Morrisville Unified Development Ordinance - June 2017

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.

June 23, 2017

Morrisville, NC

Page 5-140

Unified Development Ordinance