12.65.240 Exterior Lighting.

 The standards of this section supersede Section 12.50.240 and shall apply in the South Hillsboro Plan District.

A.  Purpose. Lighting standards ensure that new development provides functional security for persons and property and allows extended use of properties into nighttime hours; lighting is installed and maintained to provide for an environmentally sensitive and energy efficient nighttime environment that includes the ability to view the stars against a dark sky from residential and other appropriate viewing areas; and ambient nighttime light levels do not adversely impact adjacent properties.

B.  Applicability. Except as provided in subsection F below, the standards of this section shall apply to all Type II and Type III development applications in which exterior lighting is proposed or required as a condition of approval, unless a Variance or Adjustment has been granted by the Review Authority pursuant to Section 12.80.140 Variances and Adjustments.

C.  Exterior Lighting Standards.

1.   Development applications shall include a lighting plan showing locations and specifications for all exterior lighting, including lighting used to illuminate streets, buildings, sidewalks, multi-use paths, parking lots, plazas, or open space areas. The lighting plan shall be evaluated during the land use approval process for compliance with the standards of this section.

2.   Lighting plans shall also show any proposed exterior architectural or aesthetic lighting used to create visual interest or emphasize building features. Aesthetic and architectural lighting shall also be evaluated during the land use approval process for compliance with the standards of this section.

3.   For safety purposes, lighting shall be provided throughout the on-site pedestrian circulation system, including street frontages, sidewalks, multi-use paths, parking lots, buildings, and plazas. The on-site pedestrian circulation system shall be lighted to a minimum level of 2 foot-candles and a maximum of 3 foot-candles to enhance pedestrian safety and allow use at night.

4.   Required bicycle parking lighting level shall be 3 foot-candles to allow secure use at night.

5.   The minimum lighting level for building entries of new multi-dwelling, retail, commercial, office, industrial and institutional buildings located within 300 feet of the property boundaries of a major transit stop shall be 4 foot-candles. The lighting level for all other primary building entrances shall be 3 foot-candles. Lights shall be 6 to 12 feet in height and the light source shall be shielded.

6.   Maximum lighting levels for parking lot lighting shall be 3 foot-candles.

7.   Fixtures on mixed-use and commercially zoned properties that are mounted to the underside of structures such as canopies, awnings, etc., (such as those found at gas stations, drive-through facilities, service stations and parking structures) shall be flush mounted to the canopy so that the lens does not protrude below the surface to which it is mounted. In instances where the canopy is not thick enough to accommodate a flush mount fixture, a fully shielded fixture may be utilized and mounted to the surface.

8.   Illumination of government flags is allowed provided the light fixtures direct the light downward or are fully shielded.

9.   Exterior lighting shall not blink, flash, or change color or intensity.

10. Foreground spaces, such as building entrances and plaza seating areas, shall use pedestrian-scale lighting that defines the space without glare. Background spaces such as parking lots shall be illuminated as unobtrusively as practicable to meet the functional needs of safe circulation and of protecting people and property.

11. Site lighting that could be confused with warning, emergency, or traffic signals is not permitted.

12. Site lighting that could be confused with airport lighting is not permitted.

D.  Light Trespass Standards. Maximum lighting levels at property lines shall not increase lighting level more than 1.1 lumens/square meter 10 feet beyond the property line or 5.4 lumens/square meter adjacent to non-residentially zoned property or public rights-of-way.

Figure 12.65.240-A:

Examples of Light Trespass

E.   Shielding. Any light source or lamp that emits more than 900 lumens (13 watt compact fluorescent or 60 watt incandescent) shall be concealed or shielded with an Illumination Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) full cut-off style fixture with an angle not exceeding 90 degrees to minimize the potential for glare and unnecessary diffusion on adjacent property. Examples of shielded light fixtures are shown in Figure 12.65.240-B:

Figure 12.65.240-B:

Examples of Shielded Light Fixtures

1.   Light fixtures shall be fully shielded.

2.   Light fixtures shall be installed and used in a manner such that light is directed downward, not outward or upward.

F.   Exemptions. The following types of lighting are not subject to the requirements of this section:

1.   Public street and right-of-way lighting (standards for street lighting are addressed in the Public Works Design and Construction Standards);

2.   Temporary decorative seasonal lighting illuminated no longer than 60 days;

3.   Temporary lighting for emergency or nighttime work and construction;

4.   Temporary lighting for theatrical, television and performance areas, or for special public events;

5.   Lighting for a special district, street or building that, according to an adopted City plan or ordinance, is determined to require special lighting aesthetics as part of its physical character;

6.   Lighting required and regulated by the FAA; and

7.   Lighting for outdoor recreational uses such as stadiums, driving ranges, ball diamonds, playing fields, tennis courts and similar uses, provided that:

a.   Light poles are not more than 80 ft. tall,

b.   Maximum illumination at the property line is not brighter than 21.5 lumens/square meter, and

c.   Exterior lighting is extinguished no later than 11:00 p.m. (Ord. 6401 § 1, 2022; Ord. 6322 § 1, 2019; Ord. 6110 § 8, 2015)