Title
Modification to the Lighting Ordinance, Sec. 30-344 (B)
Petition PB-14-122 TCH. City of Gainesville. Amend the Land Development Code, Section 30-344 Outdoor Lighting to modify the standards and process for review and permitting of photometric plans for new and existing developments. *Estimated presentation time 15 minutes.*
Explanation
This petition addresses a referral from the City Commission to the City Plan Board about amending the Land Development Code, Sec. 30-344 Outdoor Lighting ordinance. The modifications are intended to address concerns expressed by the local development community and other stakeholders about the lighting ordinance. The issues of concerned were about: (1) performance based review of the lighting regulations; (2) energy efficiency and conservation related to outdoor lighting; (3) providing options for submitting an application for development plan review and the level of lighting details required during the early phase of the development review process; (4) clarifying the waiver provision and improving the process to allow greater flexibility during the review process; (5) illumination standards for developments during the hours of dusk to dawn; (6) lighting for special uses, situations and unique designs; (7) security lighting and the relationship to CPTED principles; and (8) conflicts with outdoor lighting, required landscaping and existing vegetation.
Prior to the City Plan Board meeting staff convened five meetings with stakeholders and GRU. The document presented to the City Plan Board reflected a consensus position from all participants.
The City Plan board reviewed the petition and recommended approval with a condition that the review of lighting plans include consideration of topographic relief on the subject site and on surrounding sites.
After the City Plan Board meeting staff conducted additional stakeholder meetings to review proposed changes related to energy conservation, security lighting, and special regulations for automobile dealerships and fuel sales establishments. Based on the last stakeholder meetings, the recommendation approved by the City Plan Board has been modified to remove the requirement to reduce lighting intensities after business hours and increases lighting intensity for automobile dealerships and gas stations.
Public notice was published in the Gainesville Sun on October 7, 2014. The Plan Board held a public hearing on October 23, 2014.
Fiscal Note
A new reduced fee of $500.00 is included for review of some lighting plans.
Recommendation
City Plan Board to City Commission - The City Commission approve petition PB-14-122 TCH as revised by the Plan Board - Plan Board vote 5-0.
Staff to City Commission - the City Commission approves Plan Board's recommendation as amended by staff after the Plan Board Hearing.
Staff to City Plan Board - Approve petition.
Alternative Recommendation
Staff to City Commission - Approve the Plan Board Recommendation