ORD-2003-037 - Outdoor Lighting Standards Zoning Ordinance Amendment

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OWQ- ac,©3 -CD31 9� c. Outdoor Lighting Standards The Board considered closing the Public Hearing and making a decision regarding the adoption of the Outdoor Lighting Standards amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. Planning Director Craig Benedict said that this amendment would enable the County to have standards for new development for lighting in the County. There were many comments at the public hearing. There were three areas that were difficult to consider in the administration recommendation. These areas had to do with requiring amortization for existing single - family homes; holiday decorations (Planning Board recommends setting time limits on holiday lights); and another amortization system for existing commercial, industrial, churches, and governmental buildings. They propose not having it in the ordinance at this time, but just beginning a public education campaign for residential and non - residential existing properties to discuss the benefits of changing the lights out over a period of time. Craig Benedict said that Duke Power requested that the County not prohibit mercury vapor lights, but it is still recommended to be prohibited because it is the least energy - conserving fixture. Commissioner Jacobs asked that governmental flags be defined. Commissioner Jacobs referred to the issue that is addressed in 6.31.11 and said that he thinks there should be some statement regarding unnecessary lighting that is not due to security and that this should be discouraged. If the point is to bring attention to the building, it is wasteful. Commissioner Jacobs said that he understands not wanting to get into the single - family retrofitting business, but he would still like to have a conversation with the power companies where we do encourage the power companies to work with people to put in shielded lighting. Craig Benedict said that they have pursued this and they are getting favorable response from the power companies. Commissioner Gordon made reference to page 7, applicability, and that item B says that all outdoor lighting fixtures are to be amortized within 10 years. Craig Benedict said that item B should have been pulled out. Commissioner Jacobs asked where subdivision signs were regulated in the document. Craig Benedict pointed out page 9 under general standards. Commissioner Jacobs said that he is concerned that it is not really addressed specifically. Geof Gledhill said it could be a condition of approval to not permit lighted signs in subdivisions as part of the subdivision review process. Craig Benedict answered several clarifying questions. In answer to a question from Chair Brown, Geof Gledhill said that new lighting fixtures on existing homes after this ordinance is adopted would have to comply with these requirements. Commissioner Halkiotis asked who is going to police this and Geof Gledhill said that it will be caught or not in the building permitting process. Commissioner Gordon said that the staff should look this over again just to be sure that nothing was left out or kept in that should have been left out. The Board agreed to table this item to the next meeting as a consent item. d. Aaaointments (1) Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee The Board will consider the appointment of two (2) members to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee. (2) Board of Health