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A. Lighting Plan. All sign permit applications, subdivision applications, site plan applications, building permit applications, and other development review applications within any zoning district shall include a lighting plan that shows evidence that the proposed lighting fixtures and light sources comply with this chapter. Lighting plans shall include the following:

1. Plans or drawings indicating the proposed location of lighting fixtures, height of lighting fixtures on the premises, and type of illumination devices. Plans shall also include information for lamps, supports, shielding and reflectors used, as well as installation and electrical details.

2. Illustrations, such as contained in a manufacturer’s catalog cuts, of all proposed lighting fixtures.

3. For commercial uses, photometric diagrams of proposed lighting fixtures are also required. In the event photometric diagrams are not available, the applicant must provide sufficient information regarding the light fixture, bulb wattage, and shielding mechanisms for the Planning Commission to be able to determine compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

4. A table showing the total amount of proposed exterior lights, by fixture type, wattage, lumens, and lamp type, for the purpose of calculating total outdoor lighting output.

B. Approval Procedure.

1. The lighting plan for all new development shall be submitted for approval concurrent with the associated application process.

C. Exemptions.

1. The following are exemptions from shielding and trespass requirements only, Section 17.09.063;

a. The lighting of federal or state flags; provided, that the light is a top-down and narrow beam aimed and shielded to illuminate only the flag.

b. Temporary string lighting:

i. Temporary string lighting, unless fully shielded, shall adhere to the lighting hours stated in Section 17.09.065.

ii. Temporary string lighting shall not flash, blink, fade, or strobe.

c. All lights exempted by this section shall be included in the calculation of total light output, Section 17.09.064, and shall comply with lighting color standards, Section 17.09.066.

2. The following are exemptions from general MOLO requirements, Sections 17.09.060 through 17.09.069:

a. Traffic control signals and traffic safety devices.

b. Emergency and safety lighting by emergency services. Searchlights, floodlights, laser source lights, strobe or flashing lights, or any similar high intensity lights are permitted when used in emergencies by police, fire, medical, and/or utility personnel or at their direction.

c. Temporary outdoor lighting intended as holiday or seasonal decorations displayed between October 15th and the following January 15th may remain on until ten p.m.

i. Temporary outdoor lighting intended as holiday or seasonal decorations may remain on all night; provided, that they do not create nuisance glare.

d. Lighting required by the Federal Aviation Administration or the Federal Communications Commission.

e. Special events that have been issued a permit pursuant to Title 4, Special Event and Street Performer Permits, shall be allowed temporary lighting for the duration of the event, provided such lighting does not create glare to motorists and complies with lighting hours, unless specifically outlined and approved within the event permitting.

f. Pathway lights less than eighteen inches in height are exempted from the fully shielded fixture requirement if the total light output from each pathway light is less than three hundred lumens. The fixture shall have a top that is opaque such that no light is directed upwards.

D. Exceptions.

1. The City may grant exceptions to Sections 17.09.060 through 17.09.069 when practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships exist that cause inconsistencies with the purpose and intent of the standards.

2. Requests for exceptions from the standards, policies, or submittal requirements of Sections 17.09.060 through 17.09.069 shall be submitted in writing with appropriate documentation and justification to the Zoning Administrator. Exception requests must, at minimum, contain the following:

a. Standards under which the applicant seeks an exception.

b. Justification for not complying with standards.

c. Proposed alternate criteria or standards to comply with the intent of the standards.

d. Supporting documentation, including necessary calculations.

e. The proposed exception’s potential adverse impacts for adjacent landowners.

f. An analysis of the exception request, signed by a qualified lighting technician, lighting architect, lighting engineer, lighting specialist, or lighting professional, depending on the topic of the request.

3. Upon receipt of a complete application for an exception, the Zoning Administrator shall prepare a statement to recommend that the exception be approved or denied or to request a modification of the proposed exception.

4. Exceptions shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission.

E. Variance.

1. An applicant requesting approval for lighting that does not conform to the standards and regulations located in Sections 17.09.060 through 17.09.069, beyond qualifying exemptions or exceptions, shall follow the procedures and findings requirements set forth in Chapter 17.72 – Administration and Enforcement. (Ord. 23-14, 2023; Ord. 19-03 Att. 1 (part), 2019)