HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2013-10 LED Parking Lot Light FixturesCITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST:
SUBMITTED BY:
DATE:
Recommendation
APPROVAL OF A PERMANENT EXEMPTION, AS PROVIDED
FOR IN SECTIONS 24.16.055 AND 24.16.110 OF THE PALM
DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE, TO ALLOW LIGHT EMITTING DIODE
(LED) PARKING LOT LIGHT FIXTURES IN PLACE OF HIGH
PRESSURE SODIUM LIGHT FIXTURES AT 77-750, 77-760, 77-
770 and 77-780 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE
Melissa Nale, Assistant Planner
February 14, 2013
2013-10
Waive further reading and approve Resolution No. granting an exemption to
allow LED parking lot light fixtures in place of high pressure sodium light fixtures,
as required by Chapter 24.16 Outdoor Lighting Requirements of Title 24
Environment and Conservation of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
Background
A new property owner has purchased four buildings, known as Country Club
Marketplace, located at 77-750, 77-760, 77-770, and 77-780 Country Club Drive. The
new owner has proposed to install parking lot lighting in an existing unlit parking lot, and
is interested in using the newest, most energy efficient lighting. The Palm Desert
Municipal Code currently requires that high pressure sodium lights be used in this type
of development, but permanent exemptions may be granted by the City Council on a
case by case basis as stated in Section 24.16.110 Permanent Exemptions.
Staff and the Citizens' Sustainability Committee have been researching and drafting
amendments to Chapter 24.16 Outdoor Lighting Requirements. The use of LED lighting
in parking lots is among one of these amendment topics. City code was written prior to
the development of LED lighting and it does not address this type of light source. LED
lighting is among, if not the most, energy efficient light sources. Staff will bring back a
proposed amendment to Chapter 24.16 with the inclusion of LED lighting for City
Council review within the next few months.
Palm Desert Police, staff, and members of the Citizens' Sustainability made a site visit
after dark to the new Eisenhower Medical Center parking lot in Rancho Mirage where
LED lighting was incorporated. It was noted that LED lighting produced a more evenly
Staff Report
LED Lighting Code Exemption
Page 2of2
February 14, 2013
distributed Tight with better color rendition and less glare than high pressure sodium
lights.
Fiscal Analysis
There is no fiscal impact to the City if an exemption is granted to allow LED parking lot
light fixtures in place of high pressure sodium Tight fixtures as required in Chapter 24.16
Outdoor Lighting Requirements of Title 24 Environment and Conservation of the Palm
Desert Municipal Code.
Submitted By:
Melissa Nale, Assistant Planner
Approval:
ohn M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
Department Head:
Lauri Aylaian, Director of Communilopment
CITY COUNCIL AT TON
APPROVED DENIED
RE E ED OTHER
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Original on File with City Crk's Office
G:\Planning\Missy Wightman\Misc\LED Lighting\Council Staff Report.docx
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-10
APPROVAL OF A PERMANENT EXEMPTION, AS PROVIDED
FOR IN SECTIONS 24.16.055 AND 24.16.110 OF THE PALM
DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE, TO ALLOW LIGHT EMITTING
DIODE (LED) PARKING LOT LIGHT FIXTURES IN PLACE OF
HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM LIGHT FIXTURES AT 77-750, 77-
760, 77-770 and 77-780 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the 14th day
of February, 2013, consider the request to allow LED parking lot light fixtures in place of high
pressure sodium light fixtures; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert is dedicated to energy conservation as
something that makes good financial sense and protects our environment for the future.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert, California, as follows:
The City of Palm Desert set a goal to cut energy usage to the maximum
practicable extent. City Council approval of a permanent exemption to allow
LED light fixtures in place of high pressure sodium light fixtures assists in
achieving this goal. LED lighting is among, if not the most, energy efficient
light sources.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm
Desert City Council, held on the 14th day of February, 2013, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
JAN C. HARNIK, Mayor
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, City Clerk
City of Palm Desert, California