(Quick Notes - are just that, quick pages to save important information with minimal formatting and structure)
Draft Kern River Valley Specific Plan
(.pdf index)
Chapter
5. Conservation Element..........................................................................5-1
Light Pollution .........................................................................................5-8
(.pdf Page 30-31)
Implementation 2.1.7: Implement the Architectural Design (D)
Combining District to promote a more uniform architectural, site
planning, signage, lighting, and landscaping
design.
Implementation 2.1.8: The County shall identify Dark Sky principles to include the following:
a. All exterior lighting shall be designed to point downward to reduce
light and glare pollution onto neighboring properties and roadways.
b. All security lighting shall be connected to a timer and/or motion detector.
c. Exterior lighting shall use one of the following types of light:
Metal Halide, High Pressure Sodium, Fluorescent, or Low Pressure Sodium.
d. Exterior lighting shall be fully shielded. “Fully Shielded” denotes
lighting fixtures which are shielded, focused, or constructed so that
light rays do not project horizontally
or vertically up.
(.pdf Page 35)
Residential Land Use - Residential Issues
Some residents have unshielded lighting that is continually operating
throughout the night. Several residents feel that the unshielded
lighting detracts from the Kern River Valley dark sky attribute.
(.pdf Page 59, Document page 5-8)
Light Pollution
Light pollution is the adverse effect of man-made light and includes
sky glow, glare, light trespass, and light clutter. In the Kern River
Valley, light and glare pollution affect properties and structures, as
well as habitat and wildlife communities.
Light Pollution Issue
Unnatural lighting causes disturbances to night skies and wildlife.
Light Pollution Goal
Goal 5.4.1: Protect dark skies, and educate residents about the value and effectiveness of quality nighttime lighting.
Light Pollution Policies
Policy 5.4.1: Ensure that light and glare from discretionary new development projects are minimized.
Policy 5.4.2: The County shall promote Dark Sky principles (as defined)
in future residential, commercial, and industrial developments.
Light Pollution Implementation
Implementation 5.4.1: Implement the Architectural Design (D) Combining
District for commercial and industrial designated areas to promote the
Dark Sky principles identified below.
Implementation 5.4.2: The County shall identify Dark Sky principles to include the following:
a. All exterior lighting shall be designed to point downward in a
matter that will reduce light and glare pollution onto neighboring
properties and roadways.
b. All security lighting shall be connected to a timer and/or motion detector.
c. Exterior lighting shall use one of the following types of light:
Metal Halide, High Pressure Sodium, Fluorescent, or Low Pressure Sodium.
d. Exterior lighting shall be fully shielded. “Fully Shielded”
denotes lighting fixtures which are shielded, focused, or constructed
so that light rays do not project horizontally or vertically.
Implementation 5.4.3: Dark sky principles shall be included in the Architecture Design (D) Combining District.
Implementation 5.4.4: As part of discretionary permits approval, plans shall be reviewed for implementation of Dark Sky principles.
Created on ... March 15, 2007
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