Planning commission approves 3,000-Kelvin parking-lot lights for IME Automation, with conditions

The Porterville Special Planning Commission approved an exception on July 21 allowing IME Automation to install 3,000-Kelvin parking-lot lights at 1801 North Anderson Junction provided the poles are kept at 17 feet or below and the fixtures are dimmed to 20% during nonbusiness hours.

The applicant told the commission the fixtures on the approved building plans were not compliant with the city's 2,700 Kelvin requirement and that returning the ordered lights would cost about $3,500. The applicant said the fixtures "will be dimmed to 20% during the non business hours," and that three of the four lights sit interior to the property while a single decorative fixture faces the street. Staff and commissioners noted the building shields the nearest neighbor from direct light and that the applicant would program the fixtures to reduce output at night.

Commissioners debated the code language requiring 2,700 Kelvin for new construction and reviewed the deviation criteria in the city code for nonresidential lighting. Staff read the code language that allows a deviation for nonresidential projects and asked commissioners to consider whether the change would "not unreasonably diminish the health, safety, [or] welfare of the surrounding neighborhood uses" and be consistent with the intent of the exterior-lighting regulations.

Commissioner (S2) moved to approve the requested 17-foot-or-below, 3,000-Kelvin fixtures based on the approval criteria in the code; Commissioner (S6) seconded. When the motion was called, commissioners who voiced their positions said "Aye" and the chair announced the motion carried. Staff will implement the conditions in the permit, including height and the nighttime dimming requirement.