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P~ a~f 7~zQV~ - sa- <br />~~~ 'o?OD 9'~1 ~9 <br />AN ORDINANCE AMENDING <br />THE ORANGE COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE <br />WHEREAS, there has been heightened scrutiny over existing regulations relating <br />to the review, processing, and approval of outdoor lighting plans within the County, and <br />WHEREAS, current regulations do not explicitly establish a cap on the total <br />amount of light that can be generated on a given parcel of property, and <br />WHEREAS, the current regulations do not take into account the differences <br />between projects requiring outdoor lighting within urbanizing or rural areas of the <br />County, and <br />WHEREAS, the submittal requirements for lighting plans are ambiguous and <br />have lead to confusion, and <br />WHEREAS, the proposed amendment establishes an overall cap on the total <br />amount of outdoor lighting on a given parcel of property, provides for a differentiation <br />between projects within the urbanizing and rural areas of the County, and provides <br />additional detail on the submittal requirements for outdoor lighting plans. <br />BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF ORANGE <br />COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, hereby amends the Orange County Zoning Ordinance <br />by adding (indicated by double underlined language) and deleting (indicated by stricken <br />through language) as follows: <br /> <br />6.31 Outdoor Lighting Standards <br />6.31.1 Purpose and Intent: <br /> A. Outdoor lighting is provided for a variety of purposes to the benefit <br /> of modern society. For work or recreation, it enables people to see <br /> essential detail in order that they may undertake their activities at <br /> night. It facilitates the safety or security of persons or property, for <br /> example through lighting on roads and pathways. It may be used <br /> to emphasize features of architectural or historical significance, <br />and to light parks and gardens. It is used for advertising or display <br /> to promote products or services, or to call attention to commercial <br /> premises by means of area lighting or signs. <br /> B. It is the intent of this ordinance to preserve, protect, and enhance <br /> the lawful nighttime use and enjoyment of any and all property <br /> throu h the use of a ro riate li htin ractices and s stems. <br />