[HISTORY: Adopted by the Suffolk County Legislature 8-24-2004 by L.L. No.
26-2004 (Ch. 108 of the 1985 Code). Amendments noted
where applicable. Uncodified sections of local laws amending these
provisions are included at the end of this chapter.]
A.Â
This Legislature finds that the County of Suffolk and other governmental
entities should require the use of fully shielded fixtures when installing
new or replacement light fixtures.
B.Â
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that unshielded light
contributes to light pollution which makes it harder to see a starry
night sky, thus interfering with astronomical observations and recreational
enjoyment.
C.Â
This Legislature further finds that directing light more accurately
onto areas intended for illumination prevents the waste of energy,
reduces energy costs, and lowers emissions from fossil-fuel-burning
facilities needed to produce this excess energy.
D.Â
This Legislature also finds and determines that there is increasing
scientific evidence demonstrating that misdirected, unshielded, excessive
or unnecessary outdoor night lighting can have detrimental effects
on the environment and the human physiology.
E.Â
Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to require that new or
replacement outdoor lighting fixtures purchased and installed by the
County of Suffolk, on County-owned facilities, will be fixtures designed
to reduce light pollution.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any department, division, bureau, board or commission, or
agency of Suffolk County government, the expenses of which are paid
in whole or in part from Suffolk County funds.
The perceived color of the light emitted by a lamp, expressed
in Kelvin (K) units. The higher the Kelvin rating, the "cooler" or
more blue the light will be.
[Added 9-12-2013 by L.L. No. 37-2013]
County buildings; parking lots; docks; and all County infrastructure except as specifically exempted by § 149-4 of this chapter.
A luminaire constructed and installed in such a manner that
all light emitted by it, either directly from the lamp or a diffusing
element, or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of
the luminaire, is projected below the horizontal.
The unit of measurement used to characterize the color of
light emitted by a lamp.
[Added 9-12-2013 by L.L. No. 37-2013]
A light bulb or other component of a luminaire that changes
electricity into visible light.
[Added 9-12-2013 by L.L. No. 37-2013]
A complete lighting unit, including a lamp or lamps together
with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect
the lamps, and to connect the lamps to the power supply.
Any luminaire or system of luminaires that is outdoors and
that is used for more than 10 days in a period of 365 days.
[Amended 9-12-2013 by L.L. No. 37-2013; 12-21-2021 by L.L. No. 2-2022]
A.Â
When purchasing new or replacement lighting, all County departments
shall include a specification in a solicitation for the purchase of
any permanent outdoor luminaire that requires the provider to offer
for sale to the County of Suffolk only luminaires that 1) are fully
shielded and 2) use lamps with a correlated color temperature no higher
than 3500 Kelvin for all lamps purchased through December 31, 2015,
with all lamps purchased on or before July 27, 2022, having a correlated
color temperature no higher than 3000, and any lamp purchased subsequently
having a correlated color temperature no higher than 2200 Kelvin.
All outdoor luminaires in all County facilities shall be replaced
in accordance with this section. All new outdoor luminaires shall
be installed in accordance with this section.
B.Â
Any replacement lamps for luminaires purchased by a County department pursuant to Subsection A of this section shall have a correlated color temperature no higher than 3500 Kelvin for replacement lamps purchased on or before December 31, 2015, with any subsequent replacement lamp purchased on or before July 27, 2022, having a correlated color temperature no higher than 3000, and any lamp purchased thereafter having a correlated color temperature no higher than 2200 Kelvin.
The requirements of § 149-3 shall not apply as follows:
A.Â
Federal or state funding precludes the County of Suffolk from imposing
the requirements of this chapter.
B.Â
The luminaire is an historic or decorative luminaire which is part
of a continuous lighting design where the replacement of the luminaire
piecemeal with compliant luminaires would unacceptably degrade the
aesthetic characteristics of the existing lighting design.
C.Â
Situations where there are special requirements, such as sports facilities,
tunnels, traffic control devices, navigation lighting, airports, underbridge
lighting, natural and cultural monuments, or flag lighting; provided,
however, that all such lighting shall be selected and installed to
shield the lamp and to minimize upward lighting, glare and light trespass
to the greatest extent possible.
D.Â
Situations where a written determination with findings has been made by the Commissioner of Public Works that a specified exemption to any requirements of § 149-3 is necessary and appropriate for a compelling safety interest which cannot be adequately addressed by any other method. Such determination shall be filed with the County Executive and the Clerk of the Legislature.
This chapter shall take effect on the 90th day immediately subsequent
to filing in the office of the Secretary of State.
