Planning Division Dark-Sky Ordinance 90.02
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPE , ARIZONA , AMENDING CHAPTER 25 OF THE TEMPE CITY CODE , BY ADDING ARTICLE VIII RELATING TO THE CONTROL OF OUTDOOR LIGHT FIXTURES .
WHEREAS , unnecessary and / or improperly designed light fixtures emit undesirable illuminating light rays up into night sky ; and WHEREAS , said illumination is of no beneficial effect ; and
WHEREAS , said illumination is of detrimental effect on astronomical observation within Tempe and the State of Arizona .
NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPE , ARIZONA , that Chapter 25 of the Tempe City Code is amended by adding Article VIII thereto as follows :
Section 25-131 . Purpose and Intent
ARTICLE VIII OUTDOOR LIGHT CONTROL
This article is intended to restrict the permitted use of outdoor artificial illuminating devices emitting undesirable rays into the night sky which have a detrimental effect on astronomical observations .
Section 25-132 . Conformance with Applicable Codes and Ordinances
All outdoor artificial illuminating devices shall be installed in conformance with the provisions of this article , and applicable provisions of the zoning ordinance and this code . Where there is conflict between the provisions of this article and applicable provisions of the zoning ordinance or this code , the most restrictive shall govern .
Section 25-133 . Approved Materials and Methods of Installation
The provisions of this article are not intended to prevent the use of any material or method of installation not specifically prescribed by this article provided any such alternate has been approved . The Community Development Director or , for street lighting within the right-ofway , the Public Works Director , may approve any such alternate provided that the proposed design , material or method :
a . provides approximate equivalence to the specific requirements of this article or ;
b . is otherwise satisfactory and complies with the intent of this article .
Section 25-134 . Definitions
( a ) Outdoor Light Fixtures shall mean outdoor artificial illuminating devices , outdoor fixtures , lamps and other devices , permanent or portable , used for illumination or advertisement . Such devices shall include , but are no for :
1 . buildings and structures , including canopies and ov
2 . recreational areas
3 . parking lot lighting
4 . landscape lighting
5 . billboards and signs
6 . street lighting
7 . display and service areas
( b ) Installed shall mean the initial installation of outdo following the effective date of this article but shall not installed prior to such date .
( c ) Shielded , Fully . shall manner that light rays emitte through the lowest point on the mean fixtures that ar either directly from the lamp are projected below a ho light is emitted .
Section 25-135 . Shielding
All outdoor light fixtures except those exempted by Se Section 25-137 ( b ) shall be fully shielded as required i
Section 25-136 . Filtering
Those outdoor light fixtures required to be filtered by or translucent enclosures . ( Quartz glass does not mee
Section 25-137 . Requirements for Shielding and Filter
The requirements for shielding and filtering light emis be as set forth in the following table :
FIXTURE LAMP TYPE� Low Pressure Sodium ( 1 ) � High Pressure Sodium�
TABLE
REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIELDING
Appendix A : White Paper – Communities Addressing Light Pollution that Affect Nighttime Military Training