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Outdoor Lighting
Village Ordinance § 335-65 prescribes minimum standards for outdoor lighting. Specifically, the ordinance aims to "restrict the effect of nighttime emission of light rays which are the source of light trespass and/or unnecessary glare, and/or their effect are detrimental to the safety and/or security of persons, property or vehicular traffic, and/or their effect are detrimental to the traditional aesthetic values of the Village, and/or their effect unnecessarily restrict persons from the peaceful enjoyment of their property." Ultimately, the goal is to prevent light trespass.
Outdoor lighting standards are enforced in two ways: the Building Board and code enforcement action by the Zoning & Planning Administrator. The Building Board, when reviewing plans for additions, alterations, landscaping, signage, accessory structures, etc., is also responsible for reviewing the design, positioning, intensity, color, etc. of lighting. Additionally, the Zoning & Planning Administrator is responsible for responding to reports of outdoor lighting violations. If violations are discovered, municipal citations can be written.
Ordinance Standards for Outdoor Lighting
To ensure outdoor lighting is compliant, there shall be no light trespass, or light that shines beyond the boundaries of the property on which the luminaire is located. Property owners shall take the following lighting qualities into account:
- Location
- Size
- Direction
Specifically, light trespass is defined as:
- Single-Family Zoning Districts - Lighting may not exceed an intensity greater than one-half footcandle at a point four feet above the ground at the property boundary line.
- Other Zoning Districts - Lighting may exceed one footcandle at a point four feet above the ground at the property line.
Further Information on Outdoor Lighting
The Beautification Committee has provided a document drafted by the Dark Sky Society titled Guidelines for Good Exterior Lighting Plans, available at the link below, with further recommendations for outdoor lighting. Please be mindful that this document provides information on lighting elements above and beyond what Village Ordinance requires; this document is being shared for informational purposes only.