17.34.010 Purpose.
A. The purpose of this chapter is to provide rules
and
regulations for outdoor lighting within the town of Mammoth Lakes in
order to
accomplish the following:
1. To promote a safe and pleasant nighttime
environment for
residents and visitors;
2. To protect and improve safe travel for all modes
of
transportation;
3. To prevent nuisances caused by unnecessary light
intensity, direct glare, and light trespass;
4. To protect the ability to view the night sky by
restricting unnecessary upward projection of light;
5. To phase out existing non-conforming fixtures
that
violate this chapter, including those owned by the town and other
public
agencies; and,
6. To promote lighting practices and systems to
conserve
energy.
B. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as
the town
of Mammoth Lakes outdoor lighting ordinance.
C. The figures incorporated in this chapter or shown on
informational sheets produced by the town of Mammoth Lakes are provided
as
guidelines for the public and staff to use in meeting the intent of
this
chapter. The figures serve only as examples. The town of Mammoth Lakes
does
not endorse or discriminate against any manufacturer or company that
may be
shown, portrayed, or mentioned as examples. (Ord. 03-09, 2003)17.34.020 Definitions.
Unless specifically defined below, the words and
phrases used
in this chapter shall be interpreted to give the meaning they have in
common
usage, and to give this chapter its most reasonable application.
âFixtureâ means a complete lighting unit
including the lamp and parts designed to distribute the light, position
and
protect the lamp, and connect the lamp to a power source. Also referred
to as a
âluminaireâ.
âFootcandle (fc)â means a unit of measurement for
the total amount of light cast on a surface (illuminance). One
footcandle is
equivalent to the illuminance produced by a source of one candle at a
distance
of one foot.
âFull cut-off fixturesâ means a lighting fixture
designed such that no light, either directly from the bulb or
indirectly from
the fixture, is emitted at or above a horizontal plane running through
the
lowest point on the fixture.
âGlareâ means direct and unshielded light
striking the eye to result in visual discomfort and reduced visual
performance.
âLampâ is the generic term for an artificial
light source installed in the socket portion of the fixture, to be
distinguished
from the whole assembly. Commonly referred to as a
âbulbâ.
âLight pollutionâ means any adverse effect of
artificial light sources including, but not limited to, discomfort to
the eye or
diminished vision due to glare, light trespass, uncontrolled
up-lighting,
uncomfortable distraction to the eye, or any artificial light that
diminishes
the ability to view the night sky.
âLight trespassâ means light falling where it is
not wanted or needed, generally light from one property that shines
onto another
property or the public right-of-way.
âLumenâ means the unit used to quantify the
amount of light energy produced by a lamp. For example, a forty-watt
incandescent lamp produces approximately four hundred lumens, while a
thirty-five-watt high pressure sodium lamp produces about two thousand
three
hundred lumens.
âOutdoor lighting fixtureâ means any temporary or
permanent lighting fixture that is installed, located, or used in such
a manner
to provide illumination of objects or activities outside. Outdoor
lighting
fixtures include all fixtures mounted to the exterior of a structure,
poles,
bollards, or other freestanding structures, or placed so as to provide
direct
illumination on any exterior area or activity.
âShieldingâ means a barrier around a fixture that
helps conceal the lamp and control light distribution. A fixture that
is
âfully shieldedâ incorporates a solid barrier, emits no light rays
above the horizontal plane and effectively obscures visibility of the
lamp. A
fixture that is âpartially shieldedâ may allow some light to pass
through a semi-translucent barrier, and/or may allow visibility of the
lamp from
certain perspectives.
âTemporary lightingâ means lighting that is
intended to be used for a special event for seven days or less. (Ord.
03-09,
2003)
17.34.030 Applicability.
A. New Outdoor Lighting. All outdoor lighting
fixtures
installed after the effective date of this chapter shall conform to the
requirements established by this chapter.
B. Existing Outdoor Lighting. All existing outdoor
lighting
fixtures installed prior to the effective date of this chapter shall be
addressed as follows:
1. To immediately address nuisances caused by
improperly
installed, unshielded, or misdirected fixtures, all existing outdoor
lighting
fixtures shall be adjusted or modified to the extent practical to
reduce or
eliminate glare, light trespass, and light pollution.
2. All existing outdoor lighting fixtures located on
a
property that is part of an application for design review approval; a
conditional use permit; subdivision approval; or, a building permit for
a new
structure or addition(s) of twenty-five percent or more in terms of
gross floor
area, seating capacity, or parking spaces (either with a single
addition or
cumulative additions), shall meet the requirements of this chapter for
the
entire property. Such applications are required to include an outdoor
lighting
plan pursuant to Section 17.040.060. Conformity shall occur prior to
final
inspection, final plat recordation, or business license issuance, when
applicable.
3. All existing outdoor lighting fixtures on
property used
for commercial and industrial purposes not in conformance with this
chapter
shall be brought into conformance within three years from the date of
adoption
of this chapter, by May 21, 2006.
4. All existing outdoor lighting fixtures on property used
for residential, institutional, public, and semi-public uses not in
conformance
with this chapter shall be brought into conformance within two years
from the
date of adoption of this chapter, by May 21, 2005. (Ord. 03-09, 2003)
17.34.040 Exemptions.
A. The following are exempt from the provisions of
this
chapter:
1. Seasonal displays using multiple low wattage
bulbs
(approximately fifteen lumens or less), provided that they do not
constitute a
fire hazard, create a nuisance, and are maintained in a safe and
attractive
condition.
2. Vehicular lights and all temporary emergency
lighting
needed by the police department and fire protection district, or other
emergency
services.
3. All temporary lighting used for the construction
or
repair of roadways, utilities, and other public infrastructure.
4. All lighting required by state or federal
regulatory
agencies.
B. The community development director may authorize
additional property specific exemptions when proposed outdoor lighting
does not
conflict with the purposes of this chapter. An application for such an
exemption must be made in writing and include an outdoor lighting plan
pursuant
to Section 17.34.060. Temporary lighting for special events shall be
reviewed
in this manner. (Ord. 03-09, 2003)
17.34.050 General requirements.
The following general standards apply to all
non-exempt
outdoor lighting fixtures:
A. Nuisance Prevention. All outdoor lighting
fixtures shall
be designed, located, installed, aimed downward or toward
structures1, retrofitted if necessary, and maintained in
order to
prevent glare, light trespass, and light pollution.
B. Maintenance. Fixtures and lighting systems shall
be in
good working order and maintained in a manner that serves the original
design
intent of the system.
C. Lighting Levels. Outdoor lighting installations
shall be
designed to avoid harsh contrasts in lighting levels between the
project site
and the adjacent properties. The Mammoth Lakes planning commission may,
by
resolution, adopt standards for maximum or minimum lighting levels for
various
zoning districts and for public streets, sidewalks, or trails, as
developed by
the community development and public works departments.
D. Lamp Types. Metal halide or high pressure sodium
lamps
are preferred for all new commercial and industrial area lighting
(parking lot
and yard lights) and street lighting installed after the effective date
of this
chapter due to good color rendering and good energy efficiency. Low
pressure
sodium lamps may be used for area lighting, but are not preferred due
to poor
color rendering. Low wattage incandescent or compact fluorescent lamps
are
preferred for residential lighting.
E. Fixture Types. All new outdoor lighting shall use
full
cut-off luminaires with the light source downcast
_______________
1 An outdoor lighting fixture may only be aimed
against a
structure if the light is effectively contained by the structure and no
glare is
visible from off-site.
and fully shielded with no light emitted above the
horizontal
plane, with the following exceptions:
1. Fixtures that have a maximum output of four
hundred
lumens (equivalent to one forty-watt incandescent bulb) or less,
regardless of
the number of bulbs, may be left unshielded provided that it has an
opaque top
to prevent the light from shining directly up. However, partial (e.g.
obscured
glass) or full shielding is preferred to control light output in all
situations.
2. Fixtures that have a maximum output of one
thousand
lumens (equivalent to one sixty-watt incandescent bulb) or less may be
partially
shielded using a semi-translucent barrier, provided that the lamp is
not visible
from off-site, no direct glare is produced, and the fixture has an
opaque top to
keep light from shining directly up. For example, a low-output style
wall
pack.
3. Floodlights that do not meet the definition of
âfull cut-offâ may be used if permanently directed downward, if no
light is projected above the horizontal plane, and if and fitted with
external
shielding to prevent glare and off-site light trespass. Unshielded
floodlights
are prohibited.
F. Accent Lighting. Architectural features may be
illuminated by uplighting, provided that the light is effectively
contained by
the structure, the lamps are low intensity to produce a subtle lighting
effect,
and no glare or light trespass is produced. For national flags,
statues, public
art, or other objects of interest that cannot be illuminated with
down-lighting,
upward lighting may only be used in the form of one narrow-cone
spotlight that
confines the illumination to the object of interest.
G. The provisions of this chapter are not intended
to
prevent the use of any design, material, or method of installation or
operation
not specifically prescribed herein, provided that the community
development
director has approved any such alternative. An alternative proposal may
be
approved if it provides at least approximate equivalence to the
applicable
specific requirements of this chapter, or if it is otherwise
satisfactory and
complies with the intent of this chapter.
H. The town of Mammoth Lakes reserves the right to
further
restrict outdoor lighting including, but not limited to, pole height
and level
of illumination, when it is deemed in the public interest consistent
with the
purpose of this chapter. (Ord. 03-09, 2003)
17.34.060 Outdoor lighting plans.
A. An outdoor lighting plan shall be submitted in
conjunction with an application for design review approval; a
conditional use
permit; subdivision approval; or, a building permit for a new structure
or
addition(s) of twenty-five percent or more in terms of gross floor
area, seating
capacity, or parking spaces (either with a single addition or
cumulative
additions). An outdoor lighting plan is required for all new outdoor
lighting
installations on commercial (includes multi-family residential project
of four
or more units), industrial, public and institutional properties. The
community
development director may request outdoor lighting plans from applicants
for
other types of projects due to project location, size, or proposed use,
as
necessary. An outdoor lighting plan shall include at least the
following:
1. Manufacturer specification sheets, cut-sheets, or
other
manufacturer provided information for all proposed outdoor lighting
fixtures to
show fixture diagrams and light output levels;
2. The proposed location, mounting height, and
aiming point
of all outdoor lighting fixtures (a site plan is preferred); and,
3. If building elevations are proposed for
illumination,
drawings for all relevant building elevations showing the fixtures, the
portions
of the elevations to be illuminated, the illuminance level of the
elevations,
and the aiming point for any remote light fixture.
B. If needed to review the proposed outdoor lighting
fixture
installation, the community development director may require additional
information following the initial outdoor lighting plan submittal,
including but
not limited to a written narrative to demonstrate the objectives of the
lighting, photometric data, Color Rendering Index (CRI) of all lamps
and other
descriptive information on the fixtures, computer generated photometric
grid
showing footcandle readings every ten feet within the property or site
and ten
feet beyond the property lines (An iso-footcandle contour line style
plan may be
acceptable), and/or landscaping information to describe potential
screening.
C. The community development director may approve, deny, or
require modifications to any outdoor lighting plan in order to meet the
purpose
of this chapter. (Ord. 03-09, 2003)
17.34.070 Prohibitions.
A. The installation of any new fixture not in
conformance
with this chapter is prohibited after the effective date of this
chapter.
B. After January 1, 2004, suppliers of outdoor
lighting
fixtures within the town of Mammoth Lakes are prohibited from having an
inventory that does not include outdoor lighting fixtures that conform
to the
requirements of this chapter.
C. No outdoor lighting fixtures shall be installed,
aimed,
or directed to produce light that spills over into neighboring
properties or the
public right-of-way. Light trespass is prohibited.
D. No outdoor lighting fixture may be installed or
maintained in such a manner to cause glare visible from off-site.
E. No outdoor lighting fixture may be operated in
such a
manner as to constitute a hazard or danger to persons, or to safe
vehicular
travel.
F. Blinking, flashing, moving, revolving,
scintillating,
flickering, changing intensity, and changing color lights and
internally
illuminated signs are prohibited, except as allowed by Section
17.40.130.
G. The installation of new mercury vapor lamps is
prohibited.
H. Search lights, laser source lights, or any
similar
high-intensity light is prohibited except in emergencies by police and
fire
personnel or at their direction, or for approved temporary lighting
under a
special event permit issued by the community development director.
(Ord. 03-09,
2003)
17.34.080 Signs.
All outdoor lighting for commercial signs installed and
maintained pursuant to Chapter 17.40 shall conform to the provisions of
this
chapter. Light bulbs or lighting tubes used for sign illumination shall
not be
readily visible from the vehicular travel lanes, adjacent public
rights-of-way,
or adjoining properties. The intensity of sign lighting shall not
exceed that
necessary to illuminate and make legible a sign from the approved
location of
view, such as pedestrian walkway, adjacent travel way or closest town
street. (Ord. 03-09, 2003)
17.34.090 Outdoor performance, sport and recreation
facilities.
A. 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, and so that no significant off-site light trespass is
produced.
B. The main lighting shall be turned off as soon as possible
following the end of an event. Where feasible, a low level lighting
system
shall be used to facilitate patrons leaving the facility, cleanup,
nighttime
maintenance, and other closing activities. (Ord. 03-09, 2003)
17.34.100 Winter lighting for snow removal.
Property owners are encouraged to illuminate buildings
located within twenty feet of the public right-of-way during public
snow removal
activities. The purpose is to make buildings fronting public roads
visible in
order to assist road maintenance crews and minimize the chance of
property
damage during snow removal activities. It is only necessary to
illuminate a
portion of the building facade. This section is not intended as a
requirement
to illuminate the right-of-way, driveways, or any portion of the front
or side
yard (see Section 12.16.080). All such lighting must conform to the
requirements of this chapter for down-direction, shielding, glare and
light
trespass prevention. (Ord. 03-09, 2003)
17.34.110 Energy conservation measures.
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 is encouraged to be turned off after business hours and/or
when not in
use.
B. Where practical, outdoor lighting installations
are
encouraged to 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 activity off the subject property.
C. 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.
D. Indiscriminate and excessive lighting should be
avoided. Light should be directed only to where it is needed with
appropriate intensity. (Ord. 03-09, 2003)
17.34.120 Violations and penalties.
It shall be unlawful to install or operate any
outdoor
lighting fixture in violation of this chapter. Any person violating any
provisions of this chapter may be subject to the provisions of
municipal code
Chapter 8.32. In addition, any outdoor lighting fixture erected or
maintained
contrary to the provisions of this chapter may be declared to be a
public
nuisance subject to the procedures set forth in municipal code Chapter
8.20. Such remedies are in addition to and may be sought or imposed
concurrently with,
any other remedy provided by law, regulation, or ordinance. (Ord.
03-09,
2003)
17.34.130 Figures and diagrams.
The following figures illustrate examples of
acceptable and
unacceptable types of outdoor lighting fixtures. Note that even those
types of
fixtures shown as âacceptableâ must be installed and aimed properly
to comply with this chapter.
(Ord. 03-09, 2003)
17.34.140 Repeals.
The following Mammoth Lakes municipal code sections
are
hereby repealed only to the extent they are inconsistent with this
chapter:
|
5.24.170
|
Outdoor Festivals -- Illumination
|
|
12.16.080
|
Lighting Buildings at Night
|
|
17.16.090(A)
|
Exterior Lighting and Design Review --
Residential
Zones
|
|
17.16.150(M)(1)(e)(ii)
|
Parking Design and Development Standards --
Parking Area
Lighting
|
|
17.20.040(M)[1]
|
Exterior Lighting and Design Review --
Commercial
Zones
|
|
17.20.040(R)(1)(e)(ii)
|
Parking Design and Development Standards --
Parking Area
Lighting
|
|
17.24.080
|
Ancillary Facilities -- All Outdoor Lighting
Sources
|
|
17.24.140(5)(b)
|
Parking Design and Development Standards --
Parking Area
Lighting
|
|
17.28.620(H)
|
Development Standards -- Lighting
|
|
17.40.010(I)
|
Signs -- Purpose
|
|
17.40.050(D)
|
General Requirement of Signs -- Lighting
Requirements
|
(Ord. 03-09, 2003)
