MODEL LIGHTING ORDINANCE - USER ’ S GUIDE MODEL LIGHTING ORDINANCE -
TEXT
I . PREAMBLE - User ’ s Guide
In general , the preamble is part of the ordinance but is typically not part of the code . It establishes the reasons why the municipality is undertaking these regulations .
Local governments may add other purposes to the Preamble including established local government environmental or energy goals that support the model lighting ordinance . The environmental impacts of outdoor lighting fall into two categories : carbon footprint ( energy used in the life of a lighting product ) and obtrusive light .
CARBON FOOTPRINT Cost & Impact of Mining the Materials Used
Energy Used in Production Energy Used during Product Life Disposal / Recylcing Costs
II . LIGHTING ZONES - User ’ s Guide
OBTRUSIVE LIGHT Impact on Humans
Impact on the Environment
Lighting zones reflect the base ( or ambient ) light levels desired by a community . The use of lighting zones ( LZ ) was originally developed by the International Commission on Illumination ( CIE ) and appeared first in the US in IES Recommended Practice for Exterior Environmental Lighting , RP-33-99 .
It is recommended that lower lighting zone ( s ) be given preference when establishing zoning criteria . Selection of lighting zone or zones should be based not on existing conditions but rather on the type of lighting environments the jurisdiction seeks to achieve . For instance , new development on previously rural or undeveloped land may be zoned as LZ-1 . Using lighting zones allows a great deal of flexibility and customization without the burden of excessive regulation . For example , a jurisdiction may choose to establish vertical lighting zones with the lighting zone at street level at a higher zone than the residential housing on upper levels .
I . PREAMBLE - Ordinance Text
The purpose of this Ordinance is to provide regulations for outdoor lighting that will :
a . Permit the use of outdoor lighting that does not exceed the minimum levels specified in IES recommended practices for night-time safety , utility , security , productivity , enjoyment , and commerce .
b . Minimize adverse offsite impacts of lighting such as light trespass , and obtrusive light .
c . Curtail light pollution , reduce skyglow and improve the nighttime environment for astronomy .
d . Help protect the natural environment from the adverse effects of night lighting from gas or electric sources .
e . Conserve energy and resources to the greatest extent possible .
The Lighting Zone shall determine the limitations for lighting as specified in this ordinance . The Lighting Zones shall be as follows :
LZ0 : No ambient lighting
II . LIGHTING ZONES - Ordinance Text
Areas where the natural environment will be seriously and adversely affected by lighting . Impacts include disturbing the biological cycles of flora and fauna and / or detracting from human enjoyment and appreciation of the natural environment . Human activity is subordinate in importance to nature . The vision of human residents and users is adapted to the darkness , and they expect to see little or no lighting . When not needed , lighting should be extinguished .
Appendix B : Model Lighting USER Ordianance ’ S GUIDE - Page 5 ORDINANCE TEXT - Page 5 Page B-5