Re: night sky question

 
From: "Aubrey Larsen via Utah Chapter APA Listserv" <utahapa@PROTECTED>
Date: January 5th 2018
John,

The Utah Community Development Office has recently been researching dark sky matters including how to do a preliminary dark sk assessment and also looking into example lighting code. We've come across several examples of code that are specific to signage - though billboards haven't been mentioned specifically. Here are a few Utah examples from our research.

Torrey
1) Externally illuminated signs are permitted as follows: a. All externally lit signs shall be illuminated with steady, fully shielded light sources aimed directly onto the sign. Light bulbs or lighting tubes used for illuminating a sign shall not be visible from any location. b. The intensity of sign lighting shall not exceed that necessary to illuminate a sign from the closest adjacent public right-of-way. c. No fixture used to illuminate signs shall be directed toward any adjacent properties. d. All light sources shall be fully shielded or hooded.

Eagle Mountain
17.56.070 Prohibited lighting.

B. Uplighting. Except as specifically allowed in this chapter and Chapter 17.80 EMMC, uplighting is prohibited. [Ord. O-12-2014 (Exh. A)]. (they permit uplighting of flags)

Springdale and Virgin have very similar sign ordinances.
F. Signs: Signs may be unlighted, lighted externally, lighted internally, or backlit. All sign lighting must be designed, directed, and
shielded in such a manner that the light source is not visible beyond the property boundaries where the sign is located. Lighting
for signs must be directed such that only the sign face is illuminated. All lighted signs must have stationary and
constant lighting.

1. Standards For Externally Illuminated Signs:
a. Lighting for externally illuminated signs must be aimed and shielded so that light is directed only onto the sign face and
does not trespass onto adjacent streets, roads or properties or into the night sky.

​Ogden Valley
Outdoor building or landscaping illumination. The unshielded outdoor illumination of any building,
landscaping, American flag, signage or other purpose is prohibited except with incandescent
fixtures less than 100 watts.​

​Helper
1. Externally Illuminated Signs. Light fixtures for externally illuminated signs must be simple in form and mounted so they do not obscure building ornamentation. The light fixtures should emphasize the continuity of the building surface and should not clutter the building in an unorganized manner. Spot lights and flood lights shall be directed only at the sign surface. Light shall not be directed off the property. No exposed light sources are allowed, and all light sources must be shaded to contain light rays to the sign. Colored lighting is prohibited
​Hope that helps, let us know if you have additional questions. We have some good contacts for you. Also check out Flagstaff, AZ lighting code - they are the dark sky lighting code poster child.

Best,

Aubrey​

--
Aubrey Larsen, MsBRP, BLA
Community Development Specialist
Utah Community Development Office
(435) 213-7026


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