Truckee 2025 General Plan Update
1996 Truckee General Plan
Volume 1: Goals and Policies
Chapter 3 - Circulation Element
Circulation Policy 2.4
New and replacement road lighting shall use fixtures and light sources that minimize light pollution without compromising traffic safety.
Chapter 4 - Conservation and Open Space Element
Conservation and Open Space Policy 5.1
In the Development Code establish standards for outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution.
2003 General Plan Update
General Plan Update Introduction
CHAPTER 8
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR ADAPTIVE REUSE
F. When adapting historic landscapes and yards to
new uses, also maintain the historic character.
2) Develop a lighting design that is compatible with
the historic character as well.
CHAPTER 10
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR SITE FEATURES
6. Building & Site Lighting
Exterior lighting should be a subordinate element, so
that the stars in the night sky are visible. Traditionally,
exterior lights were simple in character. Most used
incandescent lamps. These were relatively low in intensity
and were shielded with simple shade devices.
This tradition should be continued.
A. Exterior building lights should be functional and
be in harmony with surrounding buildings.
1) Lights should not attract unnecessary attention
to any one building.
2) External light fixtures should be simple in design
and compatible with and complementary to the
style of the building. They may also be contemporary,
compatible designs.
3) Traditional materials such as baked enamel or
porcelain, oxidized copper and cast iron should
be used.
4) Steel, anodized aluminum or wood should be used
for light standards.
5) Individual building lights should be secondary;
whereas, the lighting of buildings should not detract
from the primary lighting system which provides
street and walkway illumination.
6) Lighting chaos and energy waste should be
avoided.
B. Minimize the visual impacts of site and archi- architectural
tectural lighting.
1) Indirect lighting should be used whenever possible
so that the light source is hidden from direct view.
2) Unshielded, high intensity light sources and those
that direct light upward are inappropriate.
3) Shield lighting that is associated with service areas
and parking lots.
4) See also the Truckee Development Code, chapter
18.30.060(D) for exterior lighting shielding
requirements.
CHAPTER 11
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR SIGNS
5. Sign Lighting
A Indirect lighting for a sign is permitted.
1) Direct light at the sign from an external, shielded
lamp is preferred.
2) While internal illumination is discouraged elsewhere
in Truckee, in the Downtown its use is inappropriate.
3) A warm light, similar to daylight, is preferred.
4) Light that shines directly in the eyes of pedestrians
is not recommended.
5) See also the Truckee Development Code, chapter
18.54.060(C) for more guidance regarding the
illumination of signs.
6) See also the Truckee Development Code, chapter
18.56.030(D) for more guidance regarding the
illumination of signs.
CHAPTER 22
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE HILLTOP CHARACTER AREA
8. Lighting
Those in the other parts of Truckee can easily see all
of the Hilltop Character Area. Light emanating from
within a building can have an effect upon the character
of the town at night. Large areas of glass can become
sources of glare and can affect perception of the
night sky. Lighting should be shielded or otherwise
minimized.
A. Reduce the amount of light emanating from
a development in the hillside.
1) Lighting from buildings located higher on hillsides
are more visible at night and may affect the night
character of the community.
2) Large areas of glass in exterior walls that may allow
"spill-over" of interior light sources, resulting
in nighttime glare, should be used with caution.