Avondale's Zoning Ordinance Section 28-137 sets outdoor lighting standards to minimize light trespass, reduce glare, conserve energy, and protect dark skies. Outdoor lights must be fully shielded and aimed downward, pole heights are limited, and mercury vapor fixtures are prohibited.
Avondale regulates outdoor lighting in Chapter 28, Article 7 (Supplementary Regulations), Section 28-137. The stated purpose is to ensure minimal light trespass, reduce glare, and increase energy conservation while protecting naturally dark skies for astronomical purposes. To meet those goals, Section 28-137(c)(4)(A) requires lights to be fully shielded and directed downward at an angle no greater than 45 degrees above straight down, which keeps light on the property rather than spilling skyward or onto neighbors. The ordinance limits fixture heights: pole-mounted lights are generally capped at 25 feet, dropping to 16 feet near residential zones under Section 28-137(c)(4)(D), and small-scale recreational lighting is limited to 25 feet under Section 28-137(c)(1)(A). Certain inefficient or high-glare sources are banned outright; Section 28-137(c)(4)(G) prohibits the installation of mercury vapor fixtures. The ordinance also defines unacceptable light spillover: light is considered visible from contiguous real property when levels exceed one foot-candle at the property line. These standards apply to commercial, recreational, and certain residential lighting installations and are enforced through site-plan review and code compliance. Property owners installing new exterior, parking-lot, or sports lighting should confirm shielding, height, and spillover compliance with Avondale Development Services.
Outdoor lighting that is unshielded, aimed above 45 degrees from straight down, mounted above the height limits, or that uses prohibited mercury vapor fixtures violates Section 28-137. Lighting that exceeds one foot-candle at a property line is treated as unlawful light trespass, and Avondale Code Compliance may require shielding, redirection, or replacement of the fixtures.
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