Lighting Regulations in Peoria, Arizona: Balancing Growth with Dark Sky Protection

Introduction

Founded in 1886, Peoria, Arizona has evolved from an agricultural community into the ninth-largest city in Arizona by population. The city has long valued quality infrastructure, boasting an excellent electric light system as early as 1919. Today, Peoria continues to balance modern development with preservation of its historical character and natural surroundings.

The city's lighting regulations reflect a commitment to minimizing light pollution while maintaining safe, functional lighting for businesses and residents. These regulations aim particularly to protect astronomical observations by controlling undesirable rays into the night sky – a priority in Arizona with its world-class observatories and clear desert skies.

Quick Reference Guide

• Dark Sky Compliance: All outdoor lighting must comply with Peoria's Dark Sky Ordinance
• Preferred Lighting: Low Pressure Sodium is preferred to minimize impact on astronomical observations
• Permits Required: Installation of outdoor fixtures requires permits (except residential security lighting)
• Height Restrictions: Maximum 16 feet in residential areas, 25 feet in other zoning districts
• Mercury Vapor: Installation of mercury vapor fixtures is prohibited citywide
• Shielding Requirements: Vary by lamp type (fully shielded vs. partially shielded)
• Illumination Levels: Specific foot candle requirements for certain businesses
• Hours Restrictions: Many illuminated features must be turned off between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Dark Sky Regulations

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Peoria's Outdoor Light Control Code is to create standards for outdoor artificial illuminating devices that emit undesirable rays into the night sky, which can negatively affect astronomical observations. All outdoor artificial illuminating devices must be installed in conformance with the provisions of this code, as well as applicable Building, Electrical, and Sign Codes.

Fully Shielded vs. Partially Shielded

"Fully Shielded" means outdoor fixtures must be constructed so that light rays, either directly from the lamp or indirectly from the fixture, are projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest point where light is emitted.

"Partially Shielded" means the bottom edge of the shield is below the plane center line of the light source (lamp), minimizing light above the horizontal.

Filtering Requirements

"Filtered" means any outdoor light fixture whose transmission is less than 5% total emergent flux at wavelengths less than 3,900 angstroms. Glass, acrylic, or translucent enclosures satisfy these filter requirements.

Lamp Types and Requirements

The city's code includes specific requirements for different lamp types:

| Lamp Type | Shielding Required | Filtering Required | |-----------|-------------------|-------------------| | Low Pressure Sodium | Partially Shielded | None | | High Pressure Sodium | Partially Shielded | None | | Metal Halide | Fully Shielded | Yes | | Fluorescent | Partially Shielded | Yes | | Quartz | Partially Shielded | No | | Incandescent >150W | Partially Shielded | No | | Incandescent ≤150W | None | None | | Fossil Fuel | None | None | | Glass Tubes (Neon, etc.) | None | None |

Preferred Light Source

Low Pressure Sodium is specifically identified as the preferred lamp type to minimize undesirable light into the night sky affecting astronomical observations.

Prohibited Fixtures

The installation of mercury vapor fixtures is explicitly prohibited throughout the city.

Height and Location Requirements

Maximum Height Restrictions

• Residential Zoning Districts: 16 feet maximum
• All Other Zoning Districts: 25 feet maximum

Exemptions to Height Restrictions

The following uses are exempt from the standard height restrictions:

• Baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, or football fields
• Golf driving ranges
• Outdoor arenas and amphitheaters
• Public parks

Adjacent to Residential Areas

Lighting in non-residential zoning districts must be shielded so the light source is not visible from, nor are there spillover effects into, any residential zoning district. Additionally, any outdoor light fixture in a non-residential zoning district must be a minimum of 10 feet from any adjacent residential zoning district.

Sport Court Requirements

• Must be set back 20 feet from all side and rear lot lines
• Outdoor lights shall not be operated between 10:00 PM and sunrise
• Must be shielded in accordance with Section 21-802.F

Illumination Levels and Hours

Operating Hours Restrictions

• Searchlights for advertising: Prohibited between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Outdoor recreational facilities: Non-conforming lighting prohibited after 11 p.m. except for specific events in progress prior to 11 p.m.
• Signs in residential areas: Illuminated signs within 200 feet of residential uses must be turned off between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Specific Illumination Requirements

For certain businesses like sexually oriented businesses:

• Interior areas: Minimum 1.0 foot candle measured at floor level
• Viewing rooms: Minimum 0.75 foot candle measured 3 feet above floor level

Sign Brightness Limitations

• LED illuminated signs: Limited to 0.3 foot candles above ambient lighting
• Other internally illuminated signs: Limited to 0.6 foot candles above ambient lighting

Sign Illumination Regulations

Allowed Illumination by Sign Type

• Wall Signs: Internal, backlit, external illumination allowed
• Awning and Canopy Signs: Internal, backlit, external illumination allowed
• Entry Signs: External or backlit illumination only
• Perimeter Wall/Screen Wall Signs: External or backlit illumination only
• Projecting Signs: Externally illuminated and backlit only
• Window Signs: Maximum of 2 signs may be internally illuminated (up to 2 square feet per sign)

Prohibited Sign Illumination

• Exposed light bulbs or unshielded tube lighting (except LEDs)
• Signs with blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights
• Strobe lights or similar moving devices

Street Lighting Requirements

Developer Responsibilities

• Arizona Public Service (APS) Areas: Developers must design, construct, and dedicate street lights to the city
• Salt River Project (SRP) Areas: Developers pay the investment fee charged by SRP for street lighting

Technical Standards

Street lighting design must follow:

• American National Standard Practice for Roadway Lighting
• Illuminating Engineering Society of North America standards
• City of Peoria street lighting standards

Improvement Districts

Within residential subdivisions, the cost of electricity, operation, and maintenance of street lights (except on major arterial, minor arterial, and collector streets) is charged to property owners through street light improvement districts.

Supporting Peoria's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, aligns with Peoria's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with dark sky protection. As a manufacturer with deep understanding of lighting regulations, Bock appreciates Peoria's thoughtful approach to preserving its astronomical viewing conditions while ensuring safety and functionality.

Our expertise in creating lighting solutions that comply with dark sky regulations can be a valuable resource for Peoria property owners navigating the city's specific requirements. We understand the technical challenges of meeting shielding requirements while maintaining adequate illumination and aesthetic appeal.

Bock shares Peoria's commitment to sustainable practices and recognizes the importance of maintaining the region's ability to conduct astronomical observations. Our team stays current on lighting regulations and can help property owners understand how various lighting options align with Peoria's unique requirements.

Conclusion

Peoria's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to protecting dark skies while providing for the safety and functionality needs of a growing community. Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, developers, and businesses to ensure compliance and contribute to the city's lighting goals.

The specific requirements for different lamp types, shielding methods, and operating hours may seem technical, but they serve an important purpose in preserving Peoria's ability to enjoy clear night skies and support astronomical observations. By following these regulations, residents and businesses help maintain this important natural resource while creating safe, well-lit environments.

For specific questions about your lighting project's compliance with Peoria regulations, consult with the Community Development Department before installation.