287-LightingORDINANCE NO. 287
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTABLISHING OUTDOOR LIGHTING STANDARDS AND AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE
The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. Findings.
The residents of the City of Rolling Hills treasure its rural environment. As is set forth in the City’s General Plan, the Council finds that the rural environment is characterized
by natural light, and is degraded by artificial illumination at night. Nighttime darkness throughout the City contributes significantly to the uniquely tranquil rural environment, creates
a more natural setting for wildlife that inhabit the area, enhances the quality of life and adds to property values.
For the foregoing reasons, the City provides no roadway illumination and encourages residents to minimize the illumination of their properties to avoid light spillage onto neighboring
properties, easements and roadways.
The outdoor lighting standards adopted herein serve to advance the foregoing goals and further public health, safety and welfare.
Pursuant to authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code Section 21000 ete seq.) (“CEQA”) and the CEQA Guidelines (California
Code of Regulations Section 15000 et seq.), planning staff analyzed the proposed ordinance and concluded that the ordinance will not have the potential to cause a significant effect
on the environment. Based on this finding, planning staff has determined that the proposed ordinance is categorically exempt from the requirements of CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3)
of the CEQA Guidelines. The City Council has reviewed the proposed exemption and finds that it represents the independent judgment of the City and complies with the requirements of
CEQA. Based upon this finding, the City Council finds that the proposed ordinance is categorically exempt from CEQA in accordance with the CEQA Guidelines.
Section 2. Paragraph D. of Section 17.16.150 of Chapter 17.16 of Title 17 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
“D. Walkways, steps, mailboxes and irrigations systems are permitted in any yard area.”
Section 3. Section 17.16.190 of Chapter 17.16 of Title 17 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code is amended by adding thereto a new paragraph E. to read as follows:
“E. Outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting is prohibited except as provided below:
Lighting is permitted along pedestrian pathways for the purpose of providing safe passage. Bulbs used in such lighting shall be non-reflective and shall not exceed the wattage of a
forty (40) watt incandescent light bulb to a maximum of 400 lumens, or their equivalent if non-incandescent lighting is used. Lighting fixtures shall accommodate only one bulb, shall
incorporate shields to cast light downward, shall be spaced no closer than twenty (20) feet apart, and shall be no higher than 18 inches from grade to the top of the fixture. In no
event shall light from such fixtures be cast upward or off the property.
Security lighting is permitted, provided that in no event shall a security light be set to shine for longer than five minutes following activation.
Temporary lighting is permitted for holidays and for special events.
Entry post lighting is permitted at the foot of a driveway provided that lighting is cast downward and does not spill onto the roadway. Bulbs used in such lighting shall be non-reflective
and shall not exceed the wattage of a forty (40) watt incandescent light bulb to a maximum of 400 lumens, or their equivalent if non-incandescent lighting is used.
Lighting that illuminates porches and entry ways into buildings is permitted. Bulbs used in such lighting shall be non-reflective and shall not exceed the wattage of a forty (40) watt
incandescent light bulb to a maximum of 400 lumens, or their equivalent if non-incandescent lighting is used.
Section 4. All development occurring after the date of adoption of this Ordinance shall comply with the standards set forth in Section 3 above. Any lighting existing on the date of
adoption of this Ordinance which is not in compliance with the standards set forth in Section 3 above shall be deactivated, removed or otherwise brought into compliance within one (1)
year of adoption. To avoid hardship associated with major modifications of existing lighting improvements, modifications which result in substantial compliance with the above standards
and which meet the intent of this Ordinance, as determined by the City Manager, shall be deemed to constitute compliance. The City Manager’s determination in that regard shall be subject
to appeal to the Planning Commission.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 26th day of March, 2001.
____________________________________
Godfrey Pernell, D.D.S.
Mayor
Attest:
____________________________________
Marilyn L. Kern
Deputy City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) §§
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS )
I certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 287 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTABLISHING EXTERIOR LIGHTING STANDARDS AND AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on March 26, 2001 by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices
________________________________________________
Marilyn L. Kern
Deputy City Clerk
Ordinance No. 287 -1-