HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP201500018 Staff Report 2015-06-10STAFF PERSON:
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:
Megan Yaniglos
June 10, 2015
Staff Report for Special Exception for SDP2015 -018 Carson Raymond Field- Lighting
County Code § 18- 4.17.5 and §18 -31.8 allow the requirement for a full cutoff luminaire to be waived by
special exception.
County Code § 18- 31.8(b) provides that the Board, when acting on a special exception, "shall consider
the factors, standards, criteria, and findings, however denominated, in the applicable sections of this
chapter, provided that the board shall not be required to make specific findings in support of its decision."
In approving a special exception, County Code § 18- 31.8(c) authorizes the Board to impose "impose
reasonable conditions to address any possible impacts of the special exception."
County Code §§ 18- 4.17.5(a)(1) and (2) (italicized below) set forth the factors to be considered in
reviewing this request:
1. Strict application of the standard would not forward the purposes of this chapter or otherwise serve
the public health, safety or welfare, or that alternatives proposed by the owner would satisfy the
purposes of these outdoor lighting regulations at least to an equivalent degree.
The Musco light fixtures proposed have been approved at many other field locations across the County,
and have been considered an alternative that would satisfy the purposes of the lighting regulations while
allowing athletic facilities to be utilized during the dark hours, while also maintaining a higher level of
spillover outside of the field of play.
2. An outdoor luminaire, or system of outdoor luminaires, required for an athletic facility cannot
reasonably comply with the standard and provide sufficient illumination of the facility for its safe use,
as determined by recommended practices adopted by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North
America for that type of facility and activity or other evidence if a recommended practice is not
applicable. (Amended 10- 17 -01)
It does not appear that there are any lighting systems currently available that both reasonably comply with
the requirement for a full cutoff luminaire and provide sufficient and safe illumination of athletic fields as
recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America It was originally thought that an
alternative lighting system on the market would meet the County's standard. However, over time, it has
been determined that that system may not provide the lighting levels required and is significantly more
costly to install. Even though they do not meet the County's requirement for a full cutoff luminaire, the
proposed Musco luminaires have been determined to be a reasonable alternative that provide adequate
lighting levels, reduce spillover, and limit light emitted above the horizontal plane.
CONDITIONS: Staff recommends the following conditions:
1. The lighting fixtures installed shall be Musco [Light Structure Green System].
2. The height of the proposed pole shall not be higher than 70 feet.
3. The lighting of the field shall be allowed until 10pm.