§ 285-1. Title; purpose; scope.  


Latest version.
  • A. 
    Title. This chapter, together with the amendments thereto, shall be known and may be cited as the "Las Vegas Dark Sky Ordinance."
    B. 
    Purposes. The general purpose of this chapter is to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare, the quality of life, and the ability to view the night sky, by establishing regulations and a process of review for exterior lighting. This chapter establishes standards for exterior lighting in order to accomplish the following:
    (1) 
    To protect against direct glare and excessive lighting;
    (2) 
    To provide safe roadways for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians;
    (3) 
    To protect and reclaim the ability to view the night sky, and thereby help preserve the quality of life;
    (4) 
    To prevent light trespass in all areas of the City;
    (5) 
    To promote efficient and cost-effective lighting;
    (6) 
    To ensure that sufficient lighting can be provided where needed to promote safety and security;
    (7) 
    To allow for flexibility in the style of lighting fixtures;
    (8) 
    To provide lighting guidelines.
    C. 
    Scope. All exterior lighting installed after the effective date of this chapter in any and all zoning districts in the City of Las Vegas shall be in conformance with the requirements established by this chapter and any other applicable ordinances. All existing lighting installed prior to the effective date of this chapter in any and all zoning districts in the City of Las Vegas shall be addressed as follows:
    (1) 
    All existing lighting located on a subject property that is part of an application for a City of Las Vegas Planning Department design review, conditional use, or subdivision permit, or building permit is required to be brought into conformance with this chapter. Conformity shall occur prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy, final inspection, or final plat recordation, when applicable. For other permits, the applicant shall have a maximum of 30 days from date of permit issuance to bring the lighting into conformance.
    (2) 
    All existing exterior commercial lighting that is not in conformance with this chapter shall be brought into conformance with this chapter five years from the date of adoption of this chapter.
    (3) 
    All existing lighting that does not meet the requirement of the Las Vegas Dark Sky Ordinance Number 12-03 which states that "any parking, yard, or building illumination in [any] zoning [district] shall be so directed as to protect adjacent properties from glare and direct lighting" is required to be brought into conformance with this Las Vegas Dark Sky Ordinance Number 12-03 within five years from the date of adoption of this chapter.
    (4) 
    All existing exterior residential lighting, not affected by Subsection C(1) and (3) above, that does not comply with this chapter is required to be brought into conformance with this chapter within five years from the date of adoption of this chapter.