§ 89-37. Commercial lighting.

Purpose and intent: The intent and purpose of this Section is to protect and maintain the residential character of established neighborhoods and residential properties by establishing requirements regarding the artificial lighting provided for adjacent commercial developments. Action Item (1.3.2)

(a)

Applicability.

(1)

This section applies to:

a.

The City of Lafayette, and

b.

New multifamily, commercial, and industrial construction in the unincorporated areas of Lafayette Parish.

(2)

This section is applied at the time of application for a building permit or final certificate of occupancy.

(3)

A lot which did not meet the lighting requirements at the time of the original adoption of this ordinance (June 24, 2003) is not required to comply with this section unless there is a cumulative building expansion of the percentage indicated in the table below:

Building Size	% Expansion
0 to 2,000 square feet	50
2,001 to 5,000 square feet	35
5,001 to 10,000 square feet	30
10,001 square feet or larger	25

 

(4)

This section does not apply to the following:

a.

Single-family detached residences.

b.

Developments without a vehicular use area.

c.

A change in use that involves no new construction.

(b)

Lighting standards.

(1)

Lighting shall meet all codes and safety clearances from above-ground electric facilities.

(2)

Lighting shall illuminate only those areas for which it is designed.

(3)

Lights shall not be taller than the structures they are serving.

(4)

Parking lot lighting poles shall not exceed 60 feet in height.

(5)

Developments shall shield lighting away from adjacent residential uses or zoning districts.

(6)

Low mounted lights, not to exceed 20 feet in height, shall be used for parking areas within 100 feet of residential uses or vacant property located in residential zoning districts.