TITLE
Consider an ordinance amending the city's exterior lighting standards as contained in various sections of the Killeen Code of Ordinances Chapter 31, Zoning.
SUMMARY
DATE: August 6, 2019
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Dr. Ray Shanaa, Executive Director of Planning and Development
SUBJECT: Ordinance establishing and replacing outdoor lighting standards for all zoning districts
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The City of Killeen partnered with Fort Hood and surrounding local cities and Bell County in the creation of the Fort Hood Joint Land Use Study (JLUS). The purpose of the JLUS is to…“identify ways that Fort Hood and the neighboring civilian communities could work together cooperatively to encourage compatible growth and help to ensure the long term viability and sustainability of Fort Hood’s mission.” Section Five of the JLUS provides compatibility tools that could be utilized to establish a framework for compatible growth. One of the tools is outdoor lighting. Specifically, the JLUS speaks to the adoption of standards that would “….protect against the use of outdoor lighting in a way that interferes with…military and training activities of the military installation, base or camp.”
It is within this planning backdrop that staff is proposing this ordinance. The purpose of this ordinance is to:
1) implement a regulatory recommendation established as part of the Fort Hood Joint Land Use Study;
3) improve the quality of life; and
2) provide uniformity and consistency citywide with respect to outdoor lighting.
Currently the City has exterior lighting standards in two zoning districts, the University District and Cemetery District. The ordinance would replace the standards articulated within those two zoning districts. The ordinance provides a purpose statement, definitions for light trespass and uplighting, review requirements, standards and exceptions. In short, the ordinance establishes a height limitation of twenty feet for exterior lighting structures, limits uplighting, and effectively prohibits light trespass onto adjacent properties.
Staff provided the proposed ordinance to Fort Hood for their review and comments. They responded stating that they have "No issues or concerns" and they thanked us for the opportunity to provide input. The Planning and Zoning Commission conducted multiple workshop discussions and held a public hearing on the ordinance on July 15th, where they unanimously recommended approval of the item.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The City Council may:
• approve the ordinance as presented;
• disapprove the ordinance; or
• approve the ordinance with amendments.
Which alternative is recommended? Staff recommends that the Council approve the ordinance as presented.
Why? The ordinance will provide uniform standards, consistency and a context sensitive response to Regulatory Recommendation RS 10 of the JLUS, which speaks to dark-sky compatible outdoor lighting regulations throughout the region. These regulations will also help improve the quality of life in Killeen.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
The ordinance conforms to City policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year?
This ordinance does not involve any expenditures in the current fiscal year.
For future years?
N/A
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
N/A
Is this expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the ordinance by a vote of 6 to 0.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Ordinance
Response