To: Planning Commission
From: Planning and Building Department
Agenda Section: Departmental Report
SUBJECT:
title
A Public Workshop on the Inland Lighting Ordinance adding Section 314-105.1 and amending 314-141, 314-142, 314-147, and 314-154 in Chapter 4 of Division 1 of Title III of the County Code to include design guidelines for outdoor lighting to protect unincorporated Humboldt County from light pollution and light trespass.
Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 000-000-000
Record No.: LRP-2023-18849
All of the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County.
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Planning Commission:
1. Request that staff present the staff report;
2. Receive public comment;
3. Deliberate and comment on the Draft Inland Lighting Ordinance; and
4. Provide guidance to Planning & Building Staff on any desired amendments to the draft ordinance prior to a public hearing.
Body
DISCUSSION:
Project Location: All unincorporated areas of Humboldt County, outside of the Coastal Zone.
Present General Plan Land Use Designation: All land use designations.
Present Zoning: All zoning districts.
Environmental Review: N/A for workshop.
State Appeal: N/A for workshop.
Executive Summary:
The Outdoor Lighting Ordinance addresses community concerns of maintaining dark skies and light trespass.
The department has received numerous complaints regarding light trespass, from both residential and commercial uses, onto neighboring parcels, creating glare, and causing light pollution. Light pollution affects wildlife and our ability to maintain dark skies.
To minimize light pollution, light trespass, and preserve our darks skies, the ordinance sets design standards for outdoor lights. Outdoor lights must be designed to minimize the amount of light that spills into unwanted areas like neighboring properties or the sky, and to avoid creating excessive glare for people nearby.
The Outdoor Lighting Ordinance implements the County's 2017 Conservation...
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