Morrisville Unified Development Ordinance - October 2019

Article 5: Development Standards Section 5.15. Exterior Lighting 5.15.1. Purpose

SECTION 5.15. EXTERIOR LIGHTING

5.15.1. Purpose

This section is intended to regulate exterior lighting to:

A. Permit the use of exterior lighting at the minimum levels necessary for nighttime safety, utility, security, productivity, enjoyment, and commerce; B. Ensure exterior lighting does not adversely impact land uses on adjacent lands by minimizing light trespass, obtrusive light, and glare; C. Ensure the safety of motorists by minimizing light spillage and glare onto adjacent streets; D. Curtail light pollution, reduce skyglow, and preserve the nighttime environment for the enjoyment of residents and visitors;

E. Conserve energy and resources to the greatest extent possible; and F. Ensure security for persons and properties.

5.15.2. Applicability

A. General The provisions of this section shall apply to all new or expanded multifamily, nonresidential, and mixed- use development, as well as any new or expanded off-street parking facilities, and any off-street loading area, unless exempted by subsection B below.

(Ord. No. 2015-002, 04/29/2015)

B. Exemptions

The following are exempted from the exterior lighting standards of this section:

Lighting within a public street right-of-way or easement that is used principally for illuminating a roadway—but not lighting within a street right-of-way or easement that is designed to illuminate areas outside the right-of-way or easement;

Lighting exempt from this Ordinance under state or federal law;

FAA-mandated lighting associated with a telecommunications or utility tower or an airport;

Lighting for public monuments and statuary;

Lighting for flags permitted in accordance with ;

Lighting solely for signage (subject to standards in Section 5.16, Signage;

Temporary lighting for circuses, fairs, carnivals, theatrical and other performance areas—provided such lighting is discontinued upon completion of the performance; Temporary lighting of construction sites—provided such lighting is discontinued upon completion of the construction activity; Temporary lighting for emergency situations—provided such lighting is discontinued upon abatement of the emergency situation; Security lighting controlled and activated by motion sensor devices for a duration of 15 minutes or less;

Underwater lighting in swimming pools, fountains, and other water features; and

Holiday or festive lighting—provided such lighting complies with the limitations on temporary lighting associated with holiday decorations and civic events in Section 5.16.2.C.4.

Morrisville, NC

October 1, 2019

Unified Development Ordinance

Page 5-149