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Plan Commission debates lighting ordinance: Kelvin limits, neon/strobe language and special-approval options; public hearing delayed
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a model lighting ordinance (memo dated 08/01/2025), debated a 3,000 K color-temperature limit, questioned prohibitions on neon and strobe lights, discussed variance versus special-approval pathways, and asked staff to revise the draft before scheduling a public hearing.
The Middleton Plan Commission spent the bulk of its Aug. 26 meeting reviewing a proposed lighting ordinance (model and memo dated 08/01/2025) that would establish citywide lighting zones, color-temperature limits, and prohibitions on certain light types.
Commissioners raised several substantive concerns. One member suggested the draft’s nighttime end time of 07:00 should be moved earlier to 06:00 to better match residents’ schedules. A commissioner noted the draft bans "strobe lights and laser lights" but lacks a clear definition for "strobe," worrying that ordinary camera flashes could be captured by a too-broad prohibition; staff agreed a definition could be added to focus on repeatedly flashing or bright nuisance lighting. Another member questioned why neon signs were effectively banned and whether flashing neon could be disallowed while static neon remained acceptable.
Multiple commissioners questioned the draft’s proposed 3,000 K maximum for outdoor fixtures, arguing that 3,200–4,000 K bulbs are commonly available and could be acceptable. Staff said the 3,000 K recommendation came from Dark Sky International and noted the template can be adjusted during local implementation. One commissioner called it "a little disingenuous" to allow 5,700 K for sports/stadium lighting while limiting most other outdoor lighting to 3,000 K; staff responded that sports lighting serves visual performance needs and that higher Kelvin allowances for athletic fields are standard in lighting guidance.
Commissioners also discussed the proper process for exceptions. Staff explained that variances typically require a hardship review by the Zoning Board of Appeals, but the city could add a special-review or permit process in Chapter 33 (the city's lighting ordinance) to allow plan commission or staff review of particular cases (for historic neon signs, special signage, or color-temperature exceptions) without invoking a zoning variance.
On mapping, staff said they used a combination of zoning districts and the city's lands plan to identify conservancy areas (for example, Quarry Hill and a sliver of Penny Klein Park) and applied downgraded lighting zones adjacent to those conservancy designations. Commissioners asked staff to clarify the trigger for downgrading adjacent parcels and pointed out parcels on Allen Boulevard that should be downgraded.
Outcome: staff said they will prepare a revised draft that can include special-approval language and clarified maps. The commission agreed to delay setting a public hearing until the revised draft is presented to commissioners.
Why it matters: the ordinance would set technical standards and approval pathways that affect businesses, parks, athletic facilities and residents across Middleton; specifics on definitions, allowable Kelvin values, and the process for exceptions will determine how broadly the rules apply and how existing signs and fixtures are treated.
What happens next: staff will draft revisions to the lighting ordinance and return that draft to the Plan Commission before a public hearing is scheduled.
