HomeMy WebLinkAboutJOHNSON DRIVE APARTMENTS - FDP190021 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE REQUESTAlternative Compliance – Section 3.2.4(D)(6) – Buffer Zone Lighting
Johnson Drive Apartments
10/09/2019
This narrative requests that the decision maker approve an alternative compliance
request for the lighting standards within a natural area buffer zone. The reason for
requesting the alternative compliance is to balance public safety and security while
protecting natural features.
Please see the text of Section 3.2.4(D)(6) below:
3.2.4(D)(6) Site lighting design standards
Unique areas or neighborhoods within the City may have additional design
guidelines for lighting as part of a neighborhood or area plan. The Community
Planning and Environmental Services Department can provide information
regarding neighborhood or area plans. Natural areas and natural features shall
be protected from light spillage from off-site sources
Justification for alternative compliance
The proposed lighting plan shows the installation of 4 motion sensor activated building
mounted light fixtures to be installed along the south portion of the proposed building
illuminating the pathway. The pathway is required as a secondary means of egress and
as a performance standard within the land use code section 3.4.1(E)(1)(H) – Natural
Habitat and Features. The proposed plan accomplishes the purpose of this requirement
equally well or better in the following ways:
• The proposed lighting plan utilizes motion sensor lighting along the pathway to
illuminate only when motion is detected by users passing within the motion
range. A safety light will be on above the door to provide security and a
destination point for ingress and egress of the proposed building.
• The proposed lighting plan illuminates the proposed pathway meeting the land
use code 3.2.4 (C) Residential areas of .5 fc.
• The proposed lighting plan allows for the protection of the health, safety and
welfare of the public while balancing the light spillage to be minimal within the
natural area.
The proposed lighting plan creates a condition that achieves both protection of the
health, safety and welfare of the public while also protecting the natural area from
constant light spillage.
For all the reasons cited above, the Applicant requests an alternative compliance of the
standard in LUC Section 3.2.4(D)(6) to allow light from off-site sources to spill into the
natural area. The Applicant proposes that the alternative compliance is not detrimental
to the public good, and promotes the purposes of the standard equal to or better than a
plan that could comply with the lighting requirement.