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RiversideCA.gov1
WORKSHOP – OUTDOOR LIGHTING STANDARDSLand Use CommitteeApril 14, 2025Community & Economic Development Department RiversideCA.gov2
BACKGROUND
City Council adopts comprehensive update to Outdoor Lighting Standards that:•Comply with new State Legislation at the time.•Address community concerns about Night Sky preservation.November 2018 1 2
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RiversideCA.gov3
PROHIBITED EXTERIOR LIGHTINGExterior Lighting Prohibited by RMC Chapter 19.556:•Dynamic lighting for any purpose other than serving as a traffic signal, safety light, or aviation or marine marker•Luminaires exceeding 500,000 peak candelas or 50,000 lumens•Aerial laser lighting•Lighting within Lighting Zone 0 except as permitted by Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.7•Sport facility lighting (unless exempt).
Source: Newfeel LaserSource: REES Electrical & Sports Lighting Source: Sports Facilities Companies
RiversideCA.gov4
LIGHTING ZONESExterior Lighting LevelArea of ApplicabilityLighting ZoneLittle to no exterior lightingUndeveloped areas of parks, recreation areas, and wildlife preserves.Lighting Zone 0Low levels of exterior light at nightDeveloped portions of parks, recreation areas, wildlife preserves, and the area within the Mt. Palomar Observatory boundaryLighting Zone 1Modest levels of exterior lighting at night.Areas zoned RA-5, RC and RRLighting Zone 2Medium to high levels of exterior lighting at night. All other areas not included in lighting zones 0-2.Lighting Zone 3 Source: Planetizen
Source: CurbedLA
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RiversideCA.gov5
19.556 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDSLighting Zone 3: Nonresidential and multifamily properties more than eight unitsLighting Zone 3: Residential including multifamily with less than eight units.RestrictionMaximum 900 lumens per luminaire, not to exceed 18000 lumens per acreThree per residence, not to exceed 900 lumens per luminaire and 2000 lumens per residenceUnshielded and decorative lighting25 feet25 feetMaximum mounting height of luminaires (above adjacent grade)Downlight and/or shielded uplight not to exceed 900 lumensDownlight and/or shielded uplight, not to exceed 600 lumensLandscape lighting per luminaire0.5 footcandle (5 lux)0.5 footcandle (5 lux)Maximum allowable light trespassSource: Nite Time Decor Source: Green Building Advisor
Source: United Lighting Standards
RiversideCA.gov6
19.590 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDSSource: Nite Time DecorStandards for all development that aim to prevent disruption/annoyance from excessive outdoor lighting and ensure public safety•Lighting for safety shall be provided at entryways, walkways, between buildings and within parking areas•Flickering, flashing, or strobe light are prohibited•All lights shall be shielded to prevent light spill•Lighting shall not be directed skyward•Lighting for advertising signs shall not impact surrounding properties.
Source: North Sommerset Council
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RiversideCA.gov7
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENTENVISION RIVERSIDE 2025 STRATEGIC PLANStrategic Priority 5 – High Performing GovernmentGoal 5.3 Enhance communication and collaboration with community members to improve transparency, build public trust, and encourage shared decision-making Cross-Cutting Threads
RiversideCA.gov8
That the Land Use, Sustainability, and Resilience Committee:1.Receive and file Workshop on the existing outdoor lighting regulations within Chapter 19.556 of the Riverside Municipal Code (RMC); and 2.Provide staff direction to maintain current code or explore any potential changes to policies or regulations. RECOMMENDATIONS7 8