HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 2097 Amending the Code re Outdoor Lighting RegulationsCity of West University Place
Harris County, Texas
ORDINANCE NO. 2097
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS; AMENDING CHAPTER 54, OFFENSES
AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS, OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS,
BY ADOPTION OF A NEW ARTICLE IX, OUTDOOR LIGHTING
REGULATIONS, AND CONTAINING FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS
RELATING TO THE SUBJECT.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS, THAT:
Section 1. Chapter 54, Offences and Miscellaneous Provisions, of the Code of
Ordinances, of the City of West University Place, Texas is amended by the adoption of a
new Article IX, Outdoor Lighting Regulations, to read as set out in Appendix A, attached
hereto. All other portions of Chapter 54 of the Code of Ordinances not specifically
amended hereby remain in full force and effect.
Section 2. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance
are repealed to the extent of the conflict only.
Section 3. If any word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, section or other part
of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall ever be
held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, neither the
remainder of this Ordinance, nor the application of such word, phrase, clause, sentence,
paragraph, section or other part of this Ordinance to any other persons or circumstances,
shall be affected thereby.
Section 4. The City Council officially finds, determines and declares that a
sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of each meeting at which this
Ordinance was discussed, considered or acted upon was given in the manner required
by the Texas Open Meetings Act, as amended, and that each such meeting has been
open to the public as required by law at all times during such discussion, consideration
and action. The City Council ratifies, approves and confirms such notices and the contents
and posting thereof.
Section 5. This Ordinance takes effect immediately upon its passage and adoption
on second reading.
t00210684.docx }
PA ED APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON FIRST READING on the
day of , 2020.
PASSED, APP4OVED ANAD PTED ON SECOND READING, AND
SIGNED, on the�day of , 2020.
a
i�
A-WA��nedl:
1,1A Secretary al} Mayor
A
Ci y Manager
Approved as to legal form:C:�� �—� �—z
City Attorney
(00210684.docx 1 2
Appendix "A"
Chapter 54 - OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Article IX. Outdoor Lighting Regulations
Sec. 54-215 — Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to provide regulations for outdoor lighting that will minimize
adverse offsite impacts of outdoor lightinq such as light glare.
Sec. 54-216 - Definitions.
The following words, terms, and phrases. when used in this article, shall have the following
meanings:
Glare means the sensation produced by luminances. within the _visual _fieid. that are sufficiently
greater than the luminance to which the eves are adapted to cause annoyance diseomfo_ q, or loss in
visual performance or visibility.
Outdoor lighting means lighting eguigment installed within -the property line and outside the
building envelope, whether attached to poles, building structures, the earth, or any other location, and
any associated lighting control equipment.
Sec. 54-217. — Violation Declared.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or permit. to. be energized, on property owned or
under his or her possession or control, any_outdoor Iiehting_.which projects a glare directly
ujoon any lot, tract, parcel of land, or other private property other than that property. upon which
such outdoor lighting is situated.
Lb) The use. of laser source light, searchlights, flashing and/or rotating lights or any similar high
LnIgnsity light for. outdoor advertising or entertainment, when projected above the horizontal,
is prohibited, unless as authorized by this article.
Sec. 54-218. — Enforcement.
Umn receipt of a complaint from any citizen, or upon the initiative of any employee of the City
of West University Place, Texas, a compliance inspection shall be conducted by the City Building
Official, code enforcement _officers, peace officer or other representatives designated by the City
Manager.
{00210684.docx }
Sec. 54-219. -- Exceptions.
(a) The provisions of this article shall not apply to:
1. Lighting operated for emergency liphtinn used by police, fire emergency, utility work
personnel, or medical personnel, or at their direction.
2. Any City -owned and operated lighting.
3. Seasonal decorations using typical, unshielded, low -wattage, incandescent laMJDs or W.ht-
emitting diodes (LED) or holiday light prosectors shall be permitted from November 10th
through January 30tH
4. Lighting that illuminates the United States and State of Texas flags. All other outdoor
lighted flags, such as but not limited to decorative and commercial flags shall conform to
these provisions.
Lb) Residential security lighting, such as motion activated flood lights are permissible under the
following condition: lighting must be installed or shielded in away that does not cause !fight glare
onto other properties, in accordance with Section 54-217.
Sec. 54-220. — Penalty
Any person_ violating any provision of this article may be charged with a misdemeanor and if
convicted, may be subject to a fine of not more than $500.00. Each occurrence of any such violation
of this article shall constitute a seyarate offense. Each day -on -which any such violation of this article
occurs shall constitute a separate offense.
(00210584.docx )