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Summary of comments from Commission for the Environment <br />a. Can we use sections from model ordinances or other municipality ordinances so as to <br />borrow language that might have already been applied and refined elsewhere? <br />- Included: These standards were drafted after exhaustive compilation and review <br />of model and existing lighting ordinances. <br />b. Exemptions of the ordinance may be too broad. <br />- Not Included: Consistent with current staff limitations, an ordinance requiring <br />amortization of residential and nonresidential lighting would be impossible to <br />enforce. At this time, it is important to stop new development from occurring in <br />such a manner as to create additional light pollution and wasting electricity. At <br />such time as additional staff could be added, we may revisit these standards with <br />a field survey and inventory to include some of the exemptions. In the interim, <br />staff may employ public education methods which would include design ideas. <br />c. Provide method for retrofitting existing fixtures rather than amortization <br />- Included: Amortization is no longer being considered. Retrofitting is voluntary on <br />existing operable fixtures, most of which could be retrofitted with relatively <br />inexpensive shields or other means to meet the standards as proposed. <br />d. Create a design guideline companion document for use by the public <br />- Included: This is an excellent recommendation, and will be considered if the <br />outdoor lighting standards are adopted. <br />e. Do the standards cover highway lighting? <br />- Included: Traffic control signals and devices are excluded from coverage. Other <br />highway lights are not regulated except by reference to NCDOT standards -see <br />Sections 6.31.4.d and 6.31.4J. <br />f. Clarify the term "governmental flag" <br />- Included: Section has been amended to include a more comprehensive <br />description -see Section 6.31.2. <br />g. Provide standards for variance approval by Planning Director. <br />- Included: This section has been deleted. <br />• Summary of comments from NC Department of Transportation <br />Include definitions, submittal requirements and performance standards consistent with <br />NCDOT regulations for street lighting. <br />- Included: This has been incorporated into the amendment by reference. <br />2. Information/Issues from Ordinance Review Committee review of amendments on April 2, <br />2003 and May 7, 2003 <br />• Asked about the possibility of requiring amortization of non-conforming residential lighting <br />fixtures <br />• Requested that seasonal decorations be defined and the hours of use regulated <br />• Suggested a 10-year amortization for nonconforming non-residential lighting <br />