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Frederick County delays rewrite of outdoor lighting code after safety and definition concerns
Summary
Planning staff proposed lowering allowable illumination, tightening fixture shielding, and setting 3,000K color limits for most uses, but the board postponed the ordinance to let staff clarify 'high security' definitions, entry‑way foot‑candle standards and effects on existing lights after public and supervisor concerns.
Frederick County planning staff presented a substantial update to Chapter 165 of the county zoning ordinance Wednesday that would tighten outdoor lighting standards — including lower maximum illumination where commercial or industrial properties adjoin residential and agricultural zones, reduced fixture heights, photometric plan requirements and limits on correlated color temperature.
Planner Tyler Klein told the board the draft would codify what staff already applies in practice, require certified photometric plans, and recommend 3,000 Kelvin lighting for most residential and non‑security areas while allowing up to 4,000K where high security is required. Staff also proposed a cutoff requirement for recreational fields of 30 minutes after the last event or 11 p.m., whichever is later.
Board members raised detailed concerns about public safety, pedestrian and building‑entry lighting levels, and the lack of an objective definition for "high security." Supervisor Reagans and others pressed staff on foot‑candle levels at building entrances and pedestrian walkways, saying a 1 foot‑candle standard at building entrances could be too low for user comfort and safety. Planning staff responded that many numbers are industry standards or adopted from comparable localities and that parking lots and building entrances are typically considered high‑security areas.
Members of the public also spoke. Kurt Krieger supported modernization but said existing unshielded lights on older properties remain unaddressed and recommended an objective security standard. Leslie Spencer urged protection of dark skies and cautioned about glare from 4,000K fixtures. A church representative said upgraded LED lighting at his facility reduced overnight loitering and asked how cutoff rules would affect existing properties and renovations.
After discussion, staff and multiple supervisors recommended additional clarification rather than immediate adoption. The board voted by voice to postpone (postpone consideration) so staff can return with revised language addressing definitions of "high security," building‑entry/entryway illumination clarity, and other concerns. Staff estimated a return in roughly 2–3 months depending on the scope of requested revisions.
