Article 5: Development Standards
Section 5.15. Exterior Lighting
5.15.1. Purpose
June 23, 2017
Morrisville, NC
Page 5-140
Unified Development Ordinance
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
Bbelow.
(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 i
n 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 Sectio
n 5.16.2.C.4.