The purpose of the exterior lighting regulations is to:
(a)
Maximize energy conservation;
(b)
Minimize glare and obtrusive light;
(c)
Maximize effectiveness of exterior lighting;
(d)
Limit light trespass to protect privacy;
(e)
Permit reasonable uses of outdoor lighting for nighttime safety utility, security and enjoyment while preserving the ambiance of the night; and
(f)
Provide guidelines for exterior lighting that will contribute to the safety and welfare of the residents of the Town of Newtown.
The intent of the exterior lighting regulations is to
(a)
Reduce the problems created by poorly designed and/or installed outdoor lighting;
(b)
Impose dark sky initiatives to help control light pollution;
(c)
Reduce energy use;
(d)
Enhance the character of Newtown by prohibiting the use of internally lighted signs; and
(e)
Reduce excessive glare that may cause safety problems or have adverse effects upon the use, enjoyment and value of property.
All exterior illuminating devices shall be installed in accordance with these regulations, the Connecticut Building and Electrical Codes and shall comply with all permit and inspection requirements.
Exterior lighting shall be permitted for private streets, parking areas, and pedestrian walkways intended to serve public facilities, commercial uses, industrial uses, mixed use buildings or multiple-family residential communities. Signs may be illuminated pursuant to the sign regulations.
Exterior lighting shall be of such character as to enhance the application for which it is intended and shall be coordinated with the site layout and landscaping plan. Details of exterior lighting shall be presented to the Commission with any application.
Any use subject to filing an application for a site development plan or a special exception approval by the Commission shall provide a photometric design for the exterior lighting plan. Exterior lighting (luminaire) is required for parking areas and pedestrian walkways where nighttime lighting is necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of those people utilizing such facilities.
Uses within the farming and residential zones are subject to these regulations.
8.05.410 
Exterior lighting shall be positioned so that no direct rays from any such lighting shall fall off the lot except in instances where driveways, pedestrian walkways or parking areas are utilized in common by more than one lot, the lighting may spill over the shared lot lines to reduce energy use and to maintain illumination as needed for security and safety.
8.05.420 
All exterior lighting and sign illumination shall be designed, located, installed and directed in such a manner as to:
(a) 
Prevent direct glare or light trespass;
(b) 
Employ soft, transitional light levels which are consistent from area to area;
(c) 
Minimize contrast between light sources, lit areas and dark surroundings;
(d) 
Be consistent with dark sky initiatives and
(e) 
Be confined within the target area.
8.05.430 
Any externally mounted, direct light source utilized for commercial uses, industrial uses, multi-family housing communities, institutional uses or any nonresidential uses in the residential zone shall not be visible at the property line at ground level or above.
8.05.440 
Lighting fixtures for all vehicular areas and pedestrian areas shall be full cut-off type fixtures or IESNA cut-off fixtures as approved by the Commission, or shall be fully shielded/recessed fixtures where the lens is recessed or flush with the bottom surface.
8.05.450 
Lighting fixtures for building security or aesthetics and any display purposes shall, unless otherwise approved by the Commission, be:
(a) 
Top downward (not upward or sideways); and
(b) 
Full cut off, or IESNA cut-off fixtures or fully shielded/recessed.
8.05.460 
Lighting designed to highlight flags shall be targeted directly at the flag.
8.05.470 
Exterior lighting for outdoor playing fields or other special outdoor activity areas shall be specified, mounted and aimed so that:
(a) 
Their beams fall within the primary playing area and immediate surroundings; and
(b) 
No light trespass is directed off the site.
8.05.480 
All nonessential lighting shall be turned off after business hours, leaving only the necessary lighting for site security. Nonessential lighting shall apply to display, aesthetic, and parking areas.
8.05.490 
The height of luminaires shall be the minimum height necessary to provide adequate illumination, but shall not exceed a height of: 14 feet from the ground to the highest point of the fixture or pole unless specifically authorized by the Commission in the granting of a site development plan or special exception approval. However, in no instance shall any pole or fixture exceed 24 feet in height from the ground to the highest point of the fixture or pole.
8.05.500 
Specific allowances for streetscape enhancements and functional lighting requirements are more fully described within the design guidelines for the zone in which a property is located.
The following luminaries are exempt from this section:
(a) 
All hazard warning luminaries required by Federal regulatory agencies;
(b) 
Traditional seasonal lighting;
(c) 
Temporary lighting associated with a fair, carnival or similar function authorized by these regulations;
(d) 
Temporary light used by the Police Department, Fire Department or Emergency Services.