Planning Commission Meeting Date: April 18, 2024
To: Members of the Planning Commission
Jake Reilly, Community Development Director
From: Kim Lindquist, Planning Consultant WSB
Title
Consideration of draft ordinance relating to outdoor lighting standards. Section 3.3.4 Outdoor lighting standards are part of the General Development Standards found within Chapter 34-Land Development Code.
Body
Action Requested:
This is the first review by the Planning Commission of recommended language changes to the ordinance. The changes are proposed in order to implement recommendations in the city's Climate Action Plan and to address a stated desire to meet the goals of the "Dark Sky" initiative. Please review the draft and provide comment. A modified draft will be brought before the Commission in response to stated recommendations.
Summary Report:
The lighting standards have been reviewed, and modifications made, to address the strong interest in adopting dark sky standards for the community. While City staff and boards and commissioners recognize there are commercial and industrial uses which have a need for lighting, these standards have been modified to provide clarity in terms of materials and performance standards to assist in reducing overall lighting and glare impacts. The ordinance introduces a dampening of lighting after 11pm by 50% and also provides exceptions from this standard for certain establishments. This performance standard is new and should reduce overall lighting within the community during the later evening hours.
As can be seen from the ordinance draft, much of the language is already within the codified ordinance. Potential changes are found in strikeouts and underlines. Also attached is a working paper that has some information and ordinance reviews about dark sky standards for the Commission's information.
Staff Recommendation:
Provide staff direction so additional modifications to the ordinance can be made for final review prior to sc...
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