University Lowbrow Astronomers

Scio Township Light Pollution Ordinance

SECTION 10.07 GLARE AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING

A. Glare from any process (such as or similar to arc welding or acetylene torch cutting) which emits harmful ultraviolet rays shall be performed in such a manner as not to be seen from any point beyond the property line, and as not to create a public nuisance or hazard along lot lines.

B. The design and/or screening of the development shall insure that glare from automobile and commercial or industrial vehicle headlights shall not be directed into any adjacent property, particularly residential property.

C. Exterior lighting shall be located and maintained to prevent the reflection and glare of light in a manner which creates a nuisance or safety hazard to operators of motor vehicles, pedestrians, and neighboring land uses. This provision is not intended to apply to public street lighting.

Any operation, which produces intense glare or heat, shall be conducted within an enclosure so as to completely obscure and shield such operation from direct view form any point along the lot lines. If heat is a result of an industrial operation, it shall be so insulated as to not raise the temperature at any property line at any time.

D. Exterior doors shall be located, operated, and maintained so as to prevent any glare and light from creating a nuisance or safety hazard to operators of motor vehicles, pedestrians, and neighboring land uses.

E. On-site lighting, i.e. parking, building lights, etc. shall conform to the following regulations:

  1. It is the goal of the Township to minimize lighting levels to reduce off-site impacts, prevent the reflection and glare of light in a manner which creates a nuisance or safety hazard to operators of motor vehicles, pedestrians, and neighboring land uses, and to promote “dark skies” in keeping with the rural character of Scio Township.
  2. When site plan review is required, all lighting, including signage and ornamental lighting, shall be shown on site plans in sufficient detail with appropriate photometric studies to allow determination of the effects of such lighting upon adjacent properties, traffic safety, and overhead sky glow. The objectives of these specific actions are to minimize undesirable on-site effects.
  3. Only non-glare, color-corrected lighting shall be permitted. For all non-residential uses, full cutoff shades are required for light sources so as to direct the light onto the site away from adjoining properties. The light source shall be recessed into the fixture so as not to be visible from off site. Building and pole mounted fixtures shall be parallel to the ground. Wall-Pack type lighting shall be prohibited.
  4. Lighting for uses adjacent to residentially zoned or used property shall be designed and maintained such that illumination levels do not exceed 0.1 foot-candles along property lines. Lighting for uses adjacent to non-residential properties shall be designed and maintained such that illumination levels do not exceed 0.3 foot-candles along property lines.

    Where lighting is required, maximum light levels shall not exceed 25 foot-candles directly beneath a light fixture. Lighting levels shall not exceed 3 foot-candles as measured directly between two fixtures. The Township Board, after receiving a recommendation from the Planning Commission, may allow for an increased level above maximum permissible levels when the Board determines that the applicant has demonstrated that such lighting is necessary for safety and security purposes.

    For the purposes of this ordinance, all lighting measurements shall be taken at ground level.

  5. For parking lots of less than 100 parking spaces, lighting fixtures shall not exceed a height of sixteen (16) feet measured from the ground level to the centerline of the light source. For parking lots of more than 100 spaces, lighting fixtures shall not exceed a height of eighteen (18) feet measured from the ground level to the centerline of the light source.
  6. Signs shall be illuminated only in accordance with the regulations set forth in Section 15.03.A of this ordinance. In addition, signs within residential districts shall not be illuminated.
  7. Building or roof-mounted lighting intended to attract attention to the building and/or use and not strictly designed for security purposes shall not be permitted.
  8. Subdivision or site condominium street lighting is not permitted. The Township Board, after receiving a recommendation from the Planning Commission may allow for street lighting when the Board determines that the applicant has demonstrated a need for such lighting.

From the Scio Township Zoning Ordinance of 1972, amended

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