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Planning Commission OKs lighting variance for Bank of America ATM despite code exceedance
Summary
The Sonoma City Planning Commission unanimously approved a variance to allow brighter exterior lighting at the Bank of America branch at 35 West Napa Street, finding the proposal met safety and state ATM-lighting requirements despite exceeding the city—s foot-candle limits.
The Sonoma City Planning Commission unanimously approved a design-review and variance application to modify exterior lighting at the Bank of America branch at 35 West Napa Street, including a finding under the California Environmental Quality Act that the project is categorically exempt.
Staff told commissioners the revised plan reduces the site—s measured light levels from previously submitted plans but still exceeds Sonoma—s development-code limits for maximum foot-candles in the parking lot. Staff noted the project was revised following the commission—s earlier review; new fixtures and removals reduced the pole- and canopy-mounted illumination around the ATM and parking area.
The applicant—s lighting representative, Bruce of GMR, said the work is part of Bank of America—s Exterior Lighting Program to meet state-required ATM lighting standards and upgrade sites to LED for energy efficiency. "First and foremost, it's to upgrade all the lighting to meet any state financial codes, requiring lighting around ATMs," Bruce said, adding that inspections had identified several failed readings in the site—s nighttime survey.
Commission discussion focused on balancing the city—s preference for a darker night sky with public-safety and state requirements for ATM illumination. Commissioner Barnett said complying with state standards was essential: "I think there's no question, but that we need to be in compliance with the state law."
After hearing from the applicant and staff and taking no public comments, the commission voted to approve the variance and associated design-review approval and to adopt the staff-recommended CEQA categorical exemption. The action was recorded as unanimous on the roll call.
The approved plan reduces some canopy fixtures and shifts and removes other lights to reduce concentrated bright spots, but staff said the proposal will continue to exceed the city's maximum foot-candle measurements at select locations around the ATM to meet state ATM safety norms.
The commission discussed ongoing city work to update lighting standards and to consider technology changes in LED fixtures so future replacements better align with the city—s night-sky goals. The applicant indicated it would implement the approved fixtures and work with staff on final installation details.
