§ 15-505. Exterior lighting.
(a) In general.
The following exterior lighting requirements apply to lighting on private property.
(b) Glare and light trespass prohibited.
(1) No exterior lighting may glare into, or upon, the surrounding area or any residential premises. In addition, no exterior lighting may be used in any manner that could interfere with the safe movement of motor vehicles on public streets. The light level may not be greater than one-half footcandle at a residential property line and 1 footcandle at any non-residential property line or public right-of-way line.
(2) Specifically, the following types of light trespass are prohibited:
(i) any light not designed for roadway illumination that produces direct or reflected glare that could disturb the operator of a motor vehicle;
(ii) any light that may be confused with, or construed as, a traffic control device, except as authorized by federal, state, or local government.
(3) Exterior lighting must be designed as down-lighting. Shielded lighting, unless specifically permitted by subsection (c) of this section, is required.
(c) Unshielded lighting prohibited; Exceptions.
The use of unshielded lighting, including incandescent light bulbs hung or strung on poles, wires, or any other type of support, are prohibited, except on a temporary basis in areas where approved carnivals, fairs, or other similar activities are held and only while those activities are taking place.
(d) Height limits.
(1) The maximum height of light poles on private property, as measured from grade at the base to the bottom of the luminaire, is as specified below. These standards do not apply to public right-of-way lighting. Permitted light pole heights are as follows.
(2) For non-residential uses:
(i) Lights poles and building-mounted fixtures must be designed with fully shielded luminaires. These poles or mounts may not exceed 25 feet in height.
(ii) Light poles for outdoor recreational facilities may not exceed 35 feet in height. Exterior lighting for outdoor recreation areas is subject to design review. Light poles for outdoor recreational facilities that exceed 35 feet in height are conditional uses.
(3) For residential uses:
(i) Light poles for single-family detached and semi-detached dwellings and rowhouse dwellings may not exceed 6 feet in height.
(ii) Light poles for multi-family uses may not exceed 12 feet in height.
(iii) Under-soffit lighting mounted on a residential dwelling may not be mounted higher than 15 feet above the finished floor height of the ground floor.