Ordinance 13-012 Amends Lighting Regulations CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
SPOKANE COUNTY,WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE NO. 13-012
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, SPOKANE COUNTY,
WASHINGTON AMENDING SECTIONS 22.60.020, 22.60.030, AND 22.60.050 OF THE
SPOKANE VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO INSTALLATION OF
OUTDOOR LIGHTING, LIGHTING PLANS, OFF-SITE LIGHT TRESPASS STANDARDS,
LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR ARENAS, STADIUMS, AND
PLAYFIELDS, EXCEPTIONS TO LIGHTING STANDARDS, AND OTHER MATTERS
RELATING THERETO.
WHEREAS, on September 25, 2007, the City of Spokane Valley (City) adopted Spokane Valley
Municipal Code (SVMC)Title 22,pursuant to Ordinance 07-015; and
WHEREAS,on October 28,2007, SVMC Title 22 became effective; and
WHEREAS, such regulations are authorized by RCW 36.70A; and
WHEREAS, the amendments set forth below are consistent with the goals and policies of the City's
Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, on June 13, 2013,the Planning Commission held a study session; and
WHEREAS, on June 14, 2013,notice of the Planning Commission public hearing was published in the
Valley News Herald; and
WHEREAS, on June 19, 2013, the Washington State Department of Commerce was notified pursuant
to RCW 36.70A.106, providing a 60-day notice of intent to adopt amendments to the Spokane Valley
Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, SVMC 22.60.020, SVMC 22.60.030, and SVMC 22.60.050, as amended, bear a
substantial relation to the public health, safety and welfare and protection of the environment; and
WHEREAS, on June 27, 2013, the Planning Commission held a public hearing, received evidence,
information, public testimony, and a staff report with a recommendation followed by deliberations and
provided a recommendation; and
WHEREAS, on July 11, 2013,the Planning Commission approved the findings and recommendations;
and
WHEREAS, on July 23,2013, City Council reviewed the proposed amendment;and
WHEREAS, on August 13, 2013, City Council considered a first ordinance reading to adopt the
proposed amendment.
NOW, THEREFORE,the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley do ordain as follows:
Ordinance 13-012 Page 1 of 5
Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of this Ordinance is to amend SVMC sections 22.60.020,
22.60.030, and 22,60.050.
Section 2. Findings. The City Council acknowledges that the Planning Commission conducted
appropriate investigation and study, held a public hearing on the proposed amendments and recommends
approval of the amendments. The City Council hereby adopts the findings of the Planning Commission,
specifically that:
A. Growth Management Act Policies - Washington State Growth Management Act
(GMA) provides that each city shall adopt a comprehensive land use plan and
development regulations that are consistent with and implement the comprehensive
plan.
B. City of Spokane Valley Goals and Policies-The City of Spokane Valley has adopted
goals and policies consistent with the GMA and adopted County-Wide Planning
Policies.
Land Use Policy LUP-1.2 Protect residential areas from impacts of adjacent non-
residential uses and/or higher intensity uses through the development and enforcement of
the City's land use regulations and joint planning.
Land Use Policy LUP-13.1 Maximize efficiency of the development review process by
continuously evaluating the permitting process and modifying as appropriate.
Housing Policy HP-1.1: Consider the economic impact of development regulations on the
cost of housing.
Housing Policy HP-1.2: Streamline the development review process and strive to
eliminate unnecessary time delays and expenses.
Economic Goal EDG-7: Maintain a regulatory environment that offers flexibility,
consistency,predictability and clear direction.
Economic Policy EDP-7.1: Evaluate,monitor and improve development standards to
promote compatibility between adjacent land uses; and update permitting processes to
ensure that they are equitable, cost-effective, and expeditious.
Economic Policy EDP-7.2: Review development regulations periodically to ensure
clarity, consistency and predictability.
Neighborhood Goal NG-2: Preserve and protect the character of Spokane Valley's
residential neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Policy NP-2.1: Maintain and protect the character of existing and future
residential neighborhoods through the development and enforcement of the City's land use
regulations and joint planning.
Neighborhood Policy NP-2.2: Review and revise as necessary, existing land use
regulations to provide for innovation and flexibility in the design of new residential
developments, accessory dwelling units, and in-fill development.
Ordinance 13-012 Page 2 of 5
Section 3. Amendment. Spokane Valley Municipal Code section 22.60.020 is amended as
follows:
22.60.020 Application.
The requirements of this chapter and the Washington Energy Code apply to outdoor lighting requirements for
all developments except one- and two-family dwellings and public street lighting. (Ord. 07-015 § 4, 2007).
Section 4. Amendment. Spokane Valley Municipal Code section 22.60.030 is amended as
follows:
22.60.030 General requirements.
The installation of new outdoor lighting or the extension,modification or expansion of existing outdoor
lighting is subject to the following requirements:
A. All outdoor lights shall include a light source and reflector that controls the light beam so that unshielded
light does not extend across any bounding property line between incompatible uses or into the public right-of-
way.
B. Outdoor lighting fixtures shall be designed so that the light source is shielded at any bounding property line
except where topographical characteristics make this impossible.
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C.Applications for commercial development will be evaluated by the Community Development Director to
determine if a lighting plan is required to assess and mitigate impacts. The need for a lighting plan will be
based on the scope and scale of the project, compatibility with surrounding uses, and anticipated light impacts.
If required, the plan will include the following:
1. A site plan showing the location of all outdoor light fixtures.
Ordinance 13-012 Page 3 of 5
2. The type and method of shielding for each light fixture.
D. Lighting designed to accent landscaping features or architectural elements, including the illumination of
pole-mounted flags of the United States, shall be concealed or positioned so that the light source is not visible
at adjacent property lines.
22.60.040 Prohibited lights.
The following lights are prohibited unless a temporary permit is obtained for specific events with specific
times of operation:
A. Laser source light, strobe lights and similar high intensity light sources, except those associated with
approved activities of the City of Spokane Valley. High intensity lights for which a temporary permit is issued
shall not project above the horizontal plane nor extend into the public right-of-way.
B. Searchlights. (Ord. 07-015 § 4, 2007).
Section 5. Amendment. Spokane Valley Municipal Code section 22.60.020 is amended as
follows:
22.60.050 Exceptions.
A.Navigation and airport lighting required for the safe operation of boats and airplanes.
B. Emergency lighting required by police,fire, and rescue authorities.
C.Lighting for state and federal highways authorized by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
D. Internal lighting of permitted signs.
E. Outdoor lighting for public monuments.
F. In-pool lighting for private swimming pools.
G. Holiday decorations.
Section 6. All other provisions of SVMC Chapter 22.60 not specifically referenced hereto shall
remain in full force and effect.
Section 7. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance shall be held
to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality
shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section, sentence, clause, or phrase of this
Ordinance.
Section 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect five days after
publication of this Ordinance or a summary thereof in the official newspaper of the City of Spokane Valley as
provided by law.
Ordinance 13-012 Page 4 of 5
Passed by the City Council this 27th day of August,2013, ,-7
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ayor,Thom . E.Towvey
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City Clerk, Christine Bainbridge
Approved as to Form:
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Date of Publication:c- Sc3 - d/
Effective Date: ,- //- - a' (-3
Ordinance 13-012 Page 5 of 5