Dobbins JLUS IMP Public Draft Light Pollution Study | Page 263

MODEL LIGHTING ORDINANCE - USER’S GUIDE
MODEL LIGHTING ORDINANCE - TEXT
VI. LIGHTING BY SPECIAL PERMIT ONLY - Ordinance Text
VI. LIGHTING BY SPECIAL PERMIT ONLY - User’s Guide
This section addresses types of lighting that are intrusive or complex in
their impacts and need a higher level of scrutiny and/or site sensitivity.
It should be noted that safety could be compromised if lighting
conforming to this ordinance is located adjacent to excessively
bright and/or glaring lighting.
It is important that the authority set clear and reasonable guidelines
for applying for a special lighting use permit, and establish rules and
procedures for granting or refusing them. They may differ from
existing special use policies, in which case one or the other may be
changed to achieve the overall goal of effective lighting without glare,
sky glow, or light trespass.
SPORTS FIELD LIGHTING
For athletic and sports fields, the appropriate level of lighting will depend
on the Class of Play and Facilities. Class of Play is divided into 4 categories,
depending on the number of fixed spectator seats. (Competition play
intended for nighttime TV broadcast may require higher lighting levels).
A. High Intensity and Special Purpose Lighting
The following lighting systems are prohibited from being installed or
used except by special use permit:
1. Temporary lighting in which any single luminaire exceeds 20,000
initial luminaire lumens or the total lighting load exceeds 160,000
lumens.
2. Aerial Lasers.
3. Searchlights.
4. Other very intense lighting defined as having a light source
exceeding 200,000 initial luminaire lumens or an intensity in any
direction of more than 2,000,000 candelas.
B
B. Complex and Non-Conforming Uses
Upon special permit issued by the Authority, lighting not complying with
the technical requirements of this ordinance but consistent with its intent
may be installed for complex sites or uses or special uses including, but
not limited to, the following applications:
1. Sports facilities, including but not limited to unconditioned rinks,
open courts, fields, and stadiums.
2. Construction lighting.
3. Lighting for industrial sites having special requirements, such as
petrochemical manufacturing or storage, shipping piers, etc.
4. Parking structures.
5. Urban parks
6. Ornamental and architectural lighting of bridges, public monuments,
statuary and public buildings.
7. Theme and amusement parks.
8. Correctional facilities.
CLASS I: Competition play at facilities with 5,000 or more fixed spectator seats.
(Professional, Colleges & Universities, some Semi-Professional & Large
Sports Cubs)
CLASS II: Games at facilities with over 1,500 fixed spectator seats. (Smaller
Universities and Colleges, some Semi-pro, large amateur leagues
and high schools with large spectator facilities)
CLASS III: Games at facilities with over 500 fixed spectator seats. (Sports
Clubs and amateur leagues, some high schools and large training
professional training facilities with spectator sections)
To obtain such a permit, applicants shall demonstrate that the proposed
CLASS IV: Competition or recreational play at facilities with 500 fixed
lighting installation:
spectator seats or less. Class IV Class of Play applies to games at
a. Has sustained every reasonable effort to mitigate the effects of
which family and close friends of the players and staff are usually
light on the environment and surrounding properties, supported
the majority of spectators. (Smaller amateur leagues, park and recreation
by a signed statement describing the mitigation measures. Such
department facilities, most Little Leagues smaller high schools,
statement shall be accompanied by the calculations required for
elementary and middle schools, and social events)
the Performance Method.
USER’S GUIDE - Page 21
Appendix B: Model Lighting Ordianance
ORDINANCE TEXT - Page 21
Page B-21