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_________________________________________________________________________________________ City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for June 4, 2014 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2014\PC 14-019 - Zoning Code Amendment - Lighting Regulations\Memos_14-019 Page 3 of 4 Discussion Staff has begun to research how other cities regulate lighting in their communities and has come across four general approaches to addressing the impact of exterior lighting on adjoining properties. These approaches are not mutually exclusive and can be used in combination with one another: 1. Limit the total overall amount of light that can be used on a site • This is typically addressed by setting an allowance for the total initial luminaire lumens allowed using a Parking Space Method (# of lumens per parking stall) or a Hardscape Area Method (# of lumens per square foot). • In order to determine compliance, a lighting plan would be required that includes the lumen output for each light fixture on the site. 2. Limit the maximum lumen level for individual exterior light fixtures • This can be addressed by setting a maximum allowable lumen rating for backlighting, uplighting, and glare for each light fixture. Communities that have taken this approach have set their standards based on recommendations made by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA). • In order to determine compliance, a lighting plan would be required that includes the specific ratings for backlighting, uplighting, and glare of each light fixture. 3. Limit light trespass from a property onto abutting properties • This can be addressed by setting a maximum footcandle level at or near the property line. Typically, specific maximum levels are set for residential properties, commercial/industrial properties, and public streets. • In order to determine compliance, a photometric analysis would be required that includes footcandle readings for the entire property area. 4. Limit light pollution, such as glare or sky glow, as viewed from abutting properties and public streets • This is addressed with prescriptive requirements on how light fixtures are designed. For example, lighting for a parking lot may be required to be “full cut-off style”, which describes a fully hooded light fixture that directs light straight down, or an accent light may need to be fully shielded to direct light only at the object being illuminated and not beam onto to adjacent properties or skyward. • Cities that have adopted this type of requirement also prohibit light fixtures that produce glare that is clearly visible beyond a property line or that creates a sensation within the visual field that causes impairment or discomfort. Other common regulations in municipal lighting ordinances include height limit restrictions and the prohibition of certain types of lights. Height restrictions apply to both parking lot light poles and exterior lighting mounted to a building wall. Some cities set a lower height limit for lights