HomeMy WebLinkAbout7a - CarMax #7252 Lighting Modification Justification
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April 7, 2015
City of Renton
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
Subject: CarMax Auto Superstore – Renton, WA – Proposed Lighting Modification
Request for Modification
CarMax uses “shoebox” type lighting fixtures mounted on 25‐foot tall light poles for visibility and security.
Fixtures use a flat lens and are downcast to reduce light spill onto adjacent properties. Exterior lighting
will be reduced after operating hours. However, RMC 4‐6‐060.I.3 states that lighting levels along non‐
intersection collector arterials shall not exceed 0.9 foot‐candles. The project requests a modification to
RMC 4‐6‐060.I.3 in order to increase the maximum average lighting levels allowed along the perimeter of
the project boundary along E. Valley Rd. and a portion of SW 41st St.
CarMax’s light pole height and design is to ensure adequate light the vehicle display area and customer
and employee parking lot for customer safety and security.
Requirement
Per RMC 4‐6‐060.I.3, the maximum average maintained illumination for a non‐crosswalk section of a
collector arterial road is 0.9 foot‐candles. The maximum average maintained illumination for an
intersection is 1.2 foot‐candles
Deviation
Along E. Valley Rd and a portion of SW 41st St, the lighting plan shows that illumination levels range from
0.1 to 2.2 foot‐candles with an average illumination of approximately 1.2 foot candles. The proposed
photometric plan has been included as part of the Site Plan Review submittal and this modification
request.
Reason for Request
CarMax’s light design is to ensure adequate light is provided for the vehicle display area and customer and
employee parking lot along E. Valley Mall Way and SW 41st Street. Color rendition and clarity are both
essential to the car buying experience. In order to provide sufficient lighting for safety and security.
CarMax uses “shoebox” type lighting fixtures mounted on 25‐foot tall light poles for visibility and security.
On the photometric plan, light levels are represented along the eastern property line which is 15 feet
away from the E. Valley Rd. curb. All perimeter fixtures have full cut‐off shields to reduce glare. The
fixtures use a flat lens and are downcast to reduce light spill onto adjacent properties or public ROW.
CarMax – Renton, WA
April 7, 2015
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The exterior lighting will be reduced after operating hours at two different times, once when the store
closes and reduced further when employees leave. The project is requesting this modification to increase
the maximum lighting level allowed along the site boundaries on E Valley Rd. and SW 41st Street.
Criteria Compliance
The proposed lighting design for the project complies with the design criteria identified in RMC 4‐9‐250
D.2 as follows.
The proposed development has made efforts to reduce glare and light spill into the adjacent ROW and
meet the street lighting standards in RMC 4‐6‐060‐I.3 via the use of downcast light fixtures and cut‐off
shields for light fixtures adjacent to the E Valley Rd. and sW 41st Street. However, as color rendition and
clarity are both essential to the car buying experience CarMax is requesting a modification to exceed the
maximum average illumination allowed by code during CarMax’s business hours. CarMax stores are
typically open to the public between 7:30 Am and 6:00 PM. Following business hours the site lighting will
be dimmed, the lighting will be reduced further once employees leave. The LED light fixtures proposed for
the project provide greater control of the illumination levels and dimming capabilities as well as reduces
the overall energy use of the site lighting.
The increase in average illumination from 0.9 foot‐candles to 1.2 foot‐candles during business hours will
not be injurious to other property(ies) and may even provide added security and visibility for pedestrians
on the public sidewalks. The proposed project is bordered by commercial and industrial uses and doesn’t
share a boundary with any residential properties.