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The proposed text amendment
is intended to address potential impacts to dark skies and
adjoining properties and roadways caused by greenhouses
being lit at night. A recent site plan application for an
extensive commercial greenhouse operation brought to staff’s
attention that the existing regulations do not clearly
control light emitted from greenhouses, even though such
light has significant potential impacts. That site plan,
for New Day Farms, includes over 7 acres of greenhouses.
Such impacts are not clearly
addressed by the current ordinance because of two issues.
One, the existing Zoning Ordinance regulations specifically
limit only “outdoor” light. Greenhouse lights are
technically interior lights, but because a greenhouse is
typically built from transparent materials, such interior
lights create potential impacts similar to outdoor
lighting. Therefore, an amendment is necessary to extend
lighting limits to interior greenhouse lights. Second, the
existing Zoning Ordinance regulations exempt agricultural
use structures from all lighting regulations. Because the
Zoning Ordinance definition of “Agriculture” specifically
excludes commercial greenhouses, it is the Zoning
Administrator’s interpretation that greenhouses would be
subject to the lighting regulations, if not for the fact
that the lights are interior. However, because the Zoning
Ordinance also lists greenhouse uses under “Category 18,
Agricultural Uses” additional language is proposed to
clarify that greenhouses are not exempt from lighting
requirements.
As proposed, the language prohibits greenhouses from being
lit at night unless screened to protect dark skies and
adjoining properties. The language would apply to any new
greenhouses built in the County.
The Planning Commission initiated the proposed text
amendment on August 30, 2007. After a public hearing was
held by the Planning Commission on the text amendment on
September 27, 2007, the Commission unanimously voted to
recommend approval. |