2. Outdoor Lighting OrdinanceTri- Ay Planning Office
17 Second Street Fast —Suite 211
Kalispell, Montana 59901
one: FAngf -7�1 IQZf
Fax: (406) 751-1858
tricity�centurytel.net
www.tricitvptanning-mt.com
REPORT TO: Kalispell Mayor and City Council
FROM: Narda A. Wilson, Senior Planner
James H. Patrick, City Manager
SUBJECT Outdoor lighting Ordinance
MEETING DATE: November 15, 2004 - Work Session
BACKGROU D: A work session is being held by the city council regarding outdoor
lighting in response to interest by concerned citizens. It would not be overstated to
say that the subject of lighting can be complex and hard to understand because it is
fraught with complex issues related to candle feet, lumens and lux as well as the
different types of lighting, lighting intensity, lighting fixtures, lens type, height, lens
cutoff and others. But it doesn't have to be complicated for the purpose of the
council's discussion and possible action.
It would appear there are at least three components to the lighting issues as it relates
to council discussion and consideration. One is lighting as it applies to new
commercial development in the community. Tvpi.cally this would be most visible with
regard to parking lot lighting and building lighting. Another is City street lighting
reauirerner3ts for new subdivisions where the lights are located in the public right -
of -Way. This can be fairly easy to address by developing specific standards. More
difficult and ubiquitous is poor residential lighting associated with private residences
that spills onto adjoining properties and lights up the night sky.
Lighting Standards for New Commercial- The Kalispell City Planning Board has
been working on developing lighting standards for new commercial development as
part of the City's architectural design standards. They board has been working on
this document for approximately six months and have developed a semi-final draft.
One component of the architectural design standards deals with lighting in new
(commercial) developments. Attached with this memo is a copy of the draft
language in the architectural design standards. It is fairly simple and straight
L-r.vard Without being technical. it -1xrould be the intent of the planning board to
essentially adopt the architectural design standards as an adjunct to the zoning
ordinance. The architectural design standards would only apply to commercial
developments ira the d1ty l mnits.
City Lighting Standards for New Subdivisions: The next component of lighting
issues relates to City requirement for street lighting in new subdivision that are
put in place as part of the infrastructure for the development, both commercial
and residential. Street lights are required in new subdi-visions and becorae part of
the city of I-Uispell's lighting district. Assessments are paid to the City for lighting
which are based on the square footage of the lot. Areas in Kalispell that do not
ave street lights, such as South Mleadows and areas of Northridge, are not
7 alto-, � L3rn tunitv '?annu]g -=ssislnllce TO:
-�_��° �t `-�;�iis��t�ii � =�t�.. °>t '�'iait�:�ish 3':wty ::�t `�;ilubii►pia ��ils 3
Outdoor Lighting Ordinance Work Session
November 10, 2004
Pate 2
assessed. It is noteworthy that Flathead Electric Cooperative generally installs the
street lights for new subdivisions after coordinating the light locations with the
Kalispell Public Works Department. The standard light installed by FEC is the 100
watt high pressure sodium light with a flat lens. They don't use the problematic
175 watt mercury vapor lights as they once did. The City of Kalispell is in the
process of developing a straightforward standard for lighting within subdivisions
so that the engineer for the developer will design and coordinate the placement of
lighting within a new subdivision.
A side issue related to this are the existing 175 watt mercury vapor lights that
continue to be used for street lights in a large are of the city. These lights are
Problematic for several reasons which in --lode undirected light that result in light
trespass, lacy of efficiency in energy use and they produce a poor light spectrum.
FEC will typically only replace this lights at a property owners request and at their
expense.
• Residential Lighting on Private Properties: A more problematic and elusive
problem is the poor lighting associated with private residences wherein a security
light is installed on a pole or building that is improperly shielded and ! . or in
excess of what is needed. This lights go up in neighborhoods all over he valley,
both urban and rural, that create problems with light trespass onto nearby
properly and diminishes the quality of the night sky. The ideal solution to the full
time dusk to dawn security lighting is a motion activated light of an appropriate
wattage and property directed. However, this doesn't address existing problems
with bad lighting in a residential setting. This could be dealt with on a one on one,
neighbor to neighbor basis, but what one person perceives and a nuisance the
other may perceive as needed security.
These are a few issues related to a lighting ordinance for Kalispell. It isn't
unreasonable to expect and attempt to create a simple straightforward policy and
standard to address each one of these situation.. It appears at first glance these
standards could be placed in the zoning ordinance as a standard for development
whether commercial or residential. The Kalispell Standards for Design and
Construction would most appropriately address the standards for street lights in new
subdivisions.
RECONiIYIENDN. ON: Discussion and consideration of the issues related to an
outdoor lighting ordinance would be in order. After due consideration the city council
may want to:
Include an outdoor lighting ordinance as part of the planning board's -work
program for he coming year for them to work on and draft.
• Should ,he cite council -prefer to develop a lighting ordinance. it could be
forwarded to the planning board for public hearing and board recommendaLon.
Outdoor Lighting Ordinance Work Session
NZ oven er 10, 2004
Page 3
Once handed over to the planning board, the project would likely involve work
sessions, a draft ordinance, a public hearing (s) and finally consideration by the city
council.
FISCAL EFFECTS: Unknown at present.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the city council.
Report compiled: November 10, 2004
Attachments: Excerpt from the draft architectural design standards for lighting
Draft lighting standards from the Kalispell Standards for Design
and
Construction
Information sheets from the Dark Sky Association
c: Theresa White, Kalispell City Clerk
TRANSMIT/ KALI SPELL / 2004 / LIGHTING. DO C
c17-y OF KIALLSPELL, MONTANA
AROH(TFOTtP-4L. T)ES(6�/,ST,4NT),4R-T),S
r) vi ci L c �i n s, i -L off
Ll GNP
Li"' -Pub the Tr%st%vt.e vdght shy, whLch is a resowrce lwq)ortaot to res%devts avA,
t,icdht tresT(ss iv�ferferes with the Life r'v`d with the ProPe,rtij owvver's
60"Unt of Ael,3' paTertl. AArAlecturd review sUmMurds f�- oL�(tdoor ligW0.0 rare untended to
CoIAJt cJ It -(I,(. vL sources; Li kA to_redwce G vkJ eIIvVdv0te wucisCIAP.e gLgre G2VA light
tregwss fmm poori,� placed or shielded LEOS sourcen it is the fwrther iv�'tev�'t of these stclv�dClyds to
ct-lUti[ Uv d reverse the degrcOpticm' of the v,lght tivu.e visual eiAv,rowwi.wt through re.�Ld ttlow of
I he, t.�J� e wtiri wse o(` ("rAcAnor t, ghtiv'q; PACA to cov�'serve emyY )� av'o resources, whiie vv.aiv.tctw v r�
vl.E"-)hi-tifet,,J, rttilitrj uVA sec,W.rit j
c,evveral (.Jght%vLu) stavOROs
t �i�t.i,vtic� shmu be desigwed, Mected avid shi,el,ded ivy' suell R vu'Pv"-thnt AYect L, cjht oes
wot: lecive the per-V tet:er of the site.
q[l wLdoor EocLkXv�'� the fxture, pole, avid other supportfA'q ef-eV ewta, shalt be
desir�vl-ed to co plevv ev t the overall architectural appearpme of the brtd,dio'q cloA pvevevut
extensive jm.
he hei.�ht [Avid level of lG ht v g should be -or the develoPvAevJ. L ght poLes for
servi.u, arec4s wtid pcivl�zGw� Lots of -,o or -ewer vehicles shall v,,ot exceed �25 feet. LLght potes
-c r arkelr ,g Lots of wore thmv,, so veh�cle.s shall o of exceed so -e.et.
0 T -oof lll,mvil Citio€v Is Aot allowed.
_rLvLn.iov q kue(.,,hclvdsvIA.s wo, co
vjuv,et ow wLth photo ee(Ls shaft be used to reduce lLOht Levels
a ,d cowserve ev�,erg1) cdvrCn ) vvov�,-operatiov�ol, hours.
�_%c� �tivLc} vuouv ec{ ow the Kdl,d�v�g should be liter rntO cis 2A NVch�tutLw"AL cove,?ovev�,t of
the bu%ldi- l-cj. (t shciU be desf,Dv�,ed so the [Laht Ls directed toward the avwd futlu
shLelded.
shgH, be reces.sO nvJ shielcO-
kH, 1, ghtipl,rj shaLL sh4A,e a VK Vtivltuvl of ::?o deg vees below the fuxture's hoi' Zov�tCAL PLgvte.
ml AJ vLevei, above the horLzoAuL p[fl ,e.
IDS -07 Placement of Utilities.
All new utilities shall be placed underground. Except for sewer and water, underground utilities, if
placed in the street right-of-way or easement, shall be located between the back of the sidewalk and the
easement line.. No underground utilities shall be placed in the boulevard between the back of curb and
the sidewalk.
All applicable laws, rules and regulations of appropriate regulatory authority having ,jurisdiction over
utilities shall be observed.
1 StreetLightuzg. Street lights shall be required on all streets within the subdivision;
Proposed street lighting construction shall in all respects conform to the technical criteria for analysis
and design of street lighting as set forth in this section.. Plans shall be subrraitted to the Public Works
Department for approval and shall include all information as may be required or, described hereinafter.
Plans snail be submitted concurrently with the street plans.
:Determination of light source size; type, mounting height and spacing shall at least conform to the
requirements outlined bellow based upon the required illuminance levels when the luminaires are at
their lowest output. This condition occurs just prier to lamp replacement and luminaire washing:
Formulas calculating average illuminance levels shall include light loss factors relating to lamp lumen
depreciation and lummaire dirt depreciation.
The minimum average maintained illumination shall be 0.3 Foot-candles at the outer edges of the
sidewalks. The uniformity ratio shall not. exceed 6:1. The control of candlepower distribution shall be.
a true ninety degree cutoff. All calculations shall conform to the standard of practice of the Illuminating
Society of North America and can be done manually, electronically, or derived from tables and data
provided,by the manufacturer.
The electrical system shall conform to the standards as listed in the American National Standard
Practice for Roadway Lighting, the National Electrical Code (NEC), the rational Electrical Safety
Code C�C£"), the MS Lighting Handbook, lllmmn- tinng Engineeeringr Society of North America, and
the requirements of the Flathead. Electric Co -Op, Inc.
Utility itv Basements. All public utility easements shall be fifteen (15). feet wide for a single pipeline, with
the pipe centerline five �5) feet from one easement edge. For easements with two pipelines, the
minimum width shad.be twenty (20) feet with each pipe centerlZzae five {5) feet from the easement
edge. Easements for all other utilities shall be five (5) feet wide unless specified otherwise by the
utility company. Utility easements shall be located along side and rear lot lines wherever passible.
II-l0
Wo,rmation Sheet Number'-2 4 (August 1996)
intemationai nark- Ski Association
3545 N. Stewart, Tucson, AZ 85716-1241 USA
SaveOurSkv@aoi.com http:ttwww.darkskv.org
Security Lighting: Let"s
Not Just Bad
Clearly, what we all want and need is
security and safety at night, at home and away
from home, for ourselves, our families, our
hornes and property, and for all others. The
task is to 'be safe, not just to feel safe. This,
means that we need ff ctIve d fficient
.,.a ei11..6+i.E Y G.. all
lialrting. Visibiiit is fire g€ra1. We want to be
able to see well, rather than lighting the
criminal's way. This goal exists for us at
frame, on the streets, in parking lots, at work,
wherever. Good lighting can be a help, poor
lighting always compromises safety.
Most crime actually occurs during the day,
or inside buildings. However, we want the
feeling and the reality of being safe outside at
night. That does not mean putting in the
brightest light we can find, blinding everyone
in the area, creating light trespass, and Ii hting
up the sky. What we do need is effective
lighting, lighting that puts light where we need
it (and nowhere else) and where it will help
visibility. That means: no glare, no light
trespass, no uptight, no harsh shadows, no
steep transitions from light to dark, etc.
Lighting by itself does not insure safety. Is
there more crime in the "well lit" centers of
lag a cities or in smaller towns with much less
Iigiting^ A cynic might derive a positive
correlation between crime and light. the r:;cre
light, the more crime. Current and oast
studies by competent crime authorities can be
summarized as rotlows: "The paucity of data
preclude any definitive statement regarding
the relationship of lighting and crime, but
there is a strong indication that lighting
decreases the fear of crime." Quaiity lighting
rather than poor lighting is essential for anv
real security,
Here are some examples of bad security
Lighting— ighLinz that amen actually
Security,
Lighting
compromises safety. These poor quality
fixtures can give the illusion of safety or the
feeling of security, but in reality they don't
add to safety at all; they may even snake
things worse. They are beacons to the
criminal: "Come and get me, my lighting will
-help you, not Me."
1. The I75-watt dusk -to -dawn "security
light". This fixture was designed in the old
days when energy was cheap, when there were
no good lighting fixture designs, and when the
adverse effects of bad lighting were not well
appreciated. it sells for $29.95 or less, but
uses over 200 watts of power. That means it
costs about S70 per year to operate in most
locations —much more in high electricity cost
areas. Much of the light Output is wasted,
goin up or sideways where it does no Qood at
all- t has a great deal of glare, often bfinding
the homeowner and others. It splatters light
everywhere, alienating neighbors. It casts
harsh shadows -behind trees and bu.ildin�s,
allowing criminals plenty of dark areas to hide
in. It is a prime example of bad lighting. But
it is in use by the millions throughout the
country. Why? It's cheap, and bright. We see
lots of glare so we think there is lots of light.
fC7. its a -:^;r ;neirwet:ve -.4" ' ;:. r light.
- Eu iieeAl,3Cieit Si
i-ee x rk Information Streets No. 3, 26, and
1.03 for more information.)
2=lofbe;. Again, light is splattered
everywhere. Because it wastes so amucii light,
one =nuct out a high wattage lamp inside to get
any tight on tine ground. That means a great
deal of glare is produced, so much that often
one can't easily see the &round! Whv are so
many of these inefficient fixtures used'?
^
Mainiv because they look crood in the
davtimel if one l't_kes that look-, then one
Mhould use only a eery low wattage lama (as
[ifrmaticri'Sheet:l`lurris�r, 94.::<..
International Dark -Sky Association
3545 N. Stewart, Tucson AZ 85716 U.S.A. Wetx_ www-darksky.org
f introduction. Have you looked up at night lately? The universe is going away; gorge already for
many, The universe is an important part of the environment, to astronomy and to the generaf pubric
Far most people on earth, the dark skies our ancestors had have disappeared. The p_robfern is urban sky
glow, due mostly to too much bad lighting.
With good lighting, we all win. We help preserve the dark skies, we see better (andare safer and more
secure), we have a more pleasant and comfortable nighttime environment' and we save a great deal' of
energy and money doing so. Neither astronomers northe public, anywhere, need'any aftheadverse
environmental effects of poor lighting.
If. Why night lighting? To see at night, for security, safety, utility, and for an attractive nighttime
environment around us. But not all lighting is good lighting.
Ill. What are the adverse impact of poor nightfime lighting?
t. Urban sky glow (the brightening skies over our heads), destroying our view of the universe_ We don't
live up there in the sky; we don't need all that light up there.
2. Glare_ Glare never helps visibility, but it is far too common in all of our cities. We should -strive for a
glare free environment.
3. Light trespass. Many present lighting installations bother us as much. or more than they help. The
wasted light shines into our yards, our windows, even our telescope buildings. As with noise pollution, we
don't need any of this bad light.
4_ A trashy looking, confusing nighttime environment. We should, all of us, be striving for a goad
looking nighttime environment, just as we should be doing in the daytime. Such poor environments are
part o the s re5s of tnday'e life 'LAJR should help with the nrni-1 m nn# rnrttn erZ.i-;+ t� FT{"� }!7�
p..e € ;S! - - ". - —__. ,aee� i?ite =ham __ �� ee%!q =a—> _e'_' :.=tee t ern e,A...,'r, the.
,sight is par. of the environment too,
5. Energy waste. We waste an astronomical amount of energy and money by all this bad lighting,
shining it where it is not needed or4wanted (including up into the slay) and by using energy inefficient light
sources and lighting designs. Better to use such money for improving our world, not mucking it up.
We all suffer from these problems. But we need not.
N. 5o What 7a Do?
`. Use good lighting. Such ouaiity designs are really all lust common sense approaches to iic htinT
i_afs not toterate all ihi bad lighting; let's girt lid of it.
Z_ Shine the lia; tt dawn, where it is needed. Control the light oulaut to locations where it is needed; uo^'t
waste it. Use quality lighting fixtures,
Worrnaticn Sheet Nu'rn ber 12 (January t 991):
international Dark -Sky Association
3E45 N_ Stewart, Tucscn AZ 35716 U.5_A..
Some Lighting Alyths
SOME LIGHTINGMYTHS:
1_ THE MORE LIGHT THE BETTER: 'The more light the better" is. the same type of reasoning as
saying the more salt an your food the better, or the more fertilizer the better, .or the more medicine the
better. Obviously, there comes a point -where you can have too much of a good thing. Eventually, it
becomes wasteful or even harmful. Nighttime lighting is the same way. We all need well lit main.
streets, security lights, and parking -lot lighting. However, we do not need glare, clutter, confusion,
light trespass, light pollution, and energy waste_ Excessively bright, .numerous, unshielded lights cause
exact1h, these things
You only need enough light to perform the task at hand. For example, you use low watt colored
bulbs for Christmas tree lights, and a 100 watt bulb for a porch light. if more Light were better, why
are night lights in a bedroom dim instead of bright? The next time you.are at an airport at night look at
the brightness of the taxi lights (blue color) or the runway lights (white �lor), They are relatively dim
so as to not harm the piloes night vision and cause confusion. Even the rotating airport beacon is not
especially bright. The strobe lights on tall chimneys and radio towers are of low wattage, yet visible
for miles. Those who claim the more light the better often are salesmen or manufacturers more
interested in sales than effective, safe, environmentally sound lighting.
Z. LIGHT POLLUTION ONLY AFFECTS ASTRONOMERS: Light pollution affects all of us. It
robs the professional astronomer of his or her livelihood and hinders the arnateues enjoyment of his or
her hobby. It deprives us all of one of nature's grandest wanders -- the night sky. Many persons who
claim this is of no importance have never gone far out of town to see what they are missing. Those
who grow up in an urban environment may never see the Milky Way. How can someone miss
something he has never seen? The loss of this part of nature desensitizes us to rather insults upon the
environment.
It's the same as saying the loss of a virgin forest is of no concern because most people won't get to,
see it anyway, and there are plenty of trees for lumbeY The toss of wildflowers, polar bears, wolves,
whales, and other threatened species, to be honest, won't affect the average person. Their loss only
directly impacts biologists. Afteraii, mankind has clone very well without mammoths, mastodons, and
_oasse:t�er ei�e*rns.
However, no one supports extinction of magnificent animals. Why should we permit the loss of our
skies? Not only does light pollution dim the stars for the astronomer, but it duns them for all persons.
Everyone has a right to the stars. Light pollution takes away one of mankind's oldest .heritages and it
represeri s visible destruction of the e avirariment in several -rays: the dome of light hanging over most
cities blots out the stars: electricity is generated and wasted to light the night. sky -- light needs to be an
the around not up in the sky; the wasted electricity represents wasteful bunting of coal, nail, and natural
gas; the byproducts of these wasteful burnings show up as acid rain, smoke, and carbon dioxide
emission; strip mining and underground mines ravish the land to produce the coal for the wasteful
burniugs; runoffs from this reining pollutes rivers and strearris. Titus, light pollution is far more than
some astronomers being inconvenienced. It is a most harmful assault on the envirarunent. It affects us
all., and ail of ors ought to be concerned about it.
3. ILST �v OUT OF TOWN A�VA FROM THE L1Gii�v: This is epuivaient to sayingFuhy-carry
about the toss of trees and flowers in our cities. Why have =arban parks? -lust go out of town to see
some grass, flowers or xeAG. It sizouidn't be necessary to go out of town to see these. ;f we can't have
enou& sense m u:ant tseez, _-hrubs.:and flowers '1I arou*td our Cities, we can at least have enough sense
crime because it drawsattention its a house or business that would otherwise escape attention. Most
crimes, violent and otherwise, take place during the day. Afterali, criminals need light to do their
work- A dusk to dawn light shining all night in a rural area probably is an inducement for robbery and
vandalism. A passerby would not otherwise know the farmhouse was even there.
An infrared motion sensor security light which comes on only when someone steps into the beam
makes a Lot of sense. It is only on when needed, thereby conserving energy. Its sudden illumination
serves to frighten away the criminal. These lights are now begiruaing to replace the all night dusk to
dawn. 175 watt mercury vapor lights. This makes good sense from the economical, environmental, and
crime prevention points of view. The motion security lights can cause light pollution and light trespass
if too high a watt spot'light is used, and if they are not aimed down toward the ground. They should
also have some shielding.
Do street lights, parking lot tights, and security lights prevent crime? Maybe yes, maybe no. If they
are overly bright -with much glare, they actually make it easier for a criminaf to hide in the shadows and
encourage crime rather than discourage it. Well lit streets with even lighting, low glare, fully shielded
ftxturtis provably have lower vehicle and pedestrian accident rates. How about Fright lights in a
parking lot? Haw many people do you know whose car has been broken into during the day? One
speaker at a recent Iigh.ti g symposium recounted how his car was robbed at a local mall. It sat near a
store entrance and was directly under a bright Iightl
`Fhere are simply no good scientific studies that convincingly show the relationships between lighti,-ig
and crime. Our cities are far more brightly lit than ever. Yet, the crime rate soars. Maybe lights
directly lead to crime. One study at a small eastern college showed almost all violent nighttime crimes
took place in well lit places. This study, while informative, can not be generalized to other locales
because of the somewhat unique nature of the college and the college town. Crime is avery complex
sociological phenomenon controlled by many factors, and it will vary considerably from place to place.
My own personal opinion is crime is little affected by nighttime lighting for better or worse. Main
arterial streets should be well lit to reduce automobile and pedestrian accidents. Busy mails should have
good lighting to reduce accidents and perhaps deter crime. After business hours this lighting can be
reduced or even tarried off. Security lighting can be relatively low level. This saves money, and not
much light is needed to find your way to a door or find your way out to your car. Not much light is
needed to see a suspicious looking person loitering around. No matter the lighting situation, the proper
wattage, not overkill, should be used, and all lighting should come from full cut-off shielded fixtures.
Low pressure sodium lighting is ideal for many of these applications because of its economic nature.
7. ONL Y AS ROONOiviERS CARE.BOL T LIHIT H7 POI LL'TION (-I- CS 'Plrx?c(�NSFICHTLNG
LIGHT POLLUTION ARE.; UST CRAZY IDIOTS): This is the right diagnosis for the wrong reason!
Many of the friends, relatives, working associates and acquaintances of IDA's Executive Director
(Dave Crawford) and President (Tim Hunter) have considerable evidence we are "crazy idiots." None
the less, this is only true because of our personal idiosyncrasies. It is not true because we (and many
others as well) are concerned about light pollution, light trespass, radio pollution, and space debris.
Afterall, the night sky is part of everyone's environment, enormous amounts of energy are wasted
ugnung uae rngnti szcy, �auzu �3suvitcF[�f�rs ��ave Gu suug;;fe Go ruxa userut poruons of uie crectromagnetiG
spectrum for their work, and space debris is a rapidly growing problem.
wriv should someone e conside.reu, nu a nbecause lie or slat, is concerned about tliw ernir£'.fl'":':ent?
However, persons involbe
in environmental causes must carefully define the problem they want to
solve, learn the facts, appreciate the legitimate perspective of their opponents, and offer people
solutions rather than complaints. 'Mis is ID A'v philosophy and modes operandi. Light and radio
pollution can be solved if the facts are properly conveyed to tEhe public. Light pollution is the one forna
of polludan whose solution immediately saves money.
Not Just astronomers care about! ight pollution ancf light trespass. IRA's Beard Cf Directors consists
of a professional astronomer, a physician and amateur astronomer, a lawyer and amateur astronomer, a
business women, a science -writer, a public relations expert, and a lighting engineer. Marcy 10A
trier hers are *tot astronomers or particularly interested in astronomy. They are concerned about energ r
conservation. preservation of our environment, and proper nighttime outdoor lighting. They include
housewives, scientists, lawyers, pilots, doctors, engineers. retired persons, and so forth. Much of
iIT?A's strongest support comes from professionai lighting engineers, lighting suppliers, and lighting
manufacturers.
%rmation Sheet 3 Pece;nber 1989) - Microsoft Internet Explorer Page I of 3
Why We Don't Like the 175 Watt Mercury Fixture
Information Sheet 3, December 1989
International Dark -Sky Association, 3545 N. Stewart Ave., Tucson, Z 85716 U.S. A.
-mail: SaveOurS�,aaLcom
WWW: http.-11ww w.darksky.ars
This cheap (29.5 oa-less, usually) old fashioned fixture (13I30 bytes:), used mostly as
„dusk -to -dawn" lighting, is seen everywhere, and is particularly corrur orn as a "security light."
It typifies most all the adverse effects of poor outdoor lighting: dare, light trespass, light
pollution, and ynyiaY waste.i' i& in ieCL1iLAY, f.G Yyly 4JUoA security Llght.
Much of the light emitted comes out of the fixture at angles where it is of no use in
illuminating the ground or the area where light is needed_ [Consider an angle of 0° as directed
straight down to the ground. An angle of 90' is therefore sideways, parallel to the ground, and
an angle of 190' is straight up. Light emitted at an angle greater than 90' is uplight, and it is a
cause of light pollution (urban sky glow). Light emitted at angles between 70" and 90' does
very little in illuminating the ground, for it would not strike the ground for a long distance
from the source,, and it is so faint by then that its effect in illumination is nil. However, it.
produces a great deal of glare -- direct light striking the eye and dazzling or blinding the
viewer. Glare is always bad; it .never helps vision.] At least 30% of the output is at these
angles -where it goes up, away from the ground, or where it only causes glare. This light is
totally wasted, as is the energy that goes to produce it.
Let's consider the enemy waste: A 175 W lamp uses about 200 watts when one counts ballast
losses as well. The lamps burrs about 1 I hours a night; most security and street lights lours
close to 4100 hours a year. Multiply: 200 W X 4100 hours = 820 KWH of energy use per
Year. At 3 cents per KVJH, about the average cost of such energy nationally, each fixture coasts
close to 365 per year to operate. This is twice as much as the initial, cost of $30. In an area
where electricity costs I I cents per KWH, the lamp costs 3 times as much to operate per year
as it costs to buy It. The Situation Is a prime example of t�TheIe LU s vvhv ioC}l at ut3]1t and
casts alone are killing themselves. The country is wasting too much energy. We _nest change.
A city the size of Tucson 1500,000 people) could easily have at least 10,000 such lights. (That
nurrabea is probably conservative.) So the annual operating cost of those fixtures in Tucson
atone would be S650,000. if we consider 301NO of the liaht output of such a fixture as wasted
light, the up and sideways light. theta the cost of t2ear
he wasted light is close to S.00,000 per y.
Andthat is "ust nor one city.
The T T.S.A. has a population of about 300,000,000, or 500 times that of Tucson. So the: cost of
wasted light (doing iioa goil fo od at ar uxility or security at maht) is SI00,000A00. From this
_Te of wastendi .1=u e axone? Ojther poor lighting could easily contribute 10 times as much.
Thus t is quite cossibie that the nation s wasting S1.000.000.000 (One, Billion, oilaxsi)
ere.y o x��int e v�y and produce `,4"ar-. Non.- o :hat one "x'Ilion s being used to Alant u W
Lufarmatron Sheet (December 1989) - Microsoft Internet Explorer Page 2 01-5
ground, to provide safety or security, or a u-seful nighttime enviroriment.
Winile light pollution does net directly cause illness, it is a maior waste of the nation's
resourc s. Da we tolerate sucli waste in other areas`.' Not when we are aware of it We must
become aware of this major waste, and put a stop to it!
In, addition. the waste also means that we are burning a sign icanz amount of coal and oil for
no useful purpose, producing more waste and contributing to air pollution and water palluden
as well. These c0ects are not negligible. Neither is the fact that the glare and confusion and
clutter caused by the bad fighting are definite factors in accidents and losses caused bV such.
This also costs the nation too much money and pain.
The light trespass is a serious complaint by many who live near these poor lignts. Vat hiism
is a problem too. Shooting out the lights kills she glare and stops Might pollution, but it no-, a
real solution to the pro biem..
Another factor with mercury lamps is the lumen depreciation of the lamp. In five years or so
the light nutnut is down by a factor of two. Another five vears_ it is down by another factor n f=
two.
A mercury lamp never really burns out; it just gets fainter and fainter, using the same amouin
of watts to produce less light.
As a security light this dusk -to -dawn fbcture leaves much to be desired. It has a great deal of
glare, blinding observers. The light output is harsh. and there are strong shadows. Witl1 the
glare and shadows, it is most difficult to see, and it is easy for any cHmina,l to hide. They don't
mind this kind of light at all_ The only "plus" factor is the feeling of security that the light
generates in the unaware. Real security is lacking. Glare and brightness don't insure security.
What to use instead, for a real security light`, Three: suggestions:
1. Use a low wattage (18, or 35, or 55 watt) low pressure sodium fixture, as a wall pack or
with other mounting, There is lots of light, little or no Aare (especially with a fUR cut off
or sharp cut off dxture), not sharp, deep shadows. One is not blinded, one can see...
Visibility is the Goal. These fixtures offer excellent -visibility.
2 l-se an infra -red sensor. suodi¢htfixture_ The snot-d0f is onl-�t come on when the sensor
senses movement. Any intruder will be scared off by the sudden tern -on of the spots_
ou are aierted. Energy' use is minimal. � t could be better % T his type fixmre is a �? eat
securit", Hanna sysrem: effective, cost of ective, Ctuality light g.
�Zlse one or more I w wattage compact fluorescent laanos in weir. smeided fixtures, The
light level is adequate. and you Save a zrea,t deal of energy.
He International Dark Sky Association.. a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit, membership
based organization, was founded to hero preserve dark skies while at the: same time helping to
maximizing the duality and o ciency of nigiartime outdoor lighting_ Members include.
,=ateur and professionai amonomers (and observatories and universines), lighting engineers
and companies. gave—,-= nta:i staff, and many others interested in dark skies, ~he nighmrrie
i visor :inc_ or in uua.!izv tz-,Yh mse -cnerg"= sa-vinz. Ccnta k IDA at ;he ad ess
s;t ow ,or [ P T�Ti � £�' ,i.C.eC�llu fin' i1srIt--T.. ? L 'dar`lc .skies or �tfiec:lzs'e jindo.or mg�r2aidtnt�
Information Sheet 3 (December 1989) - Niicresoft Intemet Explorer Page 3 of
lighting. Basic individual ruen:berships bed at $20 per year. Join up! We need your Help.
This material is copyrighted (C) by the IDA, or others as acted. It may be reproduced for
-acn-commercial usage provided that credit is _.ven to IDA.
Go barb to the IS list
Co, bask to the IDA homenaae
T ae SkvCar shield for the NENLA head fixture
Granhic showimr wasted light from the NTEN fixture
info=adon Shea Number 2; (Ian;.ems 109 ; )
nternationai Dark -Sky Association
545 Y. Stewart, Tucson Z 3 7 t 5- 1241 USA
Saveursla€�I.carzz ate:!/www_darksk-r_carg
±fete`s a typical sc.-nano: your neighbors
have dust in' ailed . a dusk -to -dawn 175
mercury vapor light fixture because they are
worried about se: urity. You can see what
happened.: they went down to the discount
supply house and said something like "Give
me the br ahrest, cheapest € utdoor lighting
f5_-,rure you have.' Arid that's e ..actl r what
they got, paying "only" V?9_94 (mavbe even
less). They brought it home and hung it up.
-Vow it's splattering light everywhere,
including onto your lawn and in through your
windows_ Thev have their blinds drawn, of
course. because they can't . stand the glare
either.
What did they get`? A very bright light
with very little light control and fiats of glare.
It produces lots of light trespass, light
r,ni ,ztinn anti €i-ner�ry WgRte. Thev nrnhah1v
now have a "feelinz, of security". Real
security is probably no better than before
Here are some ideas on what you can do.
First and foremost, be tactful and
understanding. Don't argue. Do your
homework first. Be well prepared.
Understand the essence of the energy facts
given below, and of what makes a goad
security light. Know the local casts of
alcctrriciter (Vents per TZ7JUHI T4rnnw if there
a local lighting control ordinarice and. it so,
the derails of what is included. what
.,}�,,.,,;=*,,,ent is being done, who was involved,
uAxA vx.....iu
etc. Look around rOr the avadabiiity of goad
security lizfttlra� fixtures nd how much the=
cost, facts are :tat e;?cuzh. l owever.
Emotions and nerccrtions are there ail the
time. are ,°erg imnnrrnrit
and -are in play ail the Mime. _
anproaci ern in a frie kndly way, 7111cy
are worried :kiSouz �I ae:i secunry andl safe:er.
71
htv tried to ?o worrlerkiinn out it. MaybL
=he�, sa*%,v an ad prom she atiiir-,F aornmarly. Qr
s�.vbere. `outirlM _ileac spec:fc s.l�i?LS_
iaT e `he _ot Zo
cad fie° i" "r rn e
,F yr
...1??z-''51=-- Y,L aynt -n 'usz -.i ci,a :-ii is%v .v na%l
to do. but thought that adding a lot of light
would help. Don't tell them, paariicInriu in an
unfheudly way, to shut cuff their Iight because
it bathers you.. They won't, and you will
likely have hardened their position.
Dike positive approaches. Help them
soive their problems. Offer alternatives. Be
fie Bible to the local needs. Ask for their
advice in solving your problem. Most people
really Iike to be helpful., when they can. Let,
d ern know how. Be prepared to criznprornise,
but -always keep the overall goal in mind- You
want and need dark skies, and no light
trespass. You also want a secure and safe
nighttime environment, dust as they do. You
want to help the country save energy and
money. Show that you care, far all of those
things in general, for your sky, and for them.
Here are two specific issues you can discuss
with them, to heeip win their over.
I. The Energy Issue, ,and Cast Savings:
When new, the 175 watt mercury vapor
lamp puts out about 8000 lumens (a lumen
is a measure of the amount of light
produced by a lamp), declining in light
output with time. The mean Iurne:r output
(after some v=s of use) is about 7€ OO
l„me,rio_ That amount of light output
compares approximately to a 400 watt
dncandesceat tamp. a I00 watt metal haiide
lama, a 70 or 100 watt high pressure
sodium larrto, or a 5. watt zowr -pressure
sodium lamp. (_See MIA Information heel
N-e. �.
These lamps use considerabiv different
amounts or energy o aroduc: the sam.W
amount of'ight_ J',,ihen'energv costs were
very low, not hat manv years ago, it made
little difference. mow, however, it does
maKo a difference, e.s^uecially trVhen vau
consider now many of these'arrrT.Ds are 3n
use in an urban area. r in L C Y. Y1iCed
LaIeS 15 1 Whoiee here ire �anv Oilier
utl nz nst=IaLions wasdmz .tent as •wei1.
f iitTireS . { IDA iilf or. ation She- t ICI Q.
The cost to the country of all this
wasted light .is over One- Billion Dollars a
Year- (fee ID A Information Sheet Na.
—6.) And all this wasted light and energy
Is rdoinc, nothing to promote Safety,
security, or a. better life at might. It is
merely lighting up the sly, causing glare
(glary never helps visibility). and
Offending neighbors. None of he billion
dollars is being used to light the ground or
to crovide safery and security. The glare
ana confusion acid clatter caused by the
bad lighting are definite factors in
accidents and losses caused by such
accidents_ This also costs the nation too
'Mitch money and pain. As individuals, we
must do what we can to stop such. waste.
2. ReaJ Safety vs. Perceived Safety;
The 175 watt dusk -to --dawn security light
may dive the illusion of safety, because its
so bright, but it is really counterproductive
to Food vision. The criminal. can hide in
the glare or in the deeo shadows near such
moor lighting. (Look around neat- one.
Set the deem shadows next to the overiit
areas? It is Bard for the eye to adapt to
such sharp transitions.) Light used for
secruriry should be of such a nature that the
owner can see 'Defter than the criminal_
So what to do? Here are two suggestions.
Other good ideas are possible, too, with
conscious thought given to the issues.
Remember that quality lighting is only one
facet of godd security, and no lighting
system —no matter how good ---will ensure
security, But quality lighting may help
whereas poor lighting may, in fact, help the
criminal.
■- 4'P f�wRr iV 1i T�'A nP r� nr +� t1t* 't'1 sr irfl
Wt.. , •JL ...w S:T �_J
low pressure sodium light source. in a
good ;well shielded) fixture. Tht fixture
i control the ourcuut so `tiat it
goes oniv where needed not into a
neighbors yard or windows, or up into the
7 1
s 'J T 1E iY is lots of ?ig:IL ', l CCCi ., W< ,.t
LP5 fixture will put out more useful light
hail the typical 1-5 watt dusk o-dawn
sec�,anty !1 -hr, even an la watt one ,viil
YorobaOIV CIO a better job. at one tenth the
energy cost,. ?`here is essentially no. glare
one s not Oiindcd. One a u see
i dere :s no _lant 'uresraass or sky
,no�v nrcallcL .. There Zara no aa tic. ,gee_
t13 IDWS Ci ri nariu S r J II 0 -n
- Si 6iL7-. c Try.�; '1PL
these CuallCv US fixtures offer excwlieat
vi sfczlicti . There are also some excellent
weirshielded HPS and odder fixtures, but
they are not as energy efficient.
B. Use an infrared sensor spotlight fixture_
Tlhe spotlights only come on when, the
sensor sees rriovement. Any intruder will
be scared off by the sudden turn -on of the
spotlights. You are alerted by the light
coming on, and your neigl1bm are more
likely to notice, too (you can buy fixtures
which will also sound an alarm inside the
house- if you want the added security).
What could. be better? This tvve of fixture
is a great security lighting system, and it
provides effective, quality lighting. (Be
sure that the f rure is mounted under he
ezn,es, so that there's no wasted Ight; and
point the light beam .where it's needed, not
into your neighbor's yard.)
The infrared sensor lights are widely
available, in stores or by mail order. The cost
ranges from about $20 to over $100,
depending on the quality anal who is selling
them. They are easy to install (just mount
them, plug them in, and adjust them) and use.
The LPS fixtures are harder to find, as few
know of their existence. Ask for them at the
local lighting suppliers. Insist on there. With
some demand. then will start stacking them.
If all else fails, Luy there by mail from a
Tucson lighting supplier.
The quality LPS fixtures will certainly
cost more than the cheap 1 75 watt mercury
ones, especialiv in an area where few LPS
fixtures are sold. But even if they cast $120,
they begin to save lots of energy and money
the day they are installed. For example, 175
minus .35 watts is 140 watts, tunes 4100 hours
per near, yields 5i4 KWH saved per, year. At
i u a -r
'� l '.. —T �L , LAIC... Y3 ',CLL3 uualo .3aveu PC,
year compared to the mercury. So the payoff
period to replace a ?nercurSr vapor �light with
�f r t
�i�-.iiF'v F�'e-ya � L�G�P is II'.�'.�.} .�.'�.1. ;'iu.�,..�`., y �';a.[i
w
or aboui two and a. half ,fears. if one considers
.he :ost ,f the nZercur=i fixture, sue S10, hen
't's $ _7-- S 0 = '390 e:-,tra cost, and
divided by gives a payoff period of oniv
-Avo gears. The-spatlighi so' iuti8n dos an i`Ce i
taster 7 Ca1f er'�4e €)� or rse. dery Few
Z'
:.nerzy Savings conc-_,ors dove Shorter payorf
periods uhan reniacing :nerfecrf vfe ana
,ne:ficiem stcciiritV lights widl 'better ones.
A-1any other M ormat.on Si tiers art
�l yI� uEI tom wL`: > utdat 1 u-
the ISO :3ti , r
av has ,:I?ti
nt-=rrtltion=-2eK--SkyAssociation-
2545 N_ Stew M T'ucsan AZ 8�5716 U.SJA.
by Andrew S. Kosicrrek„ Centericr EnerMf, Meveland Cl-1
The Problem
Theincreasing desires to, light exterior areas far safety, security; arnenitiesr, corttriuterciai
activities, and sports events makes the problem of light trespasa mare frequent and complex.
The rntrltitude of lighting products, very often misappiied; badly aimed, or, poorly ciesigrred,.
resuits in many complaints_. Mare may, be visible from nearby or,. distant areas- Frequently the
lighting is. not confined tithe originating property. Spill tight fatting aver-pmperty lutes can
illuminate adjacent grounds -or buildings inan oibiectionabie mariner. These are pro.baitiy°tile
rrtost frequent lighttrespass complaints.
The gradual increase of ordinances Indicate that communities feei that light trespass is a
problem that mus be addressed_ This can and has resulted in the cmatlan of`laws and. penalties
which are often subjective and evert overly. restrictive. T'nia.fact may well hinder the prod or
getting affordable quality lighting installations [n the regulated areas due to fear.af liability ancYor
the time and cast to researon the design of an installation.
The Illuminating. Engineering Society of North America (CESNA, or IES) has.estabiished.a
committee to research the problems of light trespass, glare, and.sky gtow, anef,r hopefulty; will set
guidelines that the lighting industry and communities can fallaw. As of f' 43, there is not -yet a
published report. Several other IES committees are also addressing the issues.
sulutiaps
' t as n are q e c , ie ie they ditrii: to eliminate,to ey Gat,
Because :eCi��t p .s d glare .0 it t l; re, . :are r >it , ;h
be minimized ihraugh good design practices. In many cases, all: taut is required ;s-the proper
Placement of poles, select on of luminaire aptics,. and shielding :accessories- ""tie factthat tight
trespass is aconcern can be reasonable stated In rt- uniciral md. However. overly rigid
regulations are I= as undesirable as light trespass itself. Codes must allow far design flexibility
through a reasonable review process.
=cequirernents a iouid be writtert using available measurable parameters. berms such as
aye discomfort," and 'excessive brightness," are subjeW ive terms without sdentif c oackuc 'fir
guidelines_ L:minaire 2mic restricfiotts rnou d Ise c-tefinea f trough-riattierraticai criteria, rn at the
generalized term 'mitotr daunting netights and Boozing 'e`Jets should fc law reccgitizea _rtaust ry
practices, ;ui ,hev shcuid iave ircvi3toris- c' ailow a re` iew body _a it nose €eest anions or allow
Cvi rio,,7s i 7i Ns LGicl i; G ii7T5icaPtC �.
ecornrnended Criteria ter Ederiar Lighting Ordina cas
Direct Clare: Direct, glare is defined as the visual discomfort resulting from insuffic:enffy shielded
€icht scums in the field of view. Cne should "see°+,`teaffect: not the light scum."
use of the territ `dire:: g}are` is raccrrrrr ea ded in €ieu of the ward 'glare` al€ ne_ Tire direr g:a€e
definition :Weans if you can see an unsi,ielded larnp, arthe lurttinaire maximum candlepewer
zarre, you :ray mei.l have glare- However-, usually when you are near a luminaire, you wrii see
ttiese parameterm, of course. So a reasonab€e definition iimiiing the Meld. of view is mquired� ._
L .-ithitation of Cbser-tration of Direct Aare: Direct glare shalt net be observabfe (butsfde-the
originating property limits) at an angle greaterthan 55 degrees from the nadir of the vertical axis
of the light source -
This defnition is a reasonable one_ in -practice, it -will result in linrtiting the distance-frorn t Might
source that you see direr; glare to less than ten times the mounting height of the light source. In
inat7y cases, it ivarilt3 be appraximaiely SIx imES Lice -noun ing Eie:C�i t_ T nere are many curat
luminaire types that can meeting this requirement easily. Also many floodlight luminaires and
other area luminaire types wiih proper instail�tion and shielding can also meet this requirement_
Light Trespass: Limit the exterior lighting anginating on a property to a maximum of 0.5;
horizontal. fact candies (HFC) at a distance of 25 feet beyond the properly lines
This specification will allow the controlled placement of lighting pales and luminaires adjacent to
the property limes: With many outdoor luminaires, it is difficult to comply with, law level foaat
candle regu€rements at the property line. And example: A typical 250 watt high pressure (HPS)
luminaire at the property line wouid have about a 5 HFC: below the light fixture, but.it cauf€f tie.
shielded so that there is no more than 15 HFC, at 25 feet from the property line.
L.uminaire Mounting Height: A mounting height of 20 feet allows the use of a variety of
luminaires in an anergy efficient manner. There should be provisions in any code ,or needed
exceptions, such as for spare lighting installations or other high mast designs.
Illumination Levels: Use the terns horizontal f oat candle (HFC) or vertical foot :anode (VFC) to
define the type of illumination levels and measurements. Recommended illumination levels. are
published in various IES publications and many lurrtinaire manufacturers. These levels should
be followed unless there are adequate design reasons not to do so.
summary
These recommendations are far from perfect. Indeed, it is probably impossible to produce an
outdoor !ighe�tiny�g ordinance th�Satnwouid be perfect for all yapplicatioilns} an�deyllojealeps, EHowevy�e- using
Me- f;Qmornatlon `�i ih use' sighting design iamcws •'!-Sri€ greatly alleviate many coif piaints-wand mift
certainly irttprove the quality and effectiveness of mast ail outdoor area lighting applications_
Any Hgetting control cade should contain provisions for a ruling body to grant essential exceptions
C C v =r "Jisrvns fF Itis s;e'ci "lie tlta intent ,f tt4 mud ril l� a� tii.m-1y
maximize the creativity of the designer to produce auality 1ghting, while at the saute time lirniting
greatly ,he amount of poor lighting so carnmonly siren today.
Sources: Various IE=elf-:. llgntina industnt, and 7CA documents. Contact any :-fthese forfurtner-
nto r anon; aspec:ai€y ^ate tl�e annul Detest ~A ':nrcrrriatton iteetw.