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A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to create standards for outdoor lighting so that its use does not interfere with reasonable use and enjoyment of adjacent property, while also minimizing atmospheric light scattering.

B. Definitions.

Outdoor light fixtures: Shall include artificial illuminating devices, outdoor fixtures, lamps and other devices, permanent or portable, used for outdoor illumination. Such devices shall include, but are not limited to, search, spot, or flood lights for:

1. Building and structures.

2. Recreational areas.

3. Parking lot lighting.

4. Landscape lighting.

5. Security lighting.

Fully shielded: Shall mean that those fixtures so designated shall be shielded in such a manner that light rays emitted from the fixture, either directly from the source of illumination or indirectly from the fixture, are projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest point of the fixture where light is emitted.

Filtration: Those outdoor light fixtures which have glass, acrylic, or translucent enclosures (quartz glass does not meet this requirement).

C. Requirements for shielding or filtration. When used for outdoor lighting, shielding or filtration shall be required for the lamp types as set forth in the following table, unless the lighting contains an automatic shutoff device and is not used from 11:00 p.m. until sunrise:

Fixture Lamp Type

Shielded

Filtered

High pressure sodium

Fully

None

Metal halide

Fully

Yes

Fluorescent

Fully

Yes

Quartz

Fully

None

Incandescent greater than 150 watts

Fully

None

Low pressure sodium

None

None

For the purposes of this article, quartz lamps shall not be considered an incandescent light source.

D. Other restrictions.

1. The installation of mercury vapor fixtures for use as outdoor lighting after January 1, 1985, is prohibited.

2. Other outdoor light regulations are contained in the Zoning Ordinance, appendix A, of this Code.

Editor’s note—Pursuant to Ord. No. G-3377, § 1, the Zoning Ordinance, as amended, formerly app. A of the Code, was repealed and the "Zoning Ordinance of the City of Phoenix" was adopted by reference as set forth in ch. 41. The Zoning Ordinance is published as a separate volume. A copy of the Zoning Ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk.

3. A recreation facility, public or private, may use outdoor lighting from 11:00 p.m. until sunrise, to conclude an event or activity begun before 10:00 p.m.

E. Exemptions.

1. Fossil fuel light: Produced directly or indirectly by the combustion of natural gas or other utility-type fossil fuels.

2. Unless otherwise regulated, these provisions shall not apply to outdoor lighting fixtures installed prior to January 1, 1985. (Ord. No. G-2699, § 1; Ord. No. G-3172, § 1)