§ 16.40.070.3. Applicability.

A.

Standards. Except as provided in section, all new outdoor lighting, regardless of whether a permit is required, shall comply with the standards of this section.

B.

Permit required. A permit is required to add, reposition, or replace outdoor lights mounted on poles higher than ten feet above the ground. In all other cases, no development permit is required to add, reposition, or replace outdoor lights; however, building permits may be required.

C.

Exemptions. The following are exempt from the requirements of this section:

1.

Motion-detecting security lighting.

2.

Fossil fuel lighting. All outdoor light fixtures producing light directly by the combustion of fossil fuels (such as kerosene lanterns and gas lamps).

3.

Government facilities. Outdoor light fixtures on, or in connection with facilities and land owned or operated by the federal or state government, the Pinellas County School Board and the City. Voluntary compliance with the intent and provisions of this section is encouraged.

4.

Temporary construction and emergency lighting. Lighting necessary for construction or emergencies, provided said lighting is temporary and is discontinued immediately upon completion of the construction work or abatement of the emergency necessitating said lighting.

5.

Hazard warning lighting. As required by federal or state regulatory agencies.

6.

Seasonal lighting. From the day before Thanksgiving through January 15, lighting that is clearly incidental to the use of the property and is customary and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday.

7.

Flag lighting. Up-directed lighting illuminating flags. It is recommended that flags be lowered at sunset and not illuminated with up-directed lighting.

8.

Incandescent and fluorescent lighting. Incandescent lights 150 watts and less per fixture and fluorescent lights 20 watts and less per fixture.

D.

Temporary exemption. Any person may submit a written request to the POD for a temporary exemption from the requirements of this section. The POD shall have five business days from the date of receipt of the request to approve or disapprove the request. Temporary exemptions shall be granted for no longer than necessary to accommodate the need for the temporary exemption and shall be granted for no longer than 30 consecutive days. The request for temporary exemption shall include:

1.

Name, address and telephone number of the applicant;

2.

Location of the outdoor lighting fixture for which the exemption is requested;

3.

Specific exemptions requested;

4.

Duration of the requested exemption, including starting date;

5.

Type of outdoor light fixture to be used;

6.

Previous temporary exemptions, if any; and

7.

Such other data and information as may be required by the POD.

(Code 1992, § 16.40.070.3)