TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS Staff Report to the City Council

Transcription

1 AGENDA ITEM #6.A TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS Staff Report to the City Council May 17,2012 SUBJECT: AMENDMENTS TO THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING POLICY; FILE # MISC FROM: Debbie Pedro, Planning Director ~ APPROVED: Carl Cahill, City Manager C.C. RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council: Approve the proposed amendments to the Outdoor Lighting Policy as shown in Attachment 1. BACKGROUND The Town's Outdoor Lighting Policy was first adopted by the City Council in In 2011, the Environmental Design and Protection Committee proposed to update the document because the current policy has outdated terms and inconsistent code references. At the April 5, 2012 meeting, the Planning Commission voted 3-0 (absent-collins and Partridge) to recommend approval of the proposed amendments to the Outdoor Lighting Policy. The key changes include: Removal ofthe term 'Design Guidelines' Reference the Fast Track Guide for New Residences Correct the Municipal Code Sections cited in the policy Include requirements for sports courts and swimming pool lighting The Commission considered the proposed revisions and noted that the policy adequately addresses the problem of light pollution and the major issue with lighting in the Town is enforcement. CEQASTATUS The proposed Policy amendment is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section (b) (3) ofthe CEQA Guidelines. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this recommendation.

2 Staffreport to the City Council Outdoor Lighting Policy May 17,2012 Page 2 of2 ATTACHMENTS 1. Proposed amended Outdoor Lighting Policy 2. Staff report (without attachment) and minutes from the April 5, 2012 Planning Commission meeting Staffreport prepared by: Nicole Horvitz, Assistant Planner

3 Attachment 1 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, CA Phone: (650) LOSALTOS HILLS ~~ ~ CALIFORNIA Outdoor Lighting Policy Approved by City Council -9/30/97 Amended by City Council -xx/xx/xx Code Sections and Design Guidelines Fast Track Guide for New Residences: Article 1O++G of Title 10 Chapter 2 of the Site Development Ordinance outlines criteria for outdoor lighting. In particular, Section indicates that outdoor lighting should use "the minimum wattage lights which will safely illuminate the area" and that outdoor light sources "shall be shielded so as not to be directly visible from off-site." Page 30 of the Design Guidelines Goal IV (C3) of the Fast Track Guide for New Residences suggests that exterior lights be carefully placed to prevent light frem shining onto neighboring houses and that light sources must not be visible from off site. The Zoning and Site Development Ordinances limit lighting within the property line setbacks to "driveway light fixtures, limited to one fixture on each side of a driveway, for a maximum of two (2) fixtures per lot," but additional fixtures may be approved ifnecessary for safety. Intent: The purpose of Code and Design Guideline provisions Zoning and Site Development Ordinances and the Fast Track Guide regarding outdoor lighting is to assure that the open and peaceful character of the Town is maintained, that adequate lighting is provided for the enjoyment of outdoor use areas, lighting does not intrude on the privacy of neighbors, light pollution is reduced, and the glare is minimized onto adjacent properties. The intent of this policy is to clarify more specifically the types and numbers of lightffig fixtures that the Town feels are generally consistent with the ordinances and the Fast Track Guide Gede provisions,--but yet to allow flexibility for additional lighting when it is necessary for safety purposes or where it is not visible from off the site. Policy: 1. The number of lights on the exterior of a structure should be limited to providing for one light per doorway, with the exception of two lights at the main entrance, at double doors or garage doors, etc., and additional lights only where the Planning Director or Planning Commission determines they are needed for safety. 2. Pathway and driveway lighting should be restricted to low-height fixtures and should be spaced the maximum distance apart which will still provide for safe use. In order to

4 avoid a "runway" appearance, it is recommended that lighting be placed on only one side ofthe driveway or walkway, or alternate from one side to the other. Recessed louvered lights are suggested for walkways and steps. 3. Generally, Lighting fixtures should be shielded or downlights, for which the bulb so that the light source is not visible from off site. Exceptions may be permitted in limited locations (entry, garage, etc.) or where the fixtures would not be visible from offsite. 4. Downlighting from trees is acceptable if provided for safety or for outdoor use areas, where minimal in number, and where the b-ulb light source is not visible from off site. 5. Uplighting of trees is generally not allowed, unless it is clearly demonstrated that the number of such lights are minimal and the glow of the uplighting would not be visible from offsite. 6. Spotlights should be limited in number, and directed away from clear view ofneighbors. Shielding ofspotlights with shrouds or louvers is suggested. 7. High intensity discharge lighting, such as mercury vapor, high and low pressure sodium, and metal halide lighting, is prohibited. 8. Lighting in within the property line setbacks is limited to two driveway light fixtures enly, for the purpose oflocating and identifying the site. No lights are allowed in side or rear yard setback areas, except where determined to be necessary for safety. 9. The Planning Commission and/or staff may allow lighting different thafl from that outlined above when the proposed outdoor lighting is determined to be necessary to safely illuminate the area, or where the size of the property and/or extensive screening will assure that lighting glow and fixtures the lightsource is are not visible from off site. 10. Artificial lighting is not permittedfor tennis courts or other recreation/sports courts. 11. Pool lighting is allowed under the following conditions: Lights are placed beneath the surface ofthe water in the pool or spa to illuminate the water Other exterior lights used to illuminate the surrounding area use the minimum number and wattage oflighting which will safely illuminate the area No direct light is cast beyond the immediate area ofthe pool Definitions Glare - Lighting entering the eye directly from luminaries or indirectly from reflective surfaces that causes visual discomfort or reduced visibility. Light Pollutioll - Any adverse effect ofartificial light including, but not limited to, glare, light trespass, sky glow, energy waste, compromised safety and security, and impacts on the nocturnal environment.

5 Attachment 2 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS StaffReport to the City Council April S, 2012 SUBJECT: AMENDMENTS TO THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING POLICY; FILE # MISC FROM: Nicole Horvitz, Assistant Planner# APPROVED: Debbie Pedro, AlCP, Planning Director ~ RECOMMENDAnON: That the Planning Commission: Forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the proposed amendments to the Outdoor Lighting Policy in Attachment 1. BACKGROUND The Town's Outdoor Lighting Policy was first adopted by the City Council in In 2011, the Environmental Design and Protection Committee proposed to update the document because the current policy has outdated tenns and inconsistent code references. The following is a summary ofthe proposed changes: 1. Removal ofthe term 'Design Guidelines' 2. Reference the recently adopted Fast Track Guide for New Residences in the policy 3. Correct the references to Municipal Code Sections 4. Include the requirements for sports courts and swimming pool lighting in the policy The proposed amendments are included in Attachment 1, in red. CEOASTATUS The proposed Policy amendment is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section (b) (3) ofthe CEQA Guidelines. ATTACHMENTS 1. Proposed amended Outdoor Lighting Policy

6 Planning Commission Minutes April 5, 2012 Page 10 Draft ~3.3 Amendments to the Outdoor Lighting Policy; File # MISC; The proposal would update and remove outdated language in the policy and include requirements for sports courts and swimming pools. CEQA Review: Exempt per Section 15061(b)(3) (staff-nicole Horvitz). Nicole Horvitz, Assistant Planner, presented the staffreport. The Environmental Design and Protection Committee recently proposed to update the policy originally approved in 1997, because it has outdated terms and inconsistent code references. Assistant Planner Horvitz summarized the suggested changes to the policy as follows: remove the term design guidelines, reference the recently adopted Fast Track Guide for New Residences, correct the code references, and include the requirements for sports courts and swimming pool lighting. With the amendments the Environmental Design and Protection Committee also recommends adding the definitions of glare and light pollution. The recommendation before the Planning Commission is to forward a recommendation ofapproval to the City Council for the amendments to the Outdoor Lighting Policy. COMMISSIONER HARPOOTLIAN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING Nick Dunckel, Pathways Committee member, stated that there are a few homes that radiate an enormous amount oflight, most ofwhich were built within the past five or ten years under the current regulations. He recommends quantitative measurement limits for lights. Pat Ley, member ofthe Environmental Committee, stated that the committee spoke with Director Pedro about establishing quantitative measurement limits for lights, and the problem is enforcement and actually having someone measure the amount ofemitted light. She explained that that the committee's original intention was to update the Outdoor Lighting ordinance but because lighting technology changes so often, the Committee decided to focus on the policy instead ofchanging the Ordinance. Commissioner Abraham stated that he believes the biggest issue is a lack ofenforcement. He stated that a few properties such as Pinewood School, has installed high intensity lights without shields to limit the exposure. He also noted that the Fremont Hills Country Club has put up a number ofmetal halide lights which he does not believe were permitted, and feels the Town should enforce the lighting ordinance. Commissioner Harpootlian agreed with Commissioner Abraham that Pinewood School emits an excessive amount oflight. Director Pedro stated that she can have the Public Safety Officer look into the situation at Pinewood School and the Fremont Hills Country Club. Commissioner Harpooltian asked ifthere is a desire and/or need to do a full review ofthe ordinance.

7 Planning Commission Minutes April S, 2012 Page 11 Draft Director Pedro stated that the Environmental Design and Protection Committee's effort to amend the policy is the first step, and ifthe Commission desires to do so, a request can be forwarded to the City Council to update the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance. Neela Shukla, member ofthe Environmental Design Committee, stated that the Committee received a lot ofconcerns from a few neighbors regarding light pollution. She explained that the Committee initiated changing the Lighting Policy with the hope ofaddressing it at a much larger level. COMMISSIONER HARPOOTLIAN CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Abraham stated that he does not believe wattage is a good measurement tool because lighting technology changes rapidly. He stated that the proposed policy, ifit is applied and enforced, will solve 99.9% ofthe Town's lighting problems. In his opinion shielding the emitter will cause the light to emit downward, which will illuminate the property but not disturb others. Commissioner Clow asked staffifthere is any recourse for residents who put up lights after final approval oftheir project. Director Pedro state that it would be a code violation and the Town would send the Public Safety Officer to investigate the problem. The process for this is complaint driven. Commissioner Harpootlian asked staffifthere was a separate process for dealing with schools. Director Pedro stated that the Town will look into the lighting concerns for Pinewood School and the Fremont Hills Country Club. MOTION MADE, SECONDED, AND PASSED BY ROLL CALL VOTE: Commissioner Clow moved to recommend to the City Council that they approve the amendments to the Town's Lighting Policy. Seconded by Commissioner Abraham. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Commissioners: Abraham, Clow and Harpootlian None Chairman Collins and Commissioners Partridge None The Planning Commission noted that it is their sense that the major issue is enforcement. 4. OLD BUSINESS - none 5. NEW BUSINESS - none 6. REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS