§ 407.060. Outdoor Lighting., Chapter 407. General Development Standards, Unified Development Code, Code of Ordinances, Blue Springs

Intent. The intent of this Section is to:

Eliminate adverse impacts from spillover of light and glare on operators of motor vehicles, pedestrians, and land uses near light sources. With respect to motor vehicles in particular, safety considerations form the basis of these regulations. In other cases, both the nuisance and hazard aspects of glare are regulated.

Provide attractive and appropriate-scaled features for the public realm, streetscapes, common areas and other outdoor gathering places for people.

Provide sufficient illumination that allows safe and comfortable use of outdoor spaces, while minimizing the impact on adjacent property.

Applicability. The following standards shall apply to all exterior lighting except public streetlighting and other lighting that is specifically exempted.

Flickering And Flashing Lights. No flickering or flashing lights shall be permitted.

Light Location.

No fixtures that shine outward and create a glare from any adjoining or abutting residential district or any street right-of-way shall be permitted.

Lighting used to illuminate parking areas shall be arranged, located or screened to direct light away from any adjoining or abutting residential district or any street right-of-way.

Light sources of luminaires shall not be located within required setback yard areas except on pedestrian walkways.

Maximum Illumination And Luminaire Height.

Luminaires With No Cutoff. When the light source or luminaire has no cutoff, the following standards shall apply:

Table 407.060-1: Luminaires No Cutoff
Underlying Zoning District	Maximum Illumination (footcandles)	Maximum Luminaire Height (feet)
RE, SF-12, SF-7, TF, MF-10, MF-14, MF-18, N-L, N-O	0.20	10
NB, SO, PLOS	0.20	15
GB, RC, LI	0.30	20

Luminaires With Total Cutoff Angle Of Ninety Degrees (90°) Or More. When a luminaire has total cutoff angle of ninety degrees (90°) or more, the following standards shall apply:

Table 407.060-3: Luminaires 90° + Cutoff
Underlying Zoning District	Maximum Illumination (footcandles)	Maximum Luminaire Height (feet)
RE, SF-12, SF-7, TF, MF-10, MF-14, MF-18, N-L, N-O	0.50	20
NB, SO, PLOS	0.75	25
GB, RC	1.00	30
LI	1.50	35

Luminaires With Total Cutoff Angle Of Less Than Ninety Degrees (90°). When a luminaire has total cutoff angle of less than ninety degrees (90°) and is located so that the bare light bulb, lamp, or light source is completely shielded from the direct view of an observer five (5) feet above the ground at the point where the cutoff angle intersects the ground, the following standards shall apply:

Table 407.060-3: Luminaires 90° - Cutoff
Underlying Zoning District	Maximum Illumination (footcandles)	Maximum Luminaire Height (feet)
RE, SF-12, SF-7, TF, MF-10, MF-14, MF-18, N-L, N-O	0.50	20
NB, SO, PLOS	2.00	30
GB, RC	3.00	40
LI	4.00	50

Exemptions. Because of their unique requirements for nighttime visibility and their limited hours of operation, ball diamonds, playing fields, and tennis courts shall be exempt from the maximum illumination and luminaire height standards of this Section, provided that lights used for such activities shall not exceed a maximum post height of eighty (80) feet. Ball diamonds, playing fields, and tennis courts may exceed a total cutoff angle of ninety degrees (90°), provided that the luminaire is shielded to prevent light and glare spill over to adjacent property zoned SF-7 or less intensive. The maximum permitted illumination at the lot line of SF-7 or less intensive property shall not exceed two (2) footcandles.

Measurements.

Metering Equipment. Lighting levels shall be measured in footcandles with a direct-reading, portable light meter. The meter shall have a color and cosine-corrected sensor with multiple scales and shall read within an accuracy of plus or minus five percent (5%).

Method Of Measurement. The meter sensor shall be mounted not more than six (6) inches above ground level in a horizontal position. Readings shall be taken only after the cell has been exposed long enough to provide a constant reading. Measurements shall be made after dark when the light source in question is turned on, then when it is turned off. The difference between the two (2) readings shall be compared to the maximum permitted illumination and property line at ground level. This procedure eliminates the effects of moonlight and other ambient light.

Exterior Lighting Plan. At the time any exterior lighting is installed or substantially modified, and whenever a building permit is sought, an exterior lighting plan shall be submitted to the Director of Community Development in order to determine whether the requirements of this Section have been met.

Color Of Light Source. Lighting fixtures should be color-correct types, such as halogen, metal halide or high-pressure sodium vapor, to ensure true color at night and ensure visual comfort for pedestrians. Low-pressure sodium vapor lighting is permissible, especially in developments where energy-efficiency is a priority. Mercury vapor lighting is strongly discouraged.