Standards for Exterior Artificial Lighting

To prevent exterior artificial lighting from illuminating the jurisdictional boundaries or adjacent waters during the nesting season, the following measures shall be taken to reduce or eliminate the negative effects of new or existing artificial lighting:

(a) Exterior artificial light fixtures within direct line-of-sight of the beach shall be designed, positioned, modified, or removed so that:

• The point source of light or any reflective surface of the light fixture is not directly visible from the beach.
• The area within the jurisdictional boundaries is not directly, or indirectly illuminated.
• The area within the jurisdictional boundaries is not cumulatively illuminated.

(b) Measures such as but not limited to the following shall be taken to reduce or eliminate the negative effects of new or existing artificial beachfront lighting through appropriate design:

1. Positioning of fixtures so that the point source of light or any reflective surface of the light fixture is eliminated or is no longer visible from the beach.
2. Replacement of fixtures having an exposed light source with fixtures containing recessed light sources or shields.
3. Replacement of traditional light bulbs with yellow bug type bulbs not exceeding twenty-five (25) watts or low-pressure sodium vapor lamps.
4. Replacement of non directional fixtures with completely shielded directional fixtures that point down and away from the beach.
5. Replacement of fixture having transparent of translucent coverings with fixtures having opaque shields covering an arc of at least one hundred eighty (180) degrees and extending an appropriate distance below the bottom edge of the fixture on the seaward side so that the light source or any reflective surface of the light fixture is not visible from the beach.
6. Replacement of pole lamps with low-profile, low-level luminaries no higher than forty-eight (48) inches off the ground such as low-mounted wall fixtures, low bollards, and ground-level fixtures, so that the light source or any reflective surface of the light fixture is not visible from the beach.
7. Replacement of incandescent, fluorescent, and high-intensity lighting with the lowest wattage low-pressure sodium vapor lighting possible for the specific application.
8. Planting or improvement of landscape vegetation in compliance with the land development regulations (chapter 9.5-345 environmental design criteria) between the light source and the beach to screen light from the beach.
9. Construction of ground level barriers in compliance with the land development regulations (chapter 9.5-345 Environmental design criteria) to shield light sources from the beach.
10. Limitation of exterior lights used expressly for safety or security purposes. Any such lighting allowed must conform to the measures set forth in this section in order to reduce or eliminate negative effects on sea turtles.
11. Permanent removal of all floodlights, up-lights, or spotlights used for decorative or accent purposes.
12. Permanent removal or disabling of any fixture which cannot be brought into compliance with the provisions of these standards.
13. Shielding or modification of any existing lighted sign pursuant to the land development regulations (chapter 9.5-345 environmental design criteria) such that it is not directly visible from the beach.