OF ARTICLE VIII
(ADMINISTRATION), OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED
TO THE MEASUREMENT OF LIGHT SOURCES AND LIGHT STANDARD/POLE HEIGHT (CASE NO. PLCA2022-
0002).
1. Report of Notice Given: City Clerk
2. Declare Public Hearing Open: Mayor Bradley
3. Request for Staff Report: Mayor Bradley
4. Staff Report & Recommendation: Steven Giang, Associate Planner
5. Council Questions of Staff (factual and without bias):
6. Testimony from members of the public:
The normal time limit for each speaker is three (3) minutes. The Presiding Officer may grant additional time to a representative speaking
for an entire group. The Mayor also may adjust the time limit for individual speakers depending upon the number of speakers who
intend to speak.
7. Declare Hearing Closed/or Continue the Public Hearing to a later date: Mayor Bradley
8. Council Deliberation:
The Council may ask staff to address questions raised by the testimony, or to clarify matters. Staff and/or Council may also answer
questions posed by speakers during their testimony. The Council will then debate and/or make motions on the matter.
9. Council Action:
The Council may: vote on the item; offer amendments or substitute motions to decide the matter; reopen the hearing for additional
testimony; continue the matter to a later date for a decision.
CITYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 10/18/2022
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Public Hearing
AGENDA DESCRIPTION:
Consideration and possible action to amend Section s 17.56.030 (Outdoor lighting for
residential uses) and 17.56.040 (Outdoor lighting for nonresidential uses) of Chapter
17.56 (Environmental protection) of Article IV (Use and development standards), and
Chapter 17.96 (Definitions) of Article VIII (Administ ration) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code related to the measurement of light sources and
light standard/pole height (Case No. PLCA2022-0002).
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Introduce Ordinance No.___, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES AMENDING SECTIONS 17.56.030 (OUTDOOR LIGHTING
FOR RESIDENTIAL USES) AND 17.56.040 (OUTDOOR LIGHTING FOR
NONRESIDENTIAL USES) OF CHAPTER 17.56 (ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION) OF ARTICLE IV (USE AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS),
AND CHAPTER 17.96 (DEFINITIONS) OF ARTICLE VIII (ADMINISTRATION),
OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATED TO THE MEASUREMENT OF LIGHT SOURCES AND LIGHT
STANDARD/POLE HEIGHT (CASE NO. PLCA2022-0002).
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Steven Giang, Associate Planner
Octavio Silva, Deputy Director of Community Development
REVIEWED BY: Ken Rukavina, Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Ordinance No. ___(page A-1)
B. Draft Redlined Ordinance No.___ (page B-1)
1
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
BACKGROUND:
Title 17 (Zoning Code) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code (RPVMC) is intended
to be a user-friendly, fluid document that is updated periodically to reflect current laws
and trends of the community and to reflect the vision and policies of the Genera l Plan.
Zoning codes control the physical development of land and the uses for each individual
property based on the zoning designation (i.e., residential, industrial, recreational, or
commercial). The Zoning Code implements General Plan policies through detailed
development regulations, such as specific permitted uses and building standards (i.e.,
setbacks, heights, etc.). Although the purpose and intent of the Zoning Code are different
from that of the General Plan, state law requires that the Zoning Code be consistent with
maps and policies in the General Plan.
On March 1, 2022, the City Council initiated code amendment proceedings that included
updates to Chapter 17.56 (Environmental Protection) of the RPVMC to increase the
height of a light standard/pole above 10 feet in nonresidential zoning districts. Through
Staff’s analysis of the proposed code amendments, it was determined that additional
updates to this chapter, along with Chapter 17.96 (Definitions), were warranted to create
code consistency and further address outdated lighting regulations and new technology.
On July 26, 2022, the Planning Commission adopted P.C. Resolution No. 2022-10,
recommending that the City Council adopt the proposed code amendments, which
convert how light sources are measured from watts to lumens in residential zoning
districts. The amendments also increase the overall height of a light standard/pole from
10 feet to 16 feet in nonresidential zoning districts to allow property owners to better
coordinate and collocate on-site security systems and cameras. In addition, the increase
in height will reduce the proliferation of light fixtures. Lastly, a definition for the term
“lumen” is proposed to be added.
On October 1, 2022, a public notice announcing the City Council’s consideration of the
proposed code amendments on October 18, 2022, was published in the Daily Breeze.
Staff has not received any public comments as of the preparation of this report.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed code amendments include updates to amend development standards and
implementation measures in Chapters 17.56 (Environmental Protection) and 17.96
(Definitions) of the RPVMC. An analysis of the proposed code amendments is outlined
below.
Amendments to Chapter 17.56 (Environmental Protection)
Chapter 17.56 (Environmental Protection) of the RPVMC establishes policies,
regulations, and standards necessary to ensure the protection of properties and persons
from environmental nuisances and hazards and sets tolerance levels for adverse
environmental effects created by any use or development of land. The proposed
2
amendments to this chapter are summarized below in italics, followed by a discussion of
the proposed updates. A redlined draft copy of the code amendments is available for
review.
1. Revise development standards pertaining to the measurement of light sources in
residential areas (Section 17.56.030 (A)).
The proposed amendment revises the unit of how light sources are measured to
ensure that a property does not exceed the level of brightness allowed. Existing
code provisions measure light sources in watts (energy) and include a con version
table to ascertain a standard wattage based on different lamp types. With the
growth of light-emitting diode or LED technology and energy-efficient lighting
options, watts are no longer an indication of how bright a light source is. An LED
lightbulb can be considered low-wattage but still be significantly brighter than a
traditional high-wattage lightbulb. Therefore, wattage is no longer a reliable method
of limiting brightness.
The proposed code amendment seeks to convert the measurements in Section
17.56.030 (A) from watts to lumens, which are the measurement of the total visible
light (brightness) (to the human eye) from a light source. Based on information
from the U.S. Department of Energy, a traditional incandescent lightbulb that
measures 100 watts will convert to 1,600 lumens1. The code text has been
amended to reflect a direct conversion from watts to lumens. The conversion table
will be deleted since the measurement of lumens can apply to every type of
lightbulb or light source regardless of the wattage and voltage used. This section
of the code includes regulations for the total amount of light allowed to emit from
all light sources on any given lot, also known as an aggregate. The existing code
allows for an aggregate of 1,000 watts, which is equivalent to 32,000 lumens.
2. Revise development standards to allow an increase in the overall height of a light
standard/pole from 10 feet to up to 16 feet in a nonresidential zoning district
(Section 17.56.040 (B)(4)).
Current code provisions limit the height of a light standard/pole to 10 feet in
nonresidential zoning districts. Over the years, Staff has been made aware of
issues with this development standard, as a light standard/pole at this height can
be a barrier to providing on-site safety oversight and can become a hazard to
driving vehicles. More specifically, light standards/poles that are 10 feet and below
are at greater risk of being vandalized, including any surveillance equipment that
might be installed on the pole, or being damaged by high-profile delivery trucks
and vehicles. Additionally, the lower the light pole, the more poles that are needed
to provide adequate illumination and intended light coverage , and appear out of
scale to a nonresidential landuse.
1 https://www.energystar.gov/products/lighting_fans/light_bulbs/learn_about_brightness .
3
Proposed code amendments seek to increase the overall height of a light
standard/pole from 10 feet to a maximum of 16 feet. Staff believes the code
amendment is warranted as the increases in height will allow owners of
nonresidential properties to better coordinate and collocate on -site security
systems and cameras. In addition, the increase in the height of light
standards/poles will reduce the proliferation of such fixtures, as fewer fixtures
would be required to illuminate the same area. For example, for the Ladera Linda
Community Park Project, the number of poles was reduced by 25% by installing
16-foot-high poles. Development standards will continue to require fully shielded
light standards/poles that reduce light trespass, minimize glaze, and facilitate
better night vision, as well as standards regarding orientation, illumination limits,
color, types, and extinguishment of lights.
Amendments to Chapter 17.96 (Definitions)
The following definition is proposed to be added to Chapter 17.96 (Definitions) of the
Zoning Code based on amendments to Chapter 17.56 (Environmental Protection):
1. Section 17.96.1154 - Lumen:
“Lumen” means the unit of measure used to quantify the amount of visible light
produced by a lamp or emitted from a luminaire (as distinct from “watt,” a measure
of power consumption). By way of example, a standard 100-watt incandescent
lightbulb provides 1,600 lumens of brightness.
“Lumen” is a term that currently exists within the RPVMC but has not been defined.
The proposed amendments to Title 17 (Zoning) are consistent with the Rancho Palos
Verdes General Plan and Coastal Specific Plan in that the updates uphold and do not
hinder the goals and policies of those plans. More specifically, the proposed code
amendments would ensure that the environmental protections originally created to limit
light pollution onto adjacent properties will continue to be applicable as technology
advances and light sources become brighter and more energy efficient.
If the City Council considers introducing the proposed ordinance outlined in this report
(Attachment A), the second reading of the ordinance is tentatively scheduled for City
Council consideration on November 1, 2022. The ordinance would go into effect 30 days
after the second reading.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Environmental Assessment
The proposed code amendments to Title 17 (Zoning) of the RPVMC are exempt from the
requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because: (1) it does not
constitute a “project” under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(2), in that it constit utes
general policy and procedure making; (2) it does not constitute a “project” under CEQA
4
Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) in that it has no potential for resulting in a physical change
to the environment, either directly or indirectly; and (3) in the alte rnative, it is exempt from
CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2), since the activity will not result
in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and
Section 15061(b)(3) since it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this
ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the City Council introduce the attached ordinance amending
development standards and implementing measures in Chapters 17.56 (Environmental
Protection) and 17.96 (Definitions) of the RPVMC related to the measurement of light
sources and light standard/pole height.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for
the City Council’s consideration:
1) Direct Staff to return at the next available meeting to incorporate comments to
develop and refine the proposed code amendments.
2) Direct Staff to return at the next meeting with a resolution recommending that the
City Council reject the proposed code amendment.
5
Ordinance No. ___
Page 1 of 6
ORDINANCE NO. ___
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
AMENDING SECTIONS 17.56.030 (OUTDOOR LIGHTING FOR
RESIDENTIAL USES) AND 17.56.040 (OUTDOOR LIGHTING FOR
NONRESIDENTIAL USES) OF CHAPTER 17.56 (ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION) OF ARTICLE IV (USE AND DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS), AND ADDING SECTION 17.96.1154 (LUMEN) TO
CHAPTER 17.96 (DEFINITIONS) OF ARTICLE VIII
(ADMINISTRATION), OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE RANCHO
PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATING TO THE
MEASUREMENT OF LIGHT SOURCES AND LIGHT
STANDARD/POLE HEIGHT (CASE NO. PLCA2022-0002)
WHEREAS, Chapter 17.56 (Environmental Protection) of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code (RPVMC) is intended to establish policies, regulations, and
standards necessary to ensure the protection of properties and person s from
environmental nuisances and hazards, and sets tolerance levels for adverse
environmental effects created by any use or development of land , including the
establishment of the lighting regulations; and
WHEREAS, on March 1, 2022, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
initiated code amendment proceedings to amend Chapter 17.56 (Environmental
Protection) to provide updates to the City’s lighting development standards ; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that measuring the brightness of lights in terms
of wattage no longer provides an accurate measurement, as wattage is a measurement
of energy consumption rather than brightness, and modern lights are more energy
efficient and can be therefore much brighter than traditional incandescent lightbulbs while
using the same or less wattage; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that increasing the maximum height of light
standards/poles will allow property owners of nonresidential properties to better
coordinate and collocate on-site security systems and cameras; and the increase in the
height of light standards/poles will reduce the proliferation of such fixtures, as fewer
fixtures will be required to illuminate the same area; and
WHEREAS, on July 26, 2022, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing, and adopted P.C. Resolution No. 2022-10, recommending that the City Council
adopt this ordinance, and finding the code amendment exempt from CEQA pursuant to
Section 15061(b)(3) because it consists only of minor revisions and clarifications to an
existing zoning code and will not have the effect of deleting or substantially changing any
regulatory standards or findings. The proposed ordinance is an action that does not have
the potential to cause significant effects on the environment, but rather will clari fy existing
lighting regulations throughout the City; and
A-1
Ordinance No. ___
Page 2 of 6
WHEREAS, on October 1, 2022, a public notice was published in the Daily Breeze
and sent out to interested parties, announcing code amendment proceedings to be
considered by the City Council on October 18, 2022, pursuant to the requirements of the
RPVMC; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered all information presented to i t,
including the Planning Commission findings, P.C. Resolution No. 2022-10, written staff
reports, and any testimony provided at the public hearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The facts set forth in the Recitals are true and correct, and are
incorporated herein by reference.
Section 2. Section 17.56.040 (Outdoor lighting for nonresidential uses) of Chapter
17.56 (Environmental Protection) of Article IV (Use and Development Standards) of Title
17 (Zoning) is amended to read:
17.56.030 - Outdoor lighting for residential uses.
No outdoor lighting shall hereafter be installed or used in the single -family
residential (RS) or multiple-family residential (RM) zones, except in accordance with the
provisions of this section.
A. Except as hereinafter provided, no outdoor lighting shall be permitted where
the light source is directed toward or results in direct illumination of a parcel
of property or properties other than that upon which such light source is
physically located.
Individual, nonreflector, light bulbs, not exceeding 2,200 lumens each, or an
aggregate of 16,000 lumens for each lot or parcel shall be permitted. On
lots exceeding 15,000 square feet, an additional 1,600 lumens in the
aggregate shall be permitted for each 1,500 square feet of area or major
fraction thereof, by which the lot or parcel exceeds 15,000 square feet;
provided, that in no event shall the aggregate exceed 32,000 lumens. As
used herein, the term "lumen" is irrespective of the voltage.
B. No outdoor lighting shall be permitted where the light source or fixture, if
located on a building, above the line of the eaves, or if located on a standard
or pole, more than ten feet above grade.
C. Notwithstanding the requirements of this section, outdoor lighting may be
installed and used in a manner not permitted by this section upon the
issuance of a conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 17.60 (Conditional
Use Permits).
A-2
Ordinance No. ___
Page 3 of 6
Section 3: Section 17.56.040 (Outdoor lighting for nonresidential uses) of
Chapter 17.56 (Environmental Protection) of Article IV (Use and Development Standards)
of Title 17 (Zoning) is amended to read:
17.56.040 - Outdoor lighting for nonresidential uses.
A. In order to protect the semi-rural character of the city and reduce excessive
glare, light trespass, or over-lighting, no outdoor lighting shall be installed in
any nonresidential district, including city parks and city facilities, except in
accordance with the provisions of this section.
B. Prior to installation of any new lighting, a lighting plan shall be reviewed and
approved by the director. Said lighting plan shall include a photometric plan
identifying the areas designed and intended for lighting, and indicating the
maximum illumination levels of less than a 0.01 foot candles at all property
lines. Additionally, the lighting plan shall provide lighting descriptions,
including manufacturers catalog specifications, for all proposed light
fixtures, lamps and poles. The lighting plan shall be prepared by a lighting
contractor, and shall include the location, height, number of lights on the
entire property, lumens of each light bulb, and shall be in conformance with
the following standards and criteria:
1. Fixture Orientation. No outdoor lighting shall be permitted where the
light source is directed toward or results in direct illumination of a
parcel of property or properties, other than that upon which such light
source is physically located. Accent lighting of buildings, trees o r
other landscape features may be permitted, provided the lighting
only accentuates those individual features, and not an entire
structure or landscaped area. Said accent lighting shall be directed
onto the building façade or tree, with no spillover beyond the façade
of the building or tree, and all lighting fixtures shall be fully shielded
and mounted as close as possible to the architectural feature of the
building or tree being illuminated.
2. Illumination Limits. No one fixture or luminaire shall exceed 1,600
lumens. Accent lighting described in subsection (B)(1) above shall
not exceed 800 lumens.
3. Correlated Color Temperature (CCT). All outdoor lighting shall be of
a low color temperature, commonly referred to as neutral or warm
color temperature. The maximum CCT for each luminaire shall not
exceed 4,000 Kelvin (K). Outdoor lights that exceed 4,000 K.,
commonly referred to as cool color temperatures, are strictly
prohibited.
4. Fixture Height. No outdoor lighting shall be permitted where the light
source or fixture, if located on a building, is above the line of the
A-3
Ordinance No. ___
Page 4 of 6
eaves. If the light source or fixture is located on a building with no
eaves, or if located on a standard or pole, the light source or fixture
shall not be more than sixteen feet above existing grade, adjacent to
the building or pole.
5. Light Trespass. The maximum illumination level at any property line
shall be less than a 0.01 foot candle, as measured at grade. Light
trespass that results in glare to neighboring properties or
public/private streets is prohibited unless the director determines that
there is no other alternative to provide security lighting required by
the California Building Code, or approves the use of alarm or motion -
activated security lighting. For the purposes of this section, "glare"
means stray, unshielded light striking the eye that results in
discomfort glare, such as bright light causing squinting of the eyes;
and/or disabling glare, such as bright light that reduces the ability to
drive or see into shadows in certain instances where the glare from
a light fixture will create an impact to neighboring properties or
public/private streets, the applicant shall be required to comply with
these standards to the fullest extent possible. All estimates or testing
shall be done with the entire facility illuminated.
6. Fixture Types. All light fixtures, including pole-mounted and wall-
mounted light fixtures, shall be fully shielded so that the light bulb is
not visible from the adjacent neighbors or streets. Said light fixt ures
shall be "cut-off" where lenses, refractors or lamp sources do not
extend below the surface of the fixture housing, and no light shall be
directed at or above the lowest horizontal plane of the light fixture, as
depicted in the examples established by this section, or as approved
by the director. Louvered light fixtures shall not qualify as fully
shielded fixtures.
7. Extinguishment of Lights. With the exception of approved security
lighting, or operational lighting conditions approved through a
conditional use permit, all exterior lighting and parking lot lighting
shall be extinguished by 10:00 p.m.
C. Exemptions. The following outdoor lights shall be exempted from the
requirements of this section:
1. Temporary construction or emergency lighting.
2. Holiday lighting.
3. Exterior lighting for a temporary activity that is permitted through a
special use permit, pursuant to Chapter 17.62 (Special Use Permits).
A-4
Ordinance No. ___
Page 5 of 6
4. Low voltage, landscape lighting that does not require a permit from
building and safety.
D. The planning commission may approve deviations which exceed the
standards set forth in subsections 17.56.040(A)(1) through (A)(4) of this
chapter when the planning commission finds that such deviations are
required for public safety, pursuant to the California Building Code. Said
lighting shall be depicted on a "security lighting plan" that is reviewed and
approved by the planning commission through a site plan review
application, prior to installation of said security lighting.
Section 4. Section 17.96.1154 (Lumen) of Chapter 17.96 (Definitions) of Article
VIII (Administration) of Title 17 (Zoning) is added to read:
17.96.1154 – Lumen.
“Lumen” means the unit of measure used to quantify the amount of visible light
produced by a lamp or emitted from a luminaire (as distinct from “watt,” a measure of
power consumption). By way of example, a standard 100-watt incandescent lightbulb
provides 1,600 lumens of brightness.
Section 5. The City Council finds that this Ordinance is exempt from the
requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because: (1) it does not
constitute a “project” under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(2), in that it constitutes
general policy and procedure making; (2) it does not constitute a “project” under CEQA
Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) in that it has no potential for resulting in physical change
to the environment, either directly or indirectly; and (3) in the alternative, it is exempt from
CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2), since the activity will not result
in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and
Section 15061(b)(3), since it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this
Ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment .
Section 6. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph,
sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance or its application to any person or
circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of
competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses or phrases of this Ordinance, or its application to any other person or
circumstance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted each section,
subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase hereof, irrespective of the
fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences,
clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.
Section 7. Certification and Posting. The City Clerk shall cause this Ordina nce to
be posted in three (3) public places in the City within fifteen (15) days after its passage,
in accordance with the provisions of Section 36933 of the Government Code. The City
Clerk shall further certify to the adoption and posting of this Ordinance, and shall cause
A-5
Ordinance No. ___
Page 6 of 6
this Ordinance and its certification, together with proof of posting, to be entered in the
Book of Ordinances of the Council of this City.
Section 8. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 18th day of October, 2022.
______________________________
David L. Bradley, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
I, TERESA TAKAOKA, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby
certify that the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; and that
the foregoing Ordinance No. ___ was introduced by the City Council of said City at a
regular meeting thereof held on October 18, 2022, and that the same was passed and
adopted by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_______________________
City Clerk
A-6
Section 1. Section 17.56.040 (Outdoor lighting for nonresidential uses) of Chapter
17.56 (Environmental Protection) of Title 17 (Zoning) is amended to read:
17.56.030 - Outdoor lighting for residential uses.
No outdoor lighting shall hereafter be installed or used in the single-family
residential (RS) or multiple-family residential (RM) zones, except in accordance with the
provisions of this section.
A. Except as hereinafter provided, no outdoor lighting shall be permitted where the
light source is directed toward or results in direct illumination of a parcel of property or
properties other than that upon which such light source is physically located.
Individual, nonreflector, incandescent light bulbs, not exceeding 150 watts 2,200
lumens each, or an aggregate of 16,000 lumens1,000 watts for each lot or parcel shall be
permitted. On lots exceeding 15,000 square feet, an additional 1,600 lumens100 watts in
the aggregate shall be permitted for each 1,500 square feet of area or major fraction
thereof, by which the lot or parcel exceeds 15,000 square feet; provided, that in no event
shall the aggregate exceed 32,000 lumens 2,000 watts. As used herein, the term
"lumenwatts" is irrespective of the voltage. If nonincandescent lighting is used, the
wattage of each nonincandescent light shall be multiplied by the following conversion
factors to ascertain a standard wattage that is comparable to the wattage associa ted with
incandescent lighting:
Type of Lamp Multiplier
Quarts/tungsten-halogen 1.23
Mercury 2.4
Fluorescent 3.7
Sodium vapor HPSV 5.7
Sodium vapor LPSV 9.0
Metal halide 4.9
Incandescent reflector 1.6
B. No outdoor lighting shall be permitted where the light source or fixture, if located
on a building, above the line of the eaves, or if located on a standard or pole, more than
ten feet above grade.
C. Notwithstanding the requirements of this section, outdoor lighting may be
installed and used in a manner not permitted by this section upon the issuance of a
conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 17.60 (Conditional Use Permits).
Section 2: Section 17.56.040 (Outdoor lighting for nonresidential uses) of Chapter
17.56 (Environmental Protection) of Title 17 (Zoning) is amended to read :
17.56.040 - Outdoor lighting for nonresidential uses.
A. In order to protect the semi-rural character of the city and reduce excessive glare,
light trespass, or over-lighting, no outdoor lighting shall be installed in any nonresidential
district, including city parks and city facilities, except in accordance with the provisions
of this section.
B-1
B. Prior to installation of any new lighting, a lighting plan shall be reviewed and
approved by the director. Said lighting plan shall include a photometric plan identifying
the areas designed and intended for lighting, and indicating the maximum illumination
levels of less than a 0.01 foot candles at all property lines. Additionally, the lighting plan
shall provide lighting descriptions, including manufacturers catalog specifications, for all
proposed light fixtures, lamps and poles. The lighting plan shall be prepared by a
lighting contractor, and shall include the location, height, number of lights on the entire
property, lumens of each light bulb, and shall be in conformance with the following
standards and criteria:
1. Fixture Orientation. No outdoor lighting shall be permitted where the light
source is directed toward or results in direct illumination of a parcel of property or
properties, other than that upon which such light source is physically located.
Accent lighting of buildings, trees or other landscape features may be permitted,
provided the lighting only accentuates those individual features, and not an entire
structure or landscaped area. Said accent lighting shall be directed onto the
building façade or tree, with no spillover beyond the façade of the building or
tree, and all lighting fixtures shall be fully shielded and mounted as close as
possible to the architectural feature of the building or tree being illuminated.
2. Illumination Limits. No one fixture or luminaire shall exceed 1,600 lumens.
Accent lighting described in subsection (B)(1) above shall not exceed 800
lumens.
3. Correlated Color Temperature (CCT). All outdoor lighting shall be of a low
color temperature, commonly referred to as neutral or warm color temperature.
The maximum CCT for each luminaire shall not exceed 4,000 Kelvin (K). Outdoor
lights that exceed 4,000 K., commonly referred to as cool color temperatures, are
strictly prohibited.
4. Fixture Height. No outdoor lighting shall be permitted where the light source or
fixture, if located on a building, is above the line of the eaves. If the light source
or fixture is located on a building with no eaves, or if located on a standard or
pole, the light source or fixture shall not be more than sixteen ten feet above
existing grade, adjacent to the building or pole.
5. Light Trespass. The maximum illumination level at any property line shall be
less than a 0.01 foot candle, as measured at grade. Light trespass that results in
glare to neighboring properties or public/private streets is prohibited unless the
director determines that there is no other alternative to provide security lighting
required by the California Building Code, or approves the use of alarm or motion -
activated security lighting. For the purposes of this section, "glare" means stray,
unshielded light striking the eye that results in discomfort glare, such as bright
light causing squinting of the eyes; and/or disabling glare, such as bright light that
reduces the ability to drive or see into shadows in certain instances where the
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glare from a light fixture will create an impact to neighboring properties or
public/private streets, the applicant shall be required to comply with these
standards to the fullest extent possible. All estimates or testing shall be done with
the entire facility illuminated.
6. Fixture Types. All light fixtures, including pole-mounted and wall-mounted light
fixtures, shall be fully shielded so that the light bulb is not visible from the
adjacent neighbors or streets. Said light fixtures shall be "cut-off" where lenses,
refractors or lamp sources do not extend below the surface of the fixture housing,
and no light shall be directed at or above the lowest horizontal plane of the light
fixture, as depicted in the examples established by this section, or as approved
by the director. Louvered light fixtures shall not qualify as fully shielded fixtures.
7. Extinguishment of Lights. With the exception of approved security lighting, or
operational lighting conditions approved through a conditional use permit, all
exterior lighting and parking lot lighting shall be extinguished by 10:00 p.m.
C. Exemptions. The following outdoor lights shall be exempted from the requirements of
this section:
1. Temporary construction or emergency lighting.
2. Holiday lighting.
3. Exterior lighting for a temporary activity that is permitted through a special use
permit, pursuant to Chapter 17.62 (Special Use Permits).
4. Low voltage, landscape lighting that does not require a permit from building
and safety.
D. The planning commission may approve deviations which exceed the standards set
forth in subsections 17.56.040(A)(1) through (A)(4) of this chapter when the planning
commission finds that such deviations are required for public safety, pursuant to the
California Building Code. Said lighting shall be depicted on a "security lighting plan" that
is reviewed and approved by the planning commission through a site plan review
application, prior to installation of said security lighting.
Section 3. Section 17.96.1154 (Lumen) of Chapter 17.96 (Definitions) of Article
VIII (Administration) of Title 17 (Zoning) is added to read:
17.96.1154 – Lumen.
“Lumen” means the unit of measure used to quantify the amount of visible light
produced by a lamp or emitted from a luminaire (as distinct from “watt,” a measure of
power consumption). By way of example, a standard 100-watt incandescent lightbulb
provides 1,600 lumens of brightness.
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