Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutVI (D) Saturn of Ocoee, Site Lighting Waiver Request (Project No. SS-99-006) Agenda 3-U/-2000 Item "CENTER OF GOOD LIVING-PRIDE OF WEST ORANGE" MAYOR•COMMISSIONER Ocoee S. SCOTT VANDERGRIFT Oti PlialT:roa CITY OF OCOEE COMMISSIONERS DANNY HOWELL 150 N. LAKESHORE DRIVE SCOTT ANDERSON vOCOEE,FLORIDA 34761-2258 ��'ff4 �`,�� (407)656-2322 RUSTY J. HNSON PARKER NANCYJ.PARKER Of GOO CITY MANAGER STAFF REPORT ELLIS SHAPIRO DATE: February 28, 2000 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners FROM: Russ Wagner, AICP, Director of Planning SUBJECT: Site Lighting Waiver Request Saturn of Ocoee Project No. SS-99-006 ISSUE: Should the Mayor and City Commissioners approve a waiver from the Land Development Code related to site lighting for the proposed Saturn of Ocoee project? BACKGROUND: Saturn of Ocoee has requested that the current Code requirement of a maximum 1.0 footcandle average illuminance over the entire site be waived. Instead, they wish to permit an average of 5.0 footcandles of illuminance over the developed portion of the site with a maximum illuminance of 32.8 footcandles. DISCUSSION: Saturn of Ocoee has substantially completed Final Plans (attached) for their new car dealership proposed on the south side of S.R. 50 across from Good Homes Plaza. As part of that approval, the subject waiver request must be brought before the City Commission at an advertised Public Hearing. This is because Staff is not allowed to grant waivers as part of a Small Scale Site Plan administrative review. Practically all other portions of the Site Plan have been approved by Staff, and the only item for consideration before the City Commission is the proposed site lighting waiver. During the review process of the Saturn project, Staff indicated that an updated lighting ordinance would be brought before the City Commission which would be consistent with standards (attached) proposed by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA). As proposed in the updated ordinance pending before the City Commission, POW Protect Ocoee's hater Resources Page 2 The Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners February 28, 2000 lighting for auto dealerships would change from 1.0 footcandle average over the entire lot to 5.0 footcandles average with a maximum illuminance of 15.0 footcandles. Representatives of Saturn indicated that they would not be able to build their facility with less than 10 footcandles average and 65 footcandles maximum illuminance. After further discussions with Staff, Saturn revised its lighting plan and cut the proposed lighting levels in half from those originally proposed. The plan submitted by Saturn does meet the average illuminance (5.0 fc) level as specified in the proposed updated lighting ordinance. It is more than double the maximum illuminance proposed (32.8 fc vs 15.0 fc), although these light levels only occur within the front 100 feet of the property facing S.R. 50. As discussed by the Planning and Zoning Commission, however, maximum lighting was of most concern due to adverse glare and traffic safety (see attached draft minutes of February 8, 2000 meeting). Accordingly, Staff is concerned that the Saturn Plan is still out-of-line with the proposed ordinance and will not control glare adequately. In order to arrive at an equitable solution for Saturn that is still in keeping with the IESNA standards, Staff will suggest that the maximum illuminance level be upgraded from 15 footcandles to 20 footcandles (which is consistent with IESNA standards for Main Business Districts in highly competitive areas adjacent to roadways), but further require that drop cut-off shields be placed on the sides and face of the luminaires to minimize glare for passing motorists. Since the proposed upgraded lighting standards permit a design utilizing a .75 combined maintenance factor, the actual installed level of maximum illumination will be approximately 26.7 footcandles. This level can be maintained by replacing light bulbs more frequently and keeping all lighting fixtures clean and in optimum working condition. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Mayor and City Commissioners accept the lighting waiver proposed by Saturn of Ocoee subject to maximum illuminance being limited to 20 footcandles and that lighting fixtures adjoining S.R. 50 be equipped with drop cut-off shields on the sides and face of the luminaires. RBW/csa Attachments: Saturn of Ocoee Site Plan Excerpt IESNA Standards Draft Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes- Meeting of 2/8/00 Public Hearing Notice \\POLICE_FIRE1\PLANNING\CALEXANDER\ALL_DATA\CAPDFILE\Staff Reports\2000CCSR\SR00037.doc IESNA RP-33-99 Table 7: Illuminance Levels and Uniformities for Car Dealerships General Lighting Area Maximum Illuminance Maximum to on Pavement Minimum Ratio (lux/footcandles) Main Business Districts (highly competitive) •Adjacent to roadway 100-200/10-20 5:1 • Other rows 50-100/5-10 10:1 • Entrances 50-100/5-10 5:1 • Driveways 20-30/2-3 10:1 Secondary Business Districts (or small towns) • Adjacent to roadway 50-100/5-10 5:1 • Other rows 25-50/2.5-5 10:1 • Entrances 25-50/2.5-5 5:1 • Driveways 10-20/1-2 10:1 Note:For lighting feature displays,see the latest version of RP-2 Recommended Practice for Lighting Merchandising Areas. of the negatives associated with very bright light. cause light pollution or deliver nuisance glare It is recommended that flat lenses (rather than to adjacent properties. This table is based on dropped lenses or refractors) be used. This will the consensus opinion of the IESNA Outdoor reduce the direct glare from any luminaires within Environmental Lighting Committee. the driver's field of view. Service stations lighted to high illuminance levels 19.0 OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY LIGHTING may pose adaptation problems for customers leaving the station and re-entering the much darker street or roadway nearby. Glare must be minimized to help The exterior regions around hotels, motels, and avoid such adaptation problems. restaurants are considered outdoor hospitality areas. The primary focus of these areas is either for pedes- Table 8 lists recommended Illuminance levels for trian walkways or for sit-down enjoyment. A combi- automobile service stations. This lighting should nation of the techniques described in Sections 11.0, be provided with low glare luminaires that do not 12.0, and 14.0 for softscape/landscape, hardscape, Table 8:Service Station or Gas Pump Area Average Illuminance Levels Average Illuminance on Described Area Area Description (lux/footcandles) Approach with Dark Surroundings 15/1.5 Driveway with Dark Surroundings 15/1.5 Pump Island Area with Dark Surroundings 50/5 Building Facades with Dark Surroundings 20/2 Service Areas with Dark Surroundings 20/2 Landscape Highlights with Dark Surroundings 10/1 Approach with Light Surroundings 20/2 Driveway with Light Surroundings 20/2 Pump Island Area with Light Surroundings 100/10 Building Facades with Light Surroundings 30/3 Service Areas with Light Surroundings 30/3 Landscape Highlights with Light Surroundings 20/2 it r) MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2000 I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Bond at 7:32 p.m. A moment of silent meditation was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The roll was called and a quorum was declared present. PRESENT: Chairman Bond, Vice-Chairman Switzer, Members Landefeld, McKey, McNeil, Matthys, Miller and Rhodus. Also present were Assistant City Attorney Formella, Planning Director Wagner, and Administrative Secretary Dawson. ABSENT: Member Christoefl. II. CONSENT AGENDA The consent agenda consisted of approval of Item A: ITEM A: Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting held on Wednesday,January 26, 2000. Member Matthys, seconded by Vice-Chairman Switzer, moved to approve the consent agenda as corrected. Motion carried 8-0,_ III. NEW BUSINESS ITEM A: PROPOSED UPGRADED SITE LIGHTING STANDARDS PUBLIC HEARING ACTING AS LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY Planning Director Wagner presented the staff report recommending approval of a proposed ordinance amending the Land Development Code pertaining to Site Lighting Standards. Staff is focusing on trying to control the amount of glare and intensity of light, with the emphasis on quality of lighting versus quantity. The West Oaks Mall was used as a guide for the Activity Center Standards of 1 foot candle average. After evaluating various commercial site plans, it was found that the 1 foot candle average was not standard within the industry. Staff was advised during the Publix presentation that 1 foot candle was not enough and is not the industry standard for a smaller commercial site. Staff did more research and found that a range of 3-5 foot candles is recommended by the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) for retail uses. Other sources all tended to show that for most retail uses the 4-5 foot candle range is pretty typical. Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting February 8, 2000 The proposed ordinance provides for an adequate amount of lighting, but restricts the lighting from going overboard. Some of the recent plans had lighting waivers that meet this future ordinance, including Publix and Best Buy. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America is the group of experts that formulates these standards. Data was also used from The International Dark Sky Association regarding lighting ordinances to minimize the amount of unwarranted ambient light going up to the sky. The proposed ordinance primarily address two issues: glare and level of light. Glare is the worst part of bad lighting. Different methods of glare control were described, including types and locations of fixtures, shields, and bulbs. The proposed ordinance fills a gap while trying to create a balance, and is similar to sign control regulation. Overlighting makes it difficult to drive and creates glare and clutter'` ``Retailers are now using bright lighting as a method of marketing to get attention Convenience stores, gas stations, and car dealerships use lighting as marketing. The proposed ordinance standards are substantially less than what these retailers are used to but businesses with bright lights will have other businesses wanting to match them. The members asked various questions about roadside billboards, reflection glare, grandfathermg of existing lighting, security cameras, energy conservation and average candle foot versus maximum candle foot measurements The public hearing was opened Fred Leonhardt of Gray, Harris''.& Robinson, P.A. appeared on behalf of the automobile industry for the Satutn dealership';, He stated that he had with him Jim Snyder, the executive manager of Satan Retail; Rick Feuerstein, contractor; Scott Gentry & Jack Hawkins, professional engineers; Jeff Hutchinson, Lighting Systems, Inc.; and James Johnson of Gray, Harris &Robinson, P.A. Mr. Leonhardt stated that they agree with the spirit of this ordinance and want to work with the City. However, they do have a waiver application in and want to encourage a modest modification. He stated that an automobile dealership is unique in that they have 3 million dollars of inventory outdoors, and customers need light to study and examine the inventory. He stated that the 5 foot candle average is okay if time averaging is allowed, but that they are requesting 15 foot candles maximum on 90% of the site and 65 foot candles maximum on 10% of the site. Jeff Hutchinson of Lighting Systems, Inc., a lighting manufacturer, stated that he and his company specialize in automotive dealership lighting. Typically the front row lighting in 2 Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting February 8, 2000 automobile dealerships is in the range of 80-110 foot candles maximum and 60-70 foot candles average. The levels in the proposed ordinance are a little different from what he usually sees. Mr. Hutchinson discussed types of outdoor fixtures, hot spots, and forward throw reflectors. He stated that the key is uniformity and adequate lighting to accomplish the task. He discussed maximum and average lighting and addressed questions about good and bad lighting. Jim Snyder spoke on behalf of Saturn. He stated that they close their stores at 9:00 p.m.. and they reduce their lights after 11 p.m. He stated that the public is allowed to walk around in their parking lot after closing and that they have very little vandalism. He stated that their pole height is 26 feet and the proposed ordinance allows for a maximum of 30 feet. Chairman Bond stated that this was not a waiver request for a site plan hearing, but a public hearing on the proposed ordinance and directed the meeting back to addressing the proposed ordinance only. In response to questions from the Board, Planning Director :Wagner addressed the time averaging issue. He stated that the proposed ordinance does not,allow;time averaging or other alternate methods of light measurement to prevent elaborate calailations and to keep things simple. Jim Snyder stated that if time averaging is not allowed then Saturn is requesting 10 foot candle average and 65 foot candle maximum. There being no further comments from the audience, the public hearing was closed. A discussion ensued concerning glare approaching the site from the west. Vice-Chairman Switzer stated that the Good Hornes/S.R. 50 intersection is already a dangerous intersection and lighting as proposed'by Saturn will increase the danger of that intersection. He stated that he wants commerciat:development on S.R. 50 to have a nice appearance. The Activity Center ordinance and this proposed lighting ordinance will help achieve that and he supports the ordinance as written. Member Matthys asked about the grandfathering of Saturn's pending application. Assistant City Attorney Formella stated that they have a waiver pending. Planning Director Wagner stated that the current light ordinance is only 1 candle foot, which is lower than the proposed ordinance. He stated that staff supports a waiver up to the proposed ordinance's level and no higher. Planning Director Wagner also stated said that time averaging gets into complex calculations for average foot candles, but determining maximum foot candles is easy; staff just goes out with a light meter. He stated that although staff can see the validity of some bright light, Saturn's site will be 3-4 times brighter than anything else around it. Member Matthys then asked how this ordinance compares with ordinances in other 3 Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting February 8, 2000 jurisdictions. Planning Director Wagner replied that the City is on the cutting edge, since most other lighting ordinances in Florida address wildlife and turtles. The California and the Florida west coast ordinances deal with glare and light spillage. There are not a lot of ordinances that deal directly with illuminance levels. The numbers for the proposed ordinance are taken directly from the recommendations of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. The City is a pioneer in this area and Orange County is already requesting a copy of this proposed ordinance. Member Landefeld stated that the staff did an outstanding job on gathering data for this ordinance. He stated that he agrees with Vice-Chairman Switzer regarding the Good,Homes Road intersection and that the glare will make it worse. Member McKey thanked Saturn for their input. He stated that the new 7-11 in Clermont has terrible glare and that staff did a great job with this ordinance. Chairman Bond stated that she is concerned about lighting in shopping'center parking lots and asked if the current lighting is sufficient. Planning Director Wagner stated that the mall has the lowest light in the City at 1 foot candle average. New malls are p w built with a 2 foot candle standard, and the new Publix will be in the 4-5 foot candle range. 'Ile stated that the ordinance does not provide a minimum lighting requirement. Chairman Bond stated that she would like a minimum lighting standard, and a discussion ensued There being no comments or further discussion by the Board, Member Landefeld, seconded by Vice-Chairman Switzer, moved to recommend to the City Commission adoption of the proposed ordinance to upgrade the Site Lighting standards as recommended by staff, subject to establishing a minimum average of 1 foot candle as adequate lighting. Motion carried 8-0. IV. OLD BUSINESS None V. OTHER BUSINESS Assistant City Attorney Formella read Member McNeil's conflict on Forest Ridge from the January 26, 2000 meeting into the record. Member Rhodus asked about the status of the clearing of the southeast corner of Clarke and 4 Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting February 8, 2000 Silver Star Roads. Planning Director Wagner stated that the subcontractor has already filed a tree mitigation replanting plan to replace the trees that were cleared out. A discussion ensued about the appearance of various schools in the County and the construction budgets for schools. VI. COMMENTS Member McKey asked about the tree trimming by Scotty's. Chairman Bond stated that the City Commission invited the Planning and Zoning Commission to attend the Joint Planning Area Agreement Workshop on March 1, 2000. She ursd the other members to watch the Commission Meetings on Tuesday nights. She stated that she::was not going to attend the workshop because at the last meeting the City Commission stated that members of the Planning and Zoning Commission were not going to be allowed to speak. Planning Director Wagner stated that in the past there were joint workshops and that the City Commission is reevaluating the JPA. Member Matthys thanked the staff for their extensive research on the site lighting ordinance. Member Miller asked about the work in progre report. A discussion ensued about future projects and growth in the City. ADJOURNMENT -� The meeting was adj e' 9: :m Marisa Dawson, Administrative Secretary Pat Bond, Chairman 5 Copy of Public Hearing Advertisement Date Published • The Orlando Sentinel,Thursday,February 24,2000 Advertisement CITY OF OCOEE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A WAVIER FROM THE SITE LIGHTING REQUIREMENT APPLIED TO COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS (SATURN OF OCOEE) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Article VI,Section 6-14.C.2.i.(i),Ocoee Land Development Code, that the OCOEE CITY COMMISSION will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on March 7,2000 at their regular session to begin at 7:15 p.m.,or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Commission Chambers,Ocoee City Hall, 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee,Florida to consider the request filed by SATURN OF OCOEE,to allow for a waiver from the site lighting requi- rements,applied to commercial and in- dustrial developments,for the SATURN OF OCOEE AUTOMOTIVE DEALER- SHIP site,on certain real property locat- ed on the south side of State Road 50 and just west of Good Homes Road. The purpose of the waiver is to allow in- creased site lighting. The complete case file,including a le- gal description of the subject property, may be inspected at the Ocoee Plan- ning Department,150 North Lakeshore Drive,between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.,Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. The Ocoee City Commission may con- tinue the public hearing to other dates and times as they deem necessary.Any interested party shall be advised that the dates,times,and places of any con- tinuation of this or continued public hearings shall be announced during the hearing and that no further notices re- garding this matter will be published. Interested parties may appear at the public hearing and be heard with re- spect to the request.Any person who desires to appeal any decision made during the public heanng will need a re- cord of the proceeding and for this pur- pose may need to ensure that a verba- tim record of the proceeding is made which includes the testimony and evi- dence upon which the appeal is based. Persons with disabilities needing assis- tance to participate in any of the pro- ceedings should contact the City Clerk's office 48 hours in advance of the meeting at(407)656-2322. JEAN GRAFTON,CITY CLERK CITY OF OCOEE Thursday,February 24,2C00 OLS3160298 FEB.24,2000