Table of Contents

Outdoor Lighting

The city’s subdivision ordinance includes exterior lighting standards (Chapter 4, Article G). A substantial purpose statement notes the value of the dark sky and the importance of good outdoor lighting; it promotes dark sky principles to decrease light pollution and increase energy efficiency. 

The ordinance offers a list of definitions. It establishes standards for nonconforming (existing) lighting, including time limits, fixture modification, standards for light levels and light trespass, and amortization requirements for prohibited lighting types. The ordinance sorts the city’s zoning districts into 4 lighting districts and provides general requirements for lighting plans and reviews for new development, as well as detailed light pollution and light trespass controls. The code discusses exemptions and variances. It provides lighting standards, for districts 1 and 2 (commercial and industrial districts) and districts 3 and 4 (residential), as well as specific standards for parking lot lighting, exterior display/sales areas, security lighting, street lighting, gas station canopies, sports facilities, walkways and park areas, flags and art, and building facades. The code also addresses prohibited lighting types and enforcement.

Residential Infill Development

The city’s unified development code includes residential design standards to promote context-sensitive infill in established neighborhoods (Chapter 4, Article J). These standards address lot coverage, setbacks, pedestrian circulation, surface parking, retaining walls, solar access, refuse containers, architectural character, transitions to surrounding homes, garage orientation and design, building materials and color, and storage space.