16B.328 OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES MODEL ORDINANCE.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the
meanings given:
    (1) "energy conservation" means reducing energy use and includes: (i) using a light with
lower wattage; and (ii) using devices such as time controls, motion detectors, or on and off
switches that limit unnecessary use of lighting;
    (2) "cutoff luminaire" means a luminaire in which 2.5 percent or less of the lamp lumens are
emitted above a horizontal plane through the luminaire's lowest part and ten percent or less of the
lamp lumens are emitted at a vertical angle 80 degrees above the luminaire's lowest point;
    (3) "light pollution" means the shining of light produced by a luminaire above the height
of the luminaire and into the sky;
    (4) "lumen" means a unit of luminous flux. One footcandle is one lumen per square foot. For
purposes of this section, the lumen-output values are the initial lumen-output rating of the lamp;
    (5) "luminaire" means a complete lighting unit consisting of a light source and all necessary
mechanical, electrical, and decorative parts; and
    (6) "outdoor lighting fixture" means any type of fixed or movable lighting equipment that
is designed or used for illumination outdoors. The term includes billboard lighting, streetlights,
searchlights, and other lighting used for advertising purposes and area lighting. The term does not
include lighting equipment that is required by law to be installed on motor vehicles or lighting
required for the safe operation of aircraft.
    Subd. 2. Model ordinance. The commissioner of administration, in consultation with the
commissioner of commerce, associations for local governments, and any other interested person,
shall develop a model ordinance that can be adapted for use by cities, counties, and towns,
governing outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution. The model ordinance must address:
    (1) standards for lighting on private property; outdoor advertising; lighting on commercial,
industrial, or institutional property; canopies covering fueling stations; and public streets,
sidewalks, and alleys;
    (2) how illumination levels should be measured;
    (3) possible exemptions, such as for temporary emergency or hazard lighting;
    (4) recommended elements for an exterior lighting plan for a development;
    (5) treatment of nonconforming lighting;
    (6) lighting standards that might apply in special subdistricts;
    (7) light pole maximum heights; and
    (8) light trespass.
History: 2007 c 131 art 1 s 1