Boston Township

These lighting requirements regulate outdoor lighting with the purposes of encouraging adequate lighting needed for business uses, reducing or preventing light pollution, minimizing lighting impacts on surrounding properties (especially residential districts), and encouraging efficient lighting. 710.01 Lighting Definitions For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply. a. Foot-candle. A unit of illumination produced on a surface, all points of which are one foot from a uniform point source of one candle. b. Luminaire. The complete lighting unit (fixture), consisting of a lamp, or lamps and ballast(s) (when applicable), together with the parts designed to distribute the light (reflector, lens, diffuser), to position and protect the lamps, and to connect the lamps to the power supply. c. Fully shielded luminaire. A luminaire constructed and installed in such a manner that all light emitted by the luminaire, either directly from the lamp or diffusing element, or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the luminaire, is projected below the horizontal plane through the luminaire’s lowest light-emitting part. d. Glare. Direct light that causes annoyance, discomfort or loss in visual performance and visibility. e. Luminance. The quantity of light arriving at a surface divided by the area of that surface measured in foot-candle. f. Light trespass. Light (emitted by a luminaire) that falls outside the boundaries of the property on which the luminaire is installed, where it is neither wanted or needed. g. Measurement 1. Light levels shall be measured in foot-candles with a direct reading, portable light meter. 2. Measurement shall be taken at the property line along a horizontal line at a height of three and one-half (3.5) feet above the ground. 710.02 Requirements a. Applicability. All outdoor luminaires in the BC District shall be subject to these regulations. b. Lighting Plan Required. A photogrammetric plan shall be submitted with any application for a zoning permit, site plan, or conditional use permit. The lighting plan shall provide the following information: 1. The locations of all exterior existing and proposed luminaires, including all building- mounted and freestanding luminaires and proposed luminaire heights. 2. Luminaire details including manufacturer model and style, a drawing or photograph of the luminaire, and lamp types (low pressure sodium, metal halide, LED, etc). 3. Hours of use of the luminaires. 4. Proposed intensity levels of lighting throughout the site and an area extending a minimum of 30 feet onto adjacent properties indicating footcandle measurements. 5. Any additional information required to determine compliance with this Resolution. c. Protection of Residential Districts. 1. Exterior luminaires shall be located, screened or shielded to prevent direct illumination onto, and minimize other light trespass onto, lots in residential districts. 2. Light Trespass. The maximum level of light trespass at a property line shall be 0.5 foot- candles. d. Fixture Standards 1. Luminaires which are not fully shielded shall only be installed for decorative purposes or for general lighting of pedestrian areas and shall only be located within 30 feet of the main building. The maximum height of any shall be 12 feet. 2. The maximum height of any fully shielded luminaire shall be 18 feet. 3. Canopy lighting shall be by means of fully shielded off luminaires only. 710.03 Exceptions The following shall be exempt from above regulations: a. Decorative outdoor lighting fixture with bulbs of less than 10 watts and 70 lumens, installed seasonally. b. Temporary construction or emergency lighting provided such lighting is discontinued immediately upon completion of the construction work or abatement of the emergency requiring such lighting.