HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 5472CITY OF RENTON,WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE NO._5_4_7_2_
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RENTON,WASHINGTON,AMENDING CHAPTER
3,ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND OVERLAY DISTRICTS;AND CHAPTER
11,DEFINITIONS,OF TITLE IV (DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS)OF ORDINANCE
NO.4260 ENTITLED "CODE OF GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF RENTON,
WASHINGTON",TO AMEND THE REGULATIONS REGARDING PEDESTRIAN
SCALE LIGHTING AND THE DEFINITION OF "LIGHT DEFINITIONS".
WHEREAS,the City recognizes that down lighting would minimize potential adverse
impacts on neighboring properties,such as light glare and spillover onto adjacent properties;
and
WHEREAS,the City recognizes that restricting lighting sources to just down lighting may
limit alternative ornamental lighting sources that do not point downward;and
WHEREAS,the City seeks to set standards that require downlighting for pedestrian and
vehicular movement,in all design districts,unless approved administratively for ornamental
pedestrian scale lighting that does not point downward;and
WHEREAS,the City seeks to be responsive to citizens requests for consideration of
adverse impacts of lighting on neighboring properties,pedestrian oriented lighting,and
avoidance of excessive lighting;and
WHEREAS,this matter was duly referred to the Planning Commission for investigation,
study,and the matter having been duly considered by the Planning Commission,and the zoning
text amendment request being in conformity with the City's Comprehensive Plan,as amended;
and
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ORDINANCE NO.5472
WHEREAS}the Planning Commission held a public hearing on April 22}2009}having duly
considered all matters relevant thereto}and all parties having been heard appearing in support
or in opposition;
NOW}THEREFORE}THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RENTON}WASHINGTON}DOES
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I.Subsection 4-3-100K,Lighting}of Chapter 3,Environmental
Regulations and Overlay Districts,of Title IV (Development Regulations)of Ordinance No.4260
entitled "Code of General Ordinances of the City of Renton}Washington,"is hereby amended
to read as follows:
K.LIGHTING:
Intent:To ensure safety and security;provide adequate lighting levels in
pedestrian areas such as plazas,pedestrian walkways}parking areas,building
entries}and other public places;and increase the visual attractiveness of the
area at all times of the day and night.
1.Minimum Standards for All Districts:
a.Lighting shall conform to on-site exterior lighting regulations located in
RMC 4-4-075}Lighting,Exterior On-Site.
b.Lighting shall be provided on-site to increase security,but shall not be
allowed to directly project off-site.
c.Downlighting shall be used in all cases to assure safe pedestrian and
vehicular movement,unless alternative pedestrian scale lighting has been
approved administratively or is specifically listed as exempt from
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ORDINANCE NO.5472
provisions located in RMC 4-4-075 Lighting,Exterior On-Site (Le.,signage,
governmental flags,temporary holiday or decorative lighting,right-of-
way-lighting,etc.).
d.Pedestrian-scale lighting shall be provided,for both safety and
aesthetics,along all streets,at primary and secondary building entrances,
on building facades and at pedestrian-oriented spaces.
2.Guidelines Applicable to Districts 'e'and 'D':
a.Accent lighting should be provided at focal points such as gateways,
public art,and significant landscape features such as specimen trees.
b.Additional lighting to provide interest in the pedestrian environment
may include sconces on building facades,decorative street lighting,etc.
SECTION II.Section 4-11-120,Definitions l,of Chapter 11,Definitions,of Title
IV (Development Regulations)of Ordinance No.4260 entitled "Code of General Ordinances of
the City of Renton,Washington"is hereby amended so the definition of "Light Definitions"
reads follows:
LIGHT DEFINITIONS:The following definitions are utilized in the Exterior Onsite
Lighting Regulations,RMC 4-4-075 and/or the Urban Design Guidelines RMC 4-3-
100:
A.Cutoff:The point at which all light rays emitted by a light source are
completely eliminated (cut off)at a specific angle above the ground.
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ORDINANCE NO.5472
B.Cutoff Angle:The angle formed by a line drawn from the direction of light rays
at the light source and a line perpendicular to the ground from the light source,
above which no light is emitted.
C.Cutoff Type Luminaire:A unit of illumination with elements such as shields,
reflectors,or refractor panels that direct and cut off the light at a cut off angle
less than ninety degrees (90°).
D.Downlighting:A direct lighting unit that aims the light downward.
Downlighting is glare-free and shielded from the sky and adjacent properties,
either through exterior shields and/or through optics within the fixture.
E.Light Trespass:The shining of light produced by a light source beyond the
boundaries of the property on which it is located.
F.Luminaire:The complete lighting unit,including the lamp,the fixture,and
other parts.
SECTION III.This ordinance shall be effective upon its passage,approval,and five (5)
days after publication.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 13th day of__..;;...J..;;;:.u=l......y ,2009.
Bonnie I.Walton,City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR this 13th day of J _u _1 _Y -',2009.
Denis Law,Mayor
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ORDINANCE NO.5472
Approved as to form:
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Lawrence J.Warren,City ttorney
Date of Publication:
ORD.1560:6/11/09:scr
7/17/2009 (summary)
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