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HomeMy WebLinkAbout062-26 (OrdAmendmentChapter165Zoning(OutdoorLightingStandards)) ORDINANCE Action: PLANNING COMMISSION: November 5, 2025 Recommended Approval BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: December 10, 2025 Public Hearing held; Tabled BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: Febru.ry 11, 2026 Ado)ted TO AMEND CHAPTER 165 ARTICLE II SUPPLEMENTARY USE REGULATIONS; PARKING; BUFFERS; AND REGULATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USES PART 201 SUPPLEMENTARY USE REGULATIONS §165-201.07—OUTDOOR LIGHTING STANDARDS WHEREAS, a proposal to amend Chapter 165 — Zoning Ordinance to amend supplementary use regulations for outdoor lighting contained in §165-201.07 to: modernize outdoor lighting standards, review illumination levels, review photometric plan requirements and incorporate LED lighting standards; and WHEREAS, the Development Review and Regulations Committee (DRRC) met and discussed the proposed amendment at their September 25, 2025, regular meeting; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed ordinance amendment on November 5, 2025, and recommended approval of the ordinance amendment; and WHEREAS, the Frederick County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on this proposed ordinance amendment on December 10, 2025, and tabled action; WHEREAS, the Frederick County Board of Supervisors discussed this proposed ordinance amendment on February 11, 2026; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Frederick County Board of Supervisors, that in the interest of public health, safety, general welfare, and good zoning practice, the amendment to Chapter 165—Zoning Ordinance to:modernize outdoor lighting standards,review illumination levels, review photometric plan requirements and incorporate LED lighting standards is adopted. Passed this 1 Ith, day of February 2026 by the following recorded vote: John F. Jewell, Chairman Aye Jason C. Aikens Aye Albert L. Orndorff Aye Robert W. Wells Aye No. 062-26 Michael D. Guevremont Aye Robert T. Liero Aye Gary R. Oates Aye A COPY ATTEST Michael Bollhoefe Frederick County A inistrator No. 062-26 ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT Outdoor Lighting Standards Staff Report for the Board of Supervisors Prepared: February 5, 2026 Staff Contact: M. Tyler Klein,AICP, Senior Planner Executive Summary: Meeting Schedule Development Review and Regulations Action: None Committee: September 25, 2025 Planning Commission: November 5, 2025 Action: Recommended approval Board of Supervisors: December 10, 2025 Action: Public hearing held; tabled Board of Supervisors: February 11, 2026 Action: Pending Proposal This is a proposal to amend Chapter 165 -Zoning Ordinance to amend supplementary use regulations for outdoor lighting contained in §165-201.07. Current Standard As stated in the ordinance, "the purpose and intent of this section is to establish outdoor lighting standards that reduce the impacts of glare, light trespass and overlighting; promote safety and security; and encourage energy conservation." The outdoor lighting standards section was last comprehensively updated in 2009. Planning & Zoning Staff Analysis: This ordinance amendment was initiated by staff at the request of the Board of Supervisors to address stated concerns regarding lighting levels and light trespass, particularly on residential and rural properties that adjoin industrial development. The purpose and intent of this amendment was to make incremental changes to better implement desired lighting levels, incorporate best practices, where appropriate, and to maintain the business-friendly nature of the ordinance. Following the Board of Supervisors public hearing on December 3, 2025, staff made additional revisions to address Board comments (and subsequent comments received following the meeting from Board members). This includes: • Revisions to C(1) to clarify whom may prepare lighting plans to include Professional Engineers (PE), in addition to qualified members for the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP), the American Lighting Association (ALA) or accepted equivalent professional certification approved by the Zoning Administrator. Page 2 of 9 • Revisions to D(1) to further define "high security areas" as "automated teller machines (ATMs), motor vehicle display areas, vehicle fuel station canopies, outdoor storage areas, and loading docks." • Removal of D(5), which previously proposed (November 2025) extinguishing lights when not in use, to address stated concerns regarding safety and security of properties and structures when not open to the public. Other Jurisdictions & Best Practices: Staff reviewed the regulations for outdoor lighting standards in other Virginia localities, including Albermarle County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Rocking County and Stafford County. While Frederick County's lighting standards generally conformed with neighboring jurisdictions in how the ordinance is applied and enforced, the County's average illumination levels were sometimes 2 or 3 times higher than others. In addition to reviewing other Virginia locality lighting standards, staff reviewed best practices from lighting professional groups and the American Planning Association (APA), consulted with Parks and Recreation staff and their lighting consultants regarding lighting for recreational areas, and discussed the proposed changes with the County Sherriff's Office regarding safety and security as it pertains to appropriate lighting levels. The Sheriff's Office did not express any concerns with the proposed ordinance amendment. Proposed Standard (additions boldlitalicizedlunderlined): Chapter 165 —Zoning Ordinance Article II Supplementary Use Regulations; Parking; Buffers; and Regulations for Specific Uses Part 201 Supplementary Use Regulations §165-201.07 Outdoor lighting standards. The purpose and intent of this section is to establish outdoor lighting standards that reduce the impacts of glare, light trespass and a o�rg over lighting; promote appearance, safety, Productivity, enioyment, commerce and security; and encourage energy conservation to the -reatest extent possible. A. Applicability and general provisions. Except as provided in Subsection F of this section, these standards shall apply to the installation of new outdoor lighting fixtures or the replacement of existing fixtures. Replacement of a fixture shall mean a change of fixture type or change to the mounting height or location of the fixture. Routine lighting fixture maintenance, such as changing lamps or light bulbs, ballast, starter, photo control, Page 3 of 9 housing, lenses and other similar components, shall not constitute replacement and shall be permitted, provided such changes do not result in a higher footcandle output. B. General outdoor lighting standards. 1) All outdoor lighting fixtures shall be designed to meet the following criteria: a) Fully shielded, aimed, downcast(i.e. full-cutoff), located and maintained to shield adjacent properties and to not produce glare onto adjacent properties or road rights-of-way. Shielding means that the outdoor li,-htin,-fixture is constructed so that all of the li'-ht emitted by the fixture is proiected below the horizontal plane of the lowest point Of the fixture.Any structural part of the luminaire providin'-this shieldin,-shall be permanently affixed so that no light is able to be emitted above the horizontal plane. -Par4ing let fi�Eter-es and UNSHIELDED PARTIALLY SHIELDED FULLY SHIELDED b) For multifamily residential and residential parking lots use of*a warm toned or filtered Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) not to exceed 3000 Kelvin (K). For non-residential uses and high security areas use of a neutral toned or filtered CCT not to exceed 4000 K. d) Meet the DarkSky International Approved Luminaries certification, Illuminatin-En-ineerin-Society of North American (IESNA), or Zonin,-Administrator accepted equivalent certification for likhtin'- products. alto- ate par-king!at fi�Ettir-es so long as the intent of this seetion; et 2) Flashing, revolving, or intermittent exterior lighting visible from any property line or street shall be prohibited. Directional fixtures for advertisement purposes, such as but not limited to high-intensity beams, lasers or strobe lights, shall be prohibited. When permitted, directional fixtures shall be installed or aimed so that they do not shine skyward and to ensure that the light source is not visible from adjacent properties or road rights-of-way. Page 4 of 9 3) Free-standing pole-mounted light t fixtures, including mounting base, shall not be more than 20 feet in parkin,-areas within or adiacent to a,-ricultural or residential uses, and shall not be more than 25 feet in height above finished grade where adioinin,-all other uses. On land in the B3 (Industrial Transition), M1 (Light Industrial), M2 (Industrial General), EM (Extractive Manufacturing) and TM (Technology-Manufacturing)Zoning Districts that is contained within an approved master development plan, the Zoning Administrator may allow ree- standing pole-mounted light fixtures to exceed 25 feet in height if additional security is required, provided that the site is not adjacent to property used for residential or agricultural uses. In no case shall light fixtures in the B3, M1, M2, EM and TM Districts exceed 45 feet in height. 4) Light fixtures shall be placed outside of the paved areas of a site and be setback a minimum of 10 feet from adioinin,-property lines and roadways. Light fixtures shall be placed within landscaped islands or in the perimeter green space of the site. The Zoning Administrator may allow light fixtures to be placed in alternative locations for uses such as motor vehicle display areas or storage areas so long as the intent of this section is met. Bollards shall be provided around the pole base where the fixture is sited outside of a landscaped island or perimeter preen space. 5) Building-mounted or wall-pack lighting fixtures shall not be mounted more than 25 feet 20 feet above the finished grade of the building where the building face is adiacent to agricultural or residential uses, and no more than 25 feet in height above finished grade where adioinin,-all other uses. These fixtures shall meet the "General Outdoor Lighting Standards"contained in section BO) above. he shielded (ftill etitE)4) s that the light satir-ee is t. sible f of .,dj o s er-read rights ef way. Nen etiteff wall paek lighting fi�Etar-es shall net be pefm4ted-. 6) All lighting shall be oriented not to direct glare or excessive illumination onto streets in a manner that may distract or interfere with the vision of drivers on such streets. 7) Lighting used to illuminate flags, statues, signs or any other objects mounted on a pole, pedestal or platform, spotlighting or floodlighting used for architectural or landscape purposes shall consist of full-cutoff or directionally shielded lighting fixtures that are aimed and controlled so that the directed light shall be substantially confined to the object intended to be illuminated. Directional control shields shall be used where necessary to limit stray light and to ensure that no light source is visible from or causes glare on adjacent properties or road rights- of-way. Page 5 of 9 C. Photometric plan requirements. 1) A photometric lighting plan shall be submitted and approved in conjunction with any site plan required by Article VIII or subdivision design plan as required by Chapter 144 of the Frederick County Code. A photometric plan submitted with site plans shall be current(loss than tin days aid) and must be wed prepared by either a Professional En,-ineer (PE), qualified member of the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP), theAmerican Li,-htin,-Association (ALA) or accepted equivalent professional certification approved by the Zoning Administrator. , 2) All such required plans shall include the following: a) Plans indicating the location on the premises of all free-standing and building-mounted lighting fixtures, both proposed and already existing on the site, including a schematic layout of proposed outdoor lighting fixture locations that demonstrate adequate intensities and uniformity, and the light coverage resulting from the proposed lighting layout. b) Description of all free-standing and building-mounted lighting fixtures, both proposed and existing, which shall include but are not limited to catalog cuts and illustrations by manufacturers that describe the equipment, including lamp types, wattage and initial lumen outputs, correlated color temperature (CCT), glare-control devices, lamps, proposed placement of all fixtures, including engineering detail of fixtures, manufacturer, model and installation of same. c) Photometric data, such as that furnished by manufacturers or similar, showing the angle cut-off light emissions and glare-control devices. d) Mounting height of all free-standing and building-mounted fixtures. e) Aiming angles and diagrams for recreational facilities lighting fixtures, includin-maximum angles for adjustable li,-ht sources. D. Outdoor lighting standards for nonresidential uses. 1) The average maintained horizontal lighting levels for nonresidential uses shall not exceed the following standards, unless a lower limit is set forth in this subsection: a) 4;e-e 5.0 footcandles for parking lots, pedestrian walkways, internal vehicle travel ways, and loading areas. b) 4�er5_0 footcandles along fronts of buildings and .,long main drive aisles. c) Twenty 15.0 footcandles for high-security areas, limited to the following: automated teller machines (ATMs), motor vehicle display areasLa4+d vehicle fuel station canopies, outdoor stora,-e areas, and loadin,-docks. Page 6 of 9 2) Light fixtures under fuel station canopies or any other canopy shall consist of full- cutoff lighting fixtures where the light source is either fully shielded Eby 4ttsh or recessed within the underside of the canopy and utilize only flat lenses or windows. The portions of the canopy not included in the sign area shall not be illuminated. All canopy lighting shall be recessed sufficiently so as to ensure that no light source is visible from or causes glare on adjacent properties or road rights-of-way. 3) Lighting levels shall not exceed 0.2 footcandle at any common property line with property zoned, used as or planned for residential or agricultural uses. In addition, all light poles shall be equipped with supplemental opaque shielding on the residential property side of the lighting fixture to reduce glare caused by direct light source exposure. 4) Lighting levels shall not exceed 1.0-5-0 footcandles at any common property line with property zoned or used for commercial or industrial uses, and at any edge of a property line adjacent to a road right-of-way. E. Outdoor lighting standards for multifamily uses and residential parking lots. 1) The average maintained horizontal lighting levels for multifamily developments shall not exceed 0.5 footcandle at property line boundaries, except as follows: a) At any property line boundary with property zoned, used, or planned for residential or agricultural purposes: 0.2 footcandle; and b) At any edge of a property line adjacent to a road right-of-way: €x e f 1. 1.5 footcandles aloe,-arterial roadways. 2. 1.0 footcandles aloe,-collector roadways. 3. 0.5 footeandles aloe,-local streets. 2) The average maintained horizontal lighting levels at buildings, parking lots, and other areas shall be as follows: set a) 5.0 footcandles at buildin,-entrances, walkways and pathways. b) 2.0 footeandles in off-street residential parking lots. c) 0.5 footcandles in common open spaces areas. F. Lighting standards for recreational facilities in all zoning districts shall conform to the followin-requirements:- 1) Lighted recreational facilities shall conform to the requirements set forth in the most current editions of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA)RP-6 Recommended Practice for Sports and Recreational Area Lighting and the IESNA Lighting Handbook. Appropriate lighting criteria shall be selected based on the class of play of the facility and participants as defined by the IESNA. Page 7 of 9 2) Lighted recreational facilities in all zoning districts shall be turned off within 30 minutes after the last event or 11:00PM, whichever is earlier. No outdoor recreational facility, public or private, shall be illuminated after 11:00 p.m. except to conclude a specific activity or tournament which is in progress under such illumination prior to 11:00 p.m. 3) Lighting fixtures shall be installed to meet the criteria of a cutoff fixture and shall include internal and/or external glare-control louvers to minimize light trespass on adioinin,-properties and roadways. Li,-htin,-designs must ensure that horizontal illuminance at a distance of 150 feet from the ed'-e of the field does not exceed 0.5 footcandles when measured horizontally at-round level. Furthermore, all lig-htin-systems shall comply with recommended International Commission oflllumination (CIE) "Guide on the Limitation of* the Effects of Obtrusive Li,-ht from Outdoor Li,-htin,-Fixtures" Table 2.3 (Maximum Values for Intensity of Luminaires in Desig-nated Directions) to control off-site luminous intensity, Specifically: a) The luminous intensity from any luminaire at a height of 5 feet above kround level at a distance of*150 feet from the field perimeter shall not exceed the maximum values specified in CIE Table 2.3 to protect surroundinz areas from excessive Aare and li,-ht trespass. b) Lighting installations shall demonstrate compliance throe,-h a photometric report or equivalent modelin,-that references the maximum values referenced in F(3) above, ensurin'-that the desi,-n meets all applicable limits for Aare and luminous intensity in all desig-nated directions. 4) Initial lighting levels shall not exceed the target levels specified by the IESNA by more than 30%to account for light loss factors such as lamp lumen depreciation and luminaire dirt depreciation. 5) All light fixtures/light poles shall not exceed the maximum height recommended by INESA for the specific recreation facility, be set ba k - f ene feet, for-evefy feat in height ffafn any residential E)r-agr-ietikur-al pr-E)pel4y line EW FE)ad right ef Way. G. Exemptions from Lighting Ordinance. The following lighting is exempt from the provisions of this section: 1) Lighting fixtures and standards required by the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal and State Occupational Safety and Health Administrations, or other federal or state agencies, to include st.-, 1i ± streetlights within a public or private right-of-way. 2) Outdoor lighting fixtures required by law enforcement, fire and rescue, the Virginia Department of Transportation or other emergency response agencies to Page 8 of 9 perform emergency or construction repair work, or to perform nighttime road construction on major thoroughfares. 3) Lighting located on properties developed with residential uses (unless regulated by Subsection E) or agricultural uses, including but not limited to residential security lighting controlled and activated by motion sensors or timing devices. 4) Lighting for holiday decorative purposes pur-poses. 5) Lighting for civic activities, fairs or carnivals, provided that the lighting is temporary. Meeting Summary & Requested Action: The Board of Supervisors authorized staff to proceed with committee review and to advertise for public hearings at their September 10, 2025, regular meeting. The Development Review and Regulations Committee (DRRC) discussed the proposed amendment on September 25, 2025. In general, the DRRC was supportive of the proposed amendment, noting support for changes to lighting heights and illumination levels adjoining residential and agricultural areas. The committee expressed concern about what happens to establishments when they need to change lighting fixtures; for example, swapping incandescent fixtures for LED fixtures. After discussions with the Zoning Administrator, fixture replacements would be allowed, however should an establishment seek additional lighting fixtures, to modify where fixtures are located on site, or change the mounting height of fixtures, they would need to comply with any new requirements. The DRRC also noted the need for differentiation between commercial/industrial lighting and residential lighting for correlated color temperature (CCT). Following the committee meeting, staff have revised the requirement and increased the CCT for C/I and high security lighting areas. In response to DRRC comments, staff also modified the proposed amendment for building-mounted fixture height for non-residential uses and specified illumination levels for loading docks. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on November 5, 2025. Four (4) members of the public spoke during the public hearing. Citizen comments noted that changes to the lighting ordinance were a step in the right direction and would further address community health, light pollution and glare. Commissioners in their discussion ask staff to clarify enforcement, nonconforming lighting, and general safety of the community. The Commission expressed support for the changes to address concerns where residential and agricultural uses adjoining commercial and industrial uses while also maintaining the business-friendly nature of the ordinance. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed ordinance amendment (Commission Markert—absent, Gainesboro—vacant). The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on December 10, 2025. Two (2) members of the public spoke. Public comments noted support for updating the ordinance to implement LED standards and bring down lighting levels across the County. Following the public hearing, the Board requested staff clarify what qualifies as a "high security area" for lighting exemption and Page 9 of 9 requirements for lighting to be turned off when not in use. The Board unanimously recommended action on the proposed amendment be tabled until a later date. A public hearing was held on December 10, 2025. Following a discussion, staff are seeking a decision from the Board of Supervisors on this ordinance amendment Proposed Changes—Outdoor Lighting Standards Revised February 5,2026 Chapter 165—Zoning Ordinance Article II Supplementary Use Regulations;Parking;Buffers; and Regulations for Specific Uses Part 201 Supplementary Use Regulations §165-201.07 Outdoor lighting standards. The purpose and intent of this section is to establish outdoor lighting standards that reduce the impacts of glare,light trespass and e:ver4ightiag over lighting;promote appearance, safety,productivity,enjoyment, commerce and security; and encourage energy conservation to the greatest extent possible. A. Applicability and general provisions. Except as provided in Subsection F of this section,these standards shall apply to the installation of new outdoor lighting fixtures or the replacement of existing fixtures. Replacement of a fixture shall mean a change of fixture type or change to the mounting height or location of the fixture. Routine lighting fixture maintenance, such as changing lamps or light bulbs,ballast, starter,photo control,housing,lenses and other similar components, shall not constitute replacement and shall be permitted,provided such changes do not result in a higher footcandle output. B. General outdoor lighting standards. 1) All outdoor lighting fixtures shall be designed to meet the following criteria: al Fully shielded, aimed,downcast(i.e. full-cutoff),located and maintained to shield adjacent properties and to not produce glare onto adjacent properties or road rights-of-way.Shielding means that the outdoor lighting fixture is constructed so that all of the li,-ht emitted by the fixture is projected below the horizontal plane of the lowest point of the fixture.Any structural part of the luminaire providing this shielding shall be permanently affixed so that no light is able to be emitted above the horizontal plane. D444ng e"w.uFes� A- L L. UNSHIELDED PARTIALLY SHIELDED FULLY SHIELDED b) For multifamily residential and residential parking lots use of warm toned or filtered Correlated Color Temperature(CCT) not to exceed 3000 Kelvin Proposed Changes—Outdoor Lighting Standards Revised February 5,2026 c2 For non-residential uses and high security areas use of a neutral toned or filtered CCT not to exceed 4000 K. Meet the DarkSky International Approved Luminaries certification, Illuminatinz Enzineerinz Society of North American(IESNA), or Zoning Administrator accepted equivalent certification for lizhtinz products. 2) Flashing,revolving,or intermittent exterior lighting visible from any property line or street shall be prohibited. Directional fixtures for advertisement purposes, such as but not limited to high-intensity beams,lasers or strobe lights, shall be prohibited.When permitted,directional fixtures shall be installed or aimed so that they do not shine skyward and to ensure that the light source is not visible from adjacent properties or road rights-of-way. 3) Free-standing pole-mounted light Light fixtures,including mounting base,shall not be more than 20 feet in parking areas within or adiacent to agricultural or residential uses, and shall not be more than 25 feet in height above finished grade where adjoining all other uses. On land in the B3 (Industrial Transition),M1 (Light Industrial),M2 (Industrial General),EM(Extractive Manufacturing)and TM(Technology- Manufacturing)Zoning Districts that is contained within an approved master development plan,the Zoning Administrator may allow free-standing pole-mounted light fixtures to exceed 25 feet in height if additional security is required,provided that the site is not adjacent to property used for residential or agricultural uses. In no case shall light fixtures in the B3,M1,M2,EM and TM Districts exceed 45 feet in height. 4) Light fixtures shall be placed outside of the paved areas of a site and be setback a minimum of 10 feet from adioininz property lines and roadways. Light fixtures shall be placed within landscaped islands or in the perimeter green space of the site.The Zoning Administrator may allow light fixtures to be placed in alternative locations for uses such as motor vehicle display areas or storage areas so long as the intent of this section is met. Bollards shall be provided around the pole base where the fixture is sited outside of a landscaped island or perimeter green space. 5) Building-mounted or wall-pack lighting fixtures shall not be mounted more than-5 feet 20 feet above the finished grade of the building where the building face is adjacent to agricultural or residential uses; and no more than 25 feet in height above rinished grade where adjoining all other uses.These fixtures shall meet the "General Outdoor Lighting Standards"contained in section B(1) above.be shielded(fl l l etA ff so that the light setffee is nelvisible from adjaeeal pr-epeAies or-read r-igh4s of way.Non et4e 6) All lighting shall be oriented not to direct glare or excessive illumination onto streets in a manner that may distract or interfere with the vision of drivers on such streets. 7) Lighting used to illuminate flags, statues, signs or any other objects mounted on a pole, pedestal or platform, spotlighting or floodlighting used for architectural or landscape purposes shall consist of full-cutoff or directionally shielded lighting fixtures that are aimed and controlled so that the directed light shall be substantially confined to the object intended to be illuminated. Directional control shields shall be used where necessary to Proposed Changes—Outdoor Lighting Standards Revised February 5,2026 limit stray light and to ensure that no light source is visible from or causes glare on adjacent properties or road rights-of-way. C. Photometric plan requirements. 1) A photometric lighting plan shall be submitted and approved in conjunction with any site plan required by Article VIII or subdivision design plan as required by Chapter 144 of the Frederick County Code.A photometric plan submitted with site plans shall be current (loss than 60 days eld4 and must be eei4ified prepared by either a Professional Engineer (PE), qualified member of the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions(NCQLP),the American Lighting Association(ALA) or accepted equivalent Professional certification approved by the Zoninz Administrator. 2) All such required plans shall include the following: a) Plans indicating the location on the premises of all free-standing and buildin - mounted lighting fixtures,both proposed and already existing on the site, including a schematic layout of proposed outdoor lighting fixture locations that demonstrate adequate intensities and uniformity, and the light coverage resulting from the proposed lighting layout. b) Description of all free-standing and building-mounted lighting fixtures,both proposed and existing,which shall include but are not limited to catalog cuts and illustrations by manufacturers that describe the equipment,including lamp types,wattage and initial lumen outputs,correlated color temperature(CCT), glare-control devices,lamps,proposed placement of all fixtures,including engineering detail of fixtures,manufacturer,model and installation of same. c) Photometric data,such as that furnished by manufacturers or similar, showing the angle cut-off light emissions and glare-control devices. d) Mounting height of all free-standing and building-mounted fixtures. e) Aiming angles and diagrams for recreational facilities lighting fixtures, including maximum ankles for adiustable light sources. D. Outdoor lighting standards for nonresidential uses. 1) The average maintained horizontal lighting levels for nonresidential uses shall not exceed the following standards,unless a lower limit is set forth in this subsection: a) 5.0 footcandles for parking lots,pedestrian walkways, internal vehicle travel ways, and loading areas. b) Tenr5_0 footcandles along fronts of buildings and a rg main drive aisle c) Twenty 15.0 footcandles for high-security areas,limited to the following: automated teller machines(ATMs),motor vehicle display areasi vehicle fuel station canopies,outdoor storaze areas, and loading docks. 2) Light fixtures under fuel station canopies or any other canopy shall consist of full-cutoff lighting fixtures where the light source is either fully shielded eefflplelely R or recessed within the underside of the canopy and utilize only flat lenses or windows.The portions of the canopy not included in the sign area shall not be illuminated.All canopy lighting shall be recessed sufficiently so as to ensure that no light source is visible from or causes glare on adjacent properties or road rights-of-way. Proposed Changes—Outdoor Lighting Standards Revised February 5,2026 3) Lighting levels shall not exceed 0.2 footcandle at any common property line with property zoned,used as or planned for residential or agricultural uses.In addition, all light poles shall be equipped with supplemental opaque shielding on the residential property side of the lighting fixture to reduce glare caused by direct light source exposure. 4) Lighting levels shall not exceed 1_0-5-0 footcandles at any common property line with property zoned or used for commercial or industrial uses, and at any edge of a property line adjacent to a road right-of-way. E. Outdoor lighting standards for multifamily uses and residential parking lots. 1) The average maintained horizontal lighting levels for multifamily developments shall not exceed 0.5 footcandle at property line boundaries,except as follows: a) At any property line boundary with property zoned,used,or planned for residential or agricultural purposes: 0.2 footcandle; and b) At any edge of a property line adjacent to a road right-of-way: €xe f 1. 1.5 footcandles along arterial roadways. 2. 1.0 footcandles along collector roadways. 3. 0.5 footcandles alonz local streets. 2) The average maintained horizontal lighting levels at buildings,parking lots, and other areas shall be as follows: a) 5.0 footcandles at building entrances,walkways and pathways. b) 2.0 footcandles in off-street residential parking lots. c) 0.5 footcandles in common open spaces areas. F. Lighting standards for recreational facilities in all zoning districts shall conform to the following requirements:- 1) Lighted recreational facilities shall conform to the requirements set forth in the most current editions of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America(IESNA)RP-6 Recommended Practice for Sports and Recreational Area Lighting and the IESNA Lighting Handbook.Appropriate lighting criteria shall be selected based on the class of play of the facility and participants as defined by the IESNA. 2) Lighted recreational facilities in all zoning districts shall be turned off within 30 minutes after the last event or 11:00PM, whichever is earlier. No outdoor recreational facility,public or private, shall be illuminated after 11:00 p.m.except to conclude a specific activity or tournament which is in progress under such illumination prior to 11:00 p.m. 3) Lighting fixtures shall be installed to meet the criteria of a cutoff fixture and shall include internal and/or external glare-control louvers to minimize light trespass on adioinin properties and roadways.Lizhtinz desiens must ensure that horizontal illuminance at a distance of 150 feet from the edze of the field does not exceed 0.5 footcandles when measured horizontally at zround level. Furthermore, all liehtinz systems shall comply with recommended International Commission of Illumination (CIE) "Guide on the Limitation of the Effects of Obtrusive Liaht from Outdoor Lightinz Fixtures" Table Proposed Changes—Outdoor Lighting Standards Revised February 5,2026 2.3(Maximum Values for Intensity ofLuminaires in Designated Directions) to control off-site luminous intensity.Specifically: a) The luminous intensity from any luminaire at a height of 5 feet above zround level at a distance of 150 feet from the rield perimeter shall not exceed the maximum values specified in CIE Table 2.3 to protect surroundinz areas from excessive Aare and light trespass. b) Lighting installations shall demonstrate compliance through a photometric report or equivalent modeling that references the maximum values referenced in M) above, ensuring that the design meets all applicable limits for Aare and luminous intensity in all desiznated directions. 4) Initial lighting levels shall not exceed the target levels specified by the IESNA by more than 30%to account for light loss factors such as lamp lumen depreciation and luminaire dirt depreciation. 5) All light fixtures/light poles shall not exceed the maximum height recommended by INESA for the specific recreation facility, be set bae'a fniaifnwn of one feet for- feet in height fr-em wiy wsidentW or-agr-iet&uFa4 pr-epeFty line or-read right of way. G. Exemptions from Lighting Ordinance.The following lighting is exempt from the provisions of this section: 1) Lighting fixtures and standards required by the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal and State Occupational Safety and Health Administrations, or other federal or state agencies, to include s4..o� streetlights within a public or private right-of-way. 2) Outdoor lighting fixtures required by law enforcement,fire and rescue,the Virginia Department of Transportation or other emergency response agencies to perform emergency or construction repair work,or to perform nighttime road construction on major thoroughfares. 3) Lighting located on properties developed with residential uses(unless regulated by Subsection E)or agricultural uses,including but not limited to residential security lighting controlled and activated by motion sensors or timing devices. 4) Lighting for holiday decorative purposes leeated refly used for-r-esi e ti-a ptffpeses. 5) Lighting for civic activities,fairs or carnivals,provided that the lighting is temporary.