§ 5.11. Lighting Standards.

Purpose statement: This section provides standards for lighting that shall be designed to minimize spillover of light onto adjacent property, glare that could impair vision, and/or other conditions that deteriorate normally accepted qualities and uses of adjacent property.

5.11.1. Applicability.

The provisions of this section apply to any outside lighting used around buildings, recreation areas, parking areas, walkways, drives, or signs.

Lighting sources shall be shielded or arranged so as not to produce within any public right-of-way glare that interferes with the safe use of such right-of-way and so as not to constitute a nuisance to the occupants of adjacent properties.

5.11.2. Mounting Heights.

Outdoor lighting, except sports and athletic field lighting, shall be mounted at heights no greater than fifteen (15) feet for non-cutoff lights; and no greater than thirty-five (35) feet for full cutoff lights.

5.11.3. Sports Fields.

Lighting for sports and athletic fields must include glare control features and must be designed so that primary illumination is directed onto the play area and ancillary areas such as bleachers, stands, and similar areas. All lighting fixtures for sports fields shall be equipped with a glare control package including louvers, shields, or similar devices). The fixtures must be aimed so that their beams are directed and fall within the primary playing or performance area.

5.11.4. Offsite Illumination.

Increases in illumination on off-site property shall not result in lighting levels in excess of 0.3 foot-candles, measured at ground level. Where existing ambient off-site lighting levels are in excess of 0.3 foot-candles, no increase in measurable off-site lighting levels will be allowed as a result of outdoor lighting in the development.

5.11.5. Buildings, Streets, Driveways and other Passageways.

Except for single- and two-family dwellings, all streets, driveways, bikeways, sidewalks, pedestrian paths, parking areas, and other common areas and facilities shall be lighted where necessary to ensure the security of property and the safety of persons using such streets, driveways, bikeways, sidewalks, pedestrian paths, parking areas, and other common areas and facilities. Specific standards for and restrictions on lighting are included in the town's design manual.

All principal entrances and exits to principal buildings used for nonresidential purposes or containing more than five (5) dwelling or lodging units shall be sufficiently lighted to ensure the safety of residents and the security of the building.

5.11.6. Submittals.

Each application for a zoning compliance permit for development other than a single-family or two-family dwelling shall include a lighting plan that shows existing and proposed lighting fixture types and locations. The plan shall indicate, by isolux contour diagram and grid points, the measured and calculated pre-development and post-development foot-candles at grade both on the development site and on adjacent property where lighting impacts are expected. The lighting plan must be sealed by a professional engineer with demonstrable expertise in lighting design and mitigation strategies, or a lighting specialist who is lighting certified (LC) by NCQLP (National Town Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions).