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Planning commission approves zoning amendment to regulate outdoor lighting, asks staff to refine color-temperature limit
Summary
The commission approved a text amendment to Title 10 adding standards for residential and commercial outdoor lighting — including a proposed correlated color-temperature limit — and directed staff to work with a commissioner to settle the precise Kelvin value before sending it to the council.
The Village Planning and Zoning Board voted to approve PCB 24-9, a zoning text amendment creating a new section in Title 10 to regulate residential and commercial outdoor lighting, with a stipulation that staff and a commissioner finalize the proposed correlated color-temperature limit.
Staff member Mr garan presented the draft ordinance as a follow-up to prior discussions, calling out several substantive changes: a correlated color-temperature (CCT) requirement for most lighting sources (proposed at or below 3,200 K), illumination limits for digital outdoor displays, specified foot-candle levels for canopies and drive-through windows, and post-installation inspection authority. "All lighting sources except for public playing fields must have a ... CCT at or below 3,200 degrees Kelvin," Mr garan said, framing the change as part of a Dark Skies and sustainability approach.
Commissioners asked several clarifying questions. Mr Turner said the exact Kelvin number matters to manufacturers and market availability and suggested staff research typical industry standards; he said a higher value (for example, 3,800 K) could be reasonable in some commercial contexts. Staff confirmed the draft allows administrative relief for unique developments so applicants would not always need a formal variance.
The ordinance also adds language addressing digital outdoor displays to align illumination with the sign code after complaints about an existing electronic message sign on Main Street, and proposes inspection authority to let staff verify compliance (generally within 30 days of new installations) and require corrective action where lighting creates a nuisance or trespass onto adjoining property.
Board members discussed grandfathering for existing fixtures: staff said existing, legally nonconforming lighting would typically remain until replaced, but complaints could trigger enforcement and corrective measures. The board emphasized balancing sustainability goals with practical availability of fixtures and requested staff confirm an industry-appropriate CCT value.
A motion to approve PCB 24-9 as presented, with the additional stipulation that Mr garan work with Mr Turner to determine the final CCT number, passed on an affirmative vote. The commission forwarded the amendment for the next step consistent with its procedures.
