6.4   Prescriptive Measures

6.4.1    Lighting Zones

The basic premise of the Energy Standards is to base the outdoor lighting power that is allowed on how bright the surrounding conditions are. The Energy Standards contain lighting power allowances for newly installed equipment and specific alterations that are dependent on which Lighting Zone the project is located.

The technical basis for the differences in outdoor lighting zones described by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) is that the eyes adapt to darker surrounding conditions and less light is required to properly see; when the surrounding conditions get brighter, more light is needed to see. The least power is allowed in Lighting Zone 1 and increasingly more power is allowed in Lighting Zones 2, 3, and 4. Lighting Zone 0 is intended for undeveloped spaces in parks and wildlife preserves and is very low ambient illumination. Providing greater power than is needed potentially leads to debilitating glare and an increasing spiral of brightness as over-bright projects become the surrounding conditions for future projects causing future projects to unnecessarily require greater power resulting in wasted energy.

For outdoor lighting design recommended practice documents, the IES has directed the various committees to incorporate the Lighting Zone concept into the design criteria. However, in 2014, the IES published a new Recommended Practice for Parking Facilities.  In this document, the Lighting Zone concept has been effectively disregarded by establishing a single design criteria for Lighting Zones 1-4. As a result, the new Lighting Zone allowances for General Hardscape do not increment upward in the same manner as previous versions of the Code.

The Energy Commission defines the boundaries of Outdoor Lighting Zones based on the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau boundaries for urban and rural areas as well as the legal boundaries of wilderness and park areas (see Energy Standards Table 10-114-A). By default, government designated parks, recreation areas and wildlife preserves are Lighting Zone 0 and Lighting Zone 1. Lighting Zone 0 areas are undeveloped areas of government designated parks, recreation areas, and wildlife preserves; Lighting Zone 1 are developed portions of government designated parks, recreation areas and wildlife preserves. Rural areas are Lighting Zone 2; and urban areas are Lighting Zone 3. Lighting Zone 4 is a special use district that may be created by a local government through application to the Energy Commission.

Table 6-3: Lighting Zone Characteristics and Rules for Amendments by Local Jurisdictions

Energy Standards Table 10-114-

The options allowed under §10-114 are as follows

A.   Parks, Recreation Areas and Wildlife Preserves

The default for undeveloped portions of government designated parks, recreation areas, and wildlife preserves is Lighting Zone 0. The local jurisdiction having authority over the property will know if the property is a government designated park, recreation area, or wildlife preserve.

The default for developed portions of government designated parks, recreation areas, and wildlife preserves is Lighting Zone 1. The local jurisdiction having authority over the property will know if the property is a government designated park, recreation area, or wildlife preserve. However, when a park, recreation area, wildlife preserve, or portions thereof, are surrounded by urban areas (as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau), such areas may be designated as Lighting Zone 3 by adoption of the local jurisdiction. Similarly, a Lighting Zone 2 designation can be adopted if the area is surrounded by rural areas (as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau). All adjustments in LZ designation must be reviewed by the CEC for approval.

B.   Rural Areas

The default for rural areas as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau is Lighting Zone 2. However, local jurisdictions having building permit authority may designate certain areas as either Lighting Zone 3 or Lighting Zone 4 if the local jurisdiction determines that ambient lighting levels are higher than typical for a rural area. Examples of areas that might be designated Lighting Zone 3 are special commercial districts or areas with special security considerations. All adjustments in LZ designation must be reviewed by the CEC for approval.

Local jurisdictions also may designate default Lighting Zone 2 areas as Lighting Zone 1, which would establish lower lighting power for outdoor areas with lower surrounding brightness. An example of an area that might be changed to Lighting Zone 1 would include an underdeveloped, environmentally sensitive or predominately residential area within a default Lighting Zone 2 area.

C.   Urban Areas

Lighting Zone 3 is the default for urban areas, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Local jurisdictions may designate areas to Lighting Zone 4 for high intensity nighttime use, such as entertainment or commercial districts or areas with special security considerations requiring very high light levels. All adjustments in LZ designation must be reviewed by the CEC for approval.

Local jurisdictions also may designate areas as Lighting Zone 2 or even Lighting Zone 1 if they deem that this is appropriate.

6.4.1.1  Determining the Lighting Zone for an Outdoor Lighting Project

Permit applicants may determine the Lighting Zone for a particular property using the following steps:

•      Local jurisdiction – Check with the local jurisdiction having authority over permitting of the property. The local jurisdiction will know if the property is a government designated park, recreation area, or wildlife preserve, and therefore in default Lighting Zone 0 or 1. The local jurisdiction also may know if the property is contained within the physical boundaries of a Lighting Zone for which a locally-adopted change has been made. However, verify through the California Energy Commission website whether or not a locally-adopted change has been submitted to the Energy Commission.

•      U.S. Census – Look at the U.S. Census website to determine if the property is within a rural (statewide default Lighting Zone 2) or urban (statewide default Lighting Zone 3) census block.

o According to the US Census Bureau, there are two types of urban area, Urbanized Areas (UAs) of 50,000 or more people and Urban Clusters (UCs) of at least 2,500 and less than 50,000 people. Furthermore, “Rural” encompasses all population, housing, and territory not included within an urban area.

o There is an address search tool provided by US Census Bureau. Enter the address and look up for the geography results indicating whether the entered address is urban or rural under geography type.

(http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/searchresults.xhtml?ref=addr&refresh=t)

o  A ‘Geography Results’ window will display a number of geographies within which the address is located. If you are in an urban area, one of the geographies will designate this; otherwise you are in a rural geography.

•      Energy Commission website – Check the Energy Commission’s website to determine if the property is contained within the physical boundaries of a Lighting Zone that has been changed through a local jurisdiction adoption process.

6.4.1.2  Examples for Defining Physical Boundaries

Using Metes and bounds is a good method to use for defining the physical boundaries of an adopted Lighting Zone.

Metes and bounds is a system that uses physical features of the local geography, along with directions and distances, to define and describe the boundaries of a parcel of land. The boundaries are described in a running prose style, working around the parcel of the land in sequence, from a point of beginning, returning back to the same point. The term “metes” refers to a boundary defined by the measurement of each straight run, specified by a distance between the terminal points, and an orientation or direction. The term “bounds” refers to a more general boundary descriptions, such as along a certain watercourse or public road way.

Following are examples of using metes and bounds to define the physical boundaries of an adopted Lighting Zone:

•      Properties with frontage on Kennedy Memorial Expressway, between First Avenue and Main Street to a depth of 50 ft from each frontage property line.

•      The area 500 ft east of Interstate 5, from 500 ft north of Loomis Ave to 250 ft south of Winding Way.

•      The area of the Sunrise Bike Trail starting at Colfax Avenue and going east to Maple Park, the width of a path which is from the edge of the South Fork of the American River on one side, to 100 ft beyond the paved bike trail, or to private property lines, whichever is shorter, on the other side.

•      The area that is bounded by the Truckee River on the West, Grizzly Lane on the south, Caddis Road on the east, and the boundary of Placer County on the north.

Note: The physical boundaries of a changed Lighting Zone are not required to coincide with the physical boundaries of a census tract.

Figure 6-2: Example of US Census Bureau Information

6.4.1.3  Lighting Zone Adjustments by Local Jurisdictions

The Energy Commission sets statewide default Lighting Zones. However, jurisdictions (usually a city or county), may change the zones to accommodate local conditions. Local governments may designate a portion of Lighting Zones 2 or 3 as Lighting Zone 3 or 4. The local jurisdiction also may designate a portion of Lighting Zone 3 to Lighting Zone 2 or even Lighting Zone 1. When a local jurisdiction adopts changes to the Lighting Zone boundaries, it must follow a public process that allows for formal public notification, review, and comment about the proposed change. The local jurisdiction also must provide the Energy Commission with detailed information about the new Lighting Zone boundaries, and submit a justification that the new Lighting Zones are consistent with the specifications in §10-114.

The Energy Commission has the authority to disallow Lighting Zone changes if it finds the changes to be inconsistent with the specification of §10-114 including Table 10-114-A

6.4.2          Outdoor Lighting Power Compliance

An outdoor lighting installation complies with the Energy Standards if the actual outdoor lighting power is no greater than the allowed outdoor lighting power. This section describes the procedures and methods for complying with §140.7 (a through d).

In some situations, more than one lighting designer designs the outdoor lighting. An example might be that one designer is designing the pole mounted lighting for the parking lot and another designs the lighting that is attached to the building. Final compliance documentation must be developed that accounts for all outdoor lighting power and calculates the allowable lighting power once.

Two separate sets of outdoor lighting compliance documentation may unintentionally double count the allowances for outdoor lighting. Therefore, this needs to be considered when evaluating the sum total of the actual installed outdoor lighting power.

The allowed lighting power is determined by measuring the area or length of the lighting application and multiplying this area (in W/ft²) or length (in W/ft²) times the Lighting Power Allowance (in W). The allowed lighting power must be calculated for the general hardscape lighting of the site and for specific applications if desired.

The area of the lighting application must be defined exclusive of any areas on the site that are not illuminated.

The actual power of outdoor lighting is the total watts of all of the non-exempt lighting systems (including ballast, driver or transformer loss). (See §140.7(c).

The allowed outdoor lighting power is calculated by Lighting Zone as defined in §10-114. Local governments may amend Lighting Zones in compliance with §10-114. See Section 6.4.4 for more information about amending outdoor ordinances by local jurisdictions.

6.4.2.1  Maximum Outdoor Lighting Power

The Energy Standards establish maximum outdoor lighting power that can be installed. The allowed outdoor lighting power must be determined according to the Outdoor Lighting Zone in which the site is located. See Section 6.4.1A for more information about Outdoor Lighting Zones.

The wattage of outdoor luminaires must be determined in accordance with §130.0(d) or Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA8. See Section 5.3 for more information about determining luminaire wattage.

The total allowed lighting power is the combined total of all of the allowed lighting power layers. There are lighting power allowances for general hardscape lighting and lighting power allowances for specific applications. An outdoor lighting installation complies with the lighting power requirements if the actual outdoor lighting power installed is no greater than the allowed outdoor lighting power calculated under §140.7(d) and complies with certain stipulations associated with specific special application allowances. The allowed lighting power shall be the combined total of the sum of the general hardscape lighting allowance determined in accordance with §140.7(d)1, and the sum of the additional lighting power allowance for specific applications determined in accordance with §140.7(d)2.

See Section 6.4.3 for a detailed explanation in determining the total allowed lighting power.

6.4.2.2  Illuminated Area

With indoor lighting applications, the entire floor area is considered to be illuminated for the purpose of determining the allowed lighting power. However, for outdoor lighting applications, the number of luminaires, their mounting heights and their layout affect the presumed illuminated area and therefore the allowed lighting power.

The area of the lighting application may not include any areas on the site that are not illuminated. The area beyond the last luminaire is considered illuminated only if it is located within 5 mounting heights of the nearest luminaire.

In plan view of the site, the illuminated area is defined as any hardscape area within a square pattern around each luminaire or pole that is 10 times the luminaire mounting height, with the luminaire in the middle of the pattern. Another way to envision this is to consider an illuminated area from a single luminaire as the area that is 5 times the mounting height in four directions.

Illuminated areas shall not include any area that is obstructed by any other structure, including a sign or within a building, or areas beyond property lines.

The primary purpose for validating the illuminated area is to not include any areas that are not illuminated. Areas that are illuminated by more than one luminaire shall not be double counted. Either an area is illuminated, or it is not illuminated.

When luminaires are located further apart (more than 10 times their mounting height apart), then the illuminated area stops at 5 times the mounting height of each luminaire.

Planters and small landscape areas are included within the general hardscape area as long as the short dimension of the inclusion is less than 10 ft wide, and the inclusion is bordered on at least three sides.

Landscape areas that are greater than 10 ft wide in the short dimension are excluded from the general hardscape area calculation, but the perimeter of these exclusions may be included in the linear wattage allowance (LWA) calculation.

6.4.3          General Hardscape Lighting Power Allowance

6.4.3.1  Calculation of Allowed Lighting Power

The allowed lighting power shall be the combined total of the sum of the general hardscape lighting allowance determined in accordance with §140.7(d)1, and the sum of the additional lighting power allowance for specific applications determined in accordance with §140.7(d)2

A.   General Hardscape Lighting Allowance

Hardscape is defined in §100.1 as an improvement to a site that is paved and has other structural features, including but not limited to, curbs, plazas, entries, parking lots, site roadways, driveways, walkways, sidewalks, bikeways, water features and pools, storage or service yards, loading docks, amphitheaters, outdoor sales lots, and private monuments and statuary.

General Hardscape lighting allowance= (Hardscape Area x AWA) + (Perimeter Length of Hardscape Area x LWA) + IWA.

Determine the general hardscape lighting power allowances as follows:

1. The general hardscape area of a site shall include parking lot(s), roadway(s), driveway(s), sidewalk(s), walkway(s), bikeway(s), plaza(s), bridge(s), tunnel(s), and other improved area(s) that are illuminated. In plan view of the site, determine the illuminated hardscape area, which is defined as any hardscape area that is within a square pattern around each luminaire or pole that is ten times the luminaire mounting height with the luminaire in the middle of the pattern, less any areas that are within a building, beyond the hardscape area, beyond property lines, or obstructed by a structure. The illuminated hardscape area shall include portions of planters and landscaped areas that are within the lighting application and are less than or equal to 10 feet wide in the short dimensions and are enclosed by hardscape or other improvement on at least three sides. Multiply the illuminated hardscape area by the Area Wattage Allowance (AWA) from Table 6-4 (Table 140.7-A) for the appropriate Lighting Zone.

2. Determine the perimeter length of the general hardscape area. The total hardscape perimeter is the length of the actual perimeter of the illuminated hardscape on the property. It shall not include portions of hardscape that is not illuminated according to §140.7(d)1A. Multiply the hardscape perimeter by the Linear Wattage Allowance (LWA) for hardscape from Table 6-4 (Table 140.7-A) for the appropriate lighting zone. Generally, if there is an enclosed exclusion in the area AWA calculation, the perimeter may be included in the LWA calculation.

The perimeter length for hardscape around landscaped areas and permanent planters shall be determined as follows:

i.       Landscaped areas completely enclosed within the hardscape area, and which width or length is a minimum of 10 feet wide, the perimeter of the landscaped areas or permanent planter shall be added to the hardscape perimeter length.

ii.      Landscaped areas completely enclosed within the hardscape area, and which have a width or length less than 10 feet wide, shall not be added to the hardscape perimeter length.

iii.      Landscaped edges that are not abutting the hardscape shall not be added to the hardscape perimeter length.

3. Determine the Initial Wattage Allowance (IWA). The IWA is allowed to be used one time per site. The purpose is to provide additional watts for small sites, or for odd hardscape geometries. Add the IWA for general hardscape lighting from Table 6-4 (Table 140.7-A) for the appropriate lighting zone.

The general hardscape lighting allowance shall be the sum of the allowed watts determined from (1), (2) and (3) above.

Table 6-4: General Hardscape Lighting Power Allowance

Table 140.7-A from the Energy Standards

The allowed lighting power for general hardscape lighting is calculated using the following components:

•    Area Wattage Allowance (AWA), which is the area of the illuminated hardscape, and is expressed in watts per square foot.

•    Linear Wattage Allowance (LWA), which is the length of the perimeter of the illuminated hardscape, and is expressed in watts per linear foot.

•    Initial Wattage Allowance (IWA), which is a flat allowance for each property, and is expressed in watts.

To determine the total allowed power for general hardscape lighting, use the equation: (Hardscape area x AWA) + (Hardscape perimeter x LWA) + (IWA).

Example 6-17 Power Allowance for Parking Lots

Question

In a parking lot in front of a retail store, we are not using the full lighting power allowance values from Table 140.7-A for the parking lot. Can we use the remaining allowance to illuminate the building entrance and the walkways near the store to a higher level?

Answer

Yes, because hardscape power densities are tradable, you may use the unused portion of the power allowance in the parking lot to increase the illumination levels for other lighting applications, including building entrance and walkway areas.

Example 6-18 Illumination for Stairs

Question

Lighting for stairs is exempt from the requirements of §140.7, so is a pole-mounted luminaire that is located at the stairs considered exempt, even though some of the light serves hardscape areas that are not exempt?

Answer

In this example, the luminaire is not regulated by the Energy Standards if the primary purpose for that luminaire is to illuminate the stairs (or other unregulated areas), and a majority of the light coming from a luminaire falls on stairs. However, the luminaire is regulated by the Energy Standards if the majority of the light coming from the luminaire falls on regulated areas, such as hardscape areas other than the stairs. For example, if the luminaire is equipped with optics that directs more than 50 percent of the light towards the stairs, then the luminaire may be considered stair lighting and therefore exempt. Conversely, the luminaire must be considered hardscape lighting if the lack of proper optical controls results in more than 50 percent of the light falling on the adjacent hardscape areas.

 

Example 6-19 Calculating the Illuminated Area of a Parking Lot

Question

A parking lot is only illuminated from a series of 5 cut-off wall packs mounted on an adjacent building. The parking lot extends 100 ft from the building. The luminaires are mounted at a height of 15 ft above the ground and spaced 50 ft apart. How large is the illuminated area?

Answer

The illuminated area extends a distance equal to 5 times the mounting height in three directions (the fourth direction is not counted because it is covered by the building). The illuminated area therefore extends from the building a distance of 75 ft. The total illuminated area is 75 ft x 350 ft or 26,250 ft².

 

Example 6-20 Calculating the Illuminated Area

Question

If a pole has a height of 15 ft, what are the dimensions of the square pattern used for power calculations?

Answer

The illuminated area is defined as any area within a square pattern around each luminaire or pole that is 10 times the luminaire mounting height, with the luminaire in the middle of the pattern. It does not include any area that is within a building, under a canopy, beyond property lines, or obstructed by a sign or structure. Therefore, for a 15 ft pole, the area will be described by a square that is 150 ft (15 ft x 10) on each side, or 22,500 ft² (150 ft x 150 ft), minus areas that are beyond the property line or other obstructions.

 

Example 6-21 Calculating the Illuminated Area

Question

If two poles in the center of an illuminated area are a greater distance than 10 times the mounting height, will all of the square footage between them be included in the area?

Answer

In most applications, for example parking lots, these square patterns will typically overlap, so the entire area of the parking lot between poles will typically be included when determining the lighting power budget. However, if the poles are so far apart that they exceed 10 times the mounting height of the luminaires on the poles, the coverage squares do not overlap and the non-illuminated areas between poles cannot be included in determining illuminated hardscape area.

Example 6-22 Calculating the Power Allowance for a Roadway

Question

A 300 ft long, 15 ft wide roadway leads through a wooded area to a hotel entrance in Lighting Zone 2, and the owner wants to light the roadway with luminaires mounted at a height of 20 ft. What is the allowed lighting power for this roadway?

Answer

The hardscape area for the roadway must first be calculated. If the entire roadway will be lighted, then the 20 ft poles will not be spaced more than 200 ft apart and not more than 100 ft from the ends of the roadway. (Lighted area is 10 times the pole height.) The hardscape area then is 15 ft x 300 ft or 4500 ft². The linear perimeter of this hardscape is the sum of the sides (not including the side that connects to the larger site) 300 ft + 15 ft + 300 ft or 615 ft.

Three allowances make up the total power allowance: Area, Linear, and Initial. However, the initial wattage allowance applies one time to the entire site. It is not considered for usage for this roadway piece which would only be one small part of the site. All allowances are based on Lighting Zone 2 and found in Table    6-4 (Table 140.7-A of the Energy Standards). The area wattage allowance is equal to 135 W (0.03 W/ft² x 4500 ft²).

The linear wattage allowance is equal to 153.75 W (0.25 W/lf x 615 lf).

Finally, the sum of these allowances gives a total wattage allowance for the roadway of 288.75 W (135 W + 153.75 W).

Example 6-23 Calculating the Power Allowance for a Parking Lot

Question

The parking lot illustrated below has two luminaires that are mounted at a height of 25 ft. What is the illuminated hardscape area and what is the allowed lighting? The lot is located in Lighting Zone 3.

Poles are 40 feet apart

Answer

The poles are 40 ft apart, and using the 10 times mounting height rule, the illuminated area can be as large as 250 ft by 290 ft. The boundary of this maximum illuminated area extends beyond the edges of the parking lot as well as the entrance driveway, so the entire paved area is considered illuminated. The landscaped island in middle and peninsula below the entrance driveway are less than 10 ft wide, so they are included as part of the illuminated area, but not part of the hardscape perimeter. The landscaped cutouts (20 x 20 ft) in the corners of the parking lot are bound by pavement on only two sides so they are not included. The total paved area is 11,196 ft². [(12,636 ft² + 160 ft² (driveway) – 1,600 ft² (cutouts)]. The perimeter of the hardscape is 470 ft [(2 x 77 ft) + (2 x 68 ft) + (8 x 20 ft) + (2 X10 ft)].

Three allowances make up the total power allowance: Area, Linear, and Initial. All allowances are based on lighting zone 3 and found in Table 6-4 (Table 140.7-A of the Energy Standards). The area wattage allowance is equal to 447.84 W (0.040 W/ft² x 11,196 ft²).

The linear wattage allowance is equal to 164.5W (0.35W/lf x470 lf). The initial wattage allowance (IWA) is 520 W for the entire site.

Finally, the sum of these three allowances gives a total wattage allowance for the site of 1132.34 W (447.84 W + 164.5W+ 520 W).

6.4.4          Additional Light Power Allowances and Requirements by Application

The lighting power for Specific Applications provides additional lighting power that can be layered 'in 'addition to the General Hardscape lighting power allowances as applicable.

Most of a site will be classified as ‘General Hardscape’ and will be calculated using Table 6-4 (Table 140.7-A in the Energy Standards) as the only source of allowance.

Some portions of the site may fit use categories that permit the inclusion of an additional lighting allowance for that portion of the site. These Specific Applications are detailed in Table 6-5 (Table 140.7-B of the Energy Standards). Not all of these allowances are based on area.

The single exception to this is the allowance for Hardscape Ornamental Lighting, which is calculated independent of the rest of the Specific Applications, and no regard to the overlap of this Application is made. See Section E for more information about the Hardscape Ornamental Lighting allowance.

Table 6-5: Additional Lighting Power Allowance for Specific Applications

Table 140.7- from the Energy Standards

Assigned lighting applications must be consistent with the actual use of the area. Outdoor lighting definitions in §100.1 must be used to determine appropriate lighting applications.

Specific Applications that are based on specific instances on the site are the cumulative total of those instances on the site, with the allowance being accumulated per instance.

Specific Applications that are based on the length of an instance on the site are calculated as the product of the total length of the instance and the allowance per linear foot for the Application.

A.   General Hardscape Power Trade-Offs

Allowed lighting power determined according to §140.7(d)1 for general hardscape lighting may be traded to specific applications in §140.7(d)2, as long as the hardscape area from which the lighting power is traded continues to be illuminated in accordance with §140.7(d) 1A.

B.   Specific Allowances Power Trade-Offs Not Allowed

Allowed lighting power for specific applications shall not be traded between specific applications, or to hardscape lighting in §140.7(d)1. This means that for each and every specific application, the allowed lighting power is the smaller of the allowed power determined for that specific application according to Table 140.7-B, or the actual installed lighting power that is used in that specific application.

C.   Wattage Allowance per Application

The applications in this category are provided with additional lighting power, in watts (W) per instance, as defined in Table 6-5 (Table 140.7-B of the Energy Standards). Use all that apply as appropriate. Wattage allowances per application are available for the following areas:

•      Building Entrances or Exits.

•      Primary Entrances of Senior Care Facilities, Police Stations, Hospitals, Fire Stations, and Emergency Vehicle Facilities.

•      Drive-Up Windows. See Section 6.4.5F for additional information about drive-up windows

•      Vehicle Service Station Uncovered Fuel Dispenser. See Section 6.4.5C for additional information about vehicle service stations.

•      ATM Machine Lighting

D.   Wattage Allowance for Outdoor Sales Frontage Application

The wattage allowance per linear foot is available only for outdoor sales frontage immediately adjacent to the principal viewing location(s) and unobstructed for its viewing length. A corner sales lot may include two adjacent sides provided that a different principal viewing location exists for each side. Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be located between the principal viewing location and the frontage outdoor. The outdoor sales frontage allowance is calculated as the product of the total length of qualifying sales frontage times the outdoor sales frontage lighting allowance in Table 6-5 (Table 140.7-B of the Energy Standards). See Section 6.4.5B for additional information about sales frontage.

E.   Wattage Allowance per Hardscape Ornamental Lighting Application

The ornamental lighting allowance on the site is calculated as the product of the total illuminated hardscape for the site times the hardscape ornamental lighting allowance in Table 6-5 (Table 140.7-B of the Energy Standards) in watts per square foot (W/ft²). Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be rated for 100 W or less as determined in accordance with §130.0(c), and shall be post-top luminaires, lanterns, pendant luminaires, or chandeliers. This additional wattage allowance may be used for any illuminated hardscape area on the site. See Section 6.4.5E Ornamental Lighting for additional information about ornamental lighting.

F.   Wattage Allowance per Specific Area

Applications in this category are provided with additional lighting power, in watts per square foot (W/ft²), as defined in Table 140.7-B of the Energy Standards (Table 6-5). Wattage allowances per specific area are available for the following areas:

1.    Building Facades.

Only areas of building façade that are illuminated shall qualify for this allowance. Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be aimed at the façade and shall be capable of illuminating it without obstruction or interference by permanent building features or other objects. See Section 6.4.5A for additional information about building facades.

2.    Outdoor Sales Lots.

Allowance for uncovered sales lots used exclusively for the display of vehicles or other merchandise for sale. Driveways, parking lots or other non-sales areas shall be considered hardscape areas, not outdoor sales lots, even if these areas are completely surrounded by sales lot on all sides. Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be within 5 mounting heights of the sales lot area. See 6.4.5B for more information.

3.    Vehicle Service Station Hardscape.

Allowance for the total illuminated hardscape area less area of buildings, under canopies, off property, or obstructed by signs or structures. Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be illuminating the hardscape area and shall not be within a building, below a canopy, beyond property lines, or obstructed by a sign or other structure.

4.    Vehicle Service Station Canopies.

Allowance for the total area within the drip line of the canopy. Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be located under the canopy. See Section 6.4.5C for additional information about vehicle service stations.

5.    Sales Canopies.

Allowance for the total area within the drip line of the canopy. Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be located under the canopy. See Section 6.4.5D for additional information about lighting under canopies.

6.  Non-sales Canopies and Tunnels.

Allowance for the total area within the drip line of the canopy or inside the tunnel. Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be located under the canopy or tunnel. See Section 6.4.5D for additional information about lighting under canopies.

7.    Guard Stations.

Allowance up to 1,000 ft² per vehicle lane. Guard stations provide access to secure areas controlled by security personnel who stop and may inspect vehicles and vehicle occupants, including identification, documentation, vehicle license plates, and vehicle contents. Qualifying luminaires shall be within 2 mounting heights of a vehicle lane or the guardhouse. See Section 6.4.5G for additional information about guarded facilities.

8.    Student Pick-up/Drop-off zone.

Allowance for the area of the student pickup/drop-off zone, with or without canopy, for preschool through 12th grade school campuses. A student pick-up/drop off zone is a curbside, controlled traffic area on a school campus where students are picked up and dropped off from vehicles. The allowed area shall be the smaller of the actual width or 25 ft, times the smaller of the actual length or 250 ft. Qualifying luminaires shall be within 2 mounting heights of the student pick-up/drop-off zone.

9.    Outdoor Dining.

Allowance for the total illuminated hardscape of outdoor dining. Outdoor dining areas are hardscape areas used to serve and consume food and beverages. Qualifying luminaires shall be within 2 mounting heights of the hardscape area of outdoor dining.

10.  Special Security Lighting for Retail Parking and Pedestrian Hardscape.

This additional allowance is for illuminated retail parking and pedestrian hardscape identified as having special security needs. This allowance shall be 'in addition to the building entrance or exit allowance.

6.4.5          Further Discussion about Additional Lighting Power Allowance for Specific Applications

6.4.5.1  Building Facades

Building façade is defined in §100.1 as the exterior surfaces of a building, not including horizontal roofing, signs, and surfaces not visible from any public viewing location. Only areas of building façade that are illuminated should qualify for this allowance. Luminaires qualifying for this allowance should be aimed at the façade and should be capable of illuminating it without obstruction or interference by permanent building features or other objects.

Building façades and architectural features may be illuminated by flood lights, sconces or other lighting attached to the building. Building façade lighting is not permitted in Lighting Zone 0 and Lighting Zone 1. Façade orientations that are not illuminated and façade areas that are not illuminated because the lighting is obstructed shall not be included. General site illumination, sign lighting, and/or lighting for other specific applications can be attached to the side of a building and not be considered façade lighting. Wall packs mounted on sides of the buildings are not considered façade lighting when most of the light exiting these luminaires lands on areas other than the building façade.

Figure 6-3: Façade Lighting

6.4.5.2  Sales Frontage

This additional allowance is intended to accommodate the retailers need to highlight merchandise to motorists who drive by their lot. Outdoor sales frontage includes car lots, but can also include any sales activity.

Outdoor sales frontage must be immediately adjacent to the principal viewing location(s) and unobstructed for its viewing length. A corner sales lot may include two adjacent sides provided that a different principal viewing location exists for each side. Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be located between the principal viewing location and the frontage outdoor. The outdoor sales frontage allowance is calculated as the product of the total length of qualifying sales frontage times the outdoor sales frontage lighting allowance in Table 147-B of the Energy Standards.

When a sales lot qualifies for the sales frontage allowance, the total sales lot wattage allowance is determined by adding the following three layers:

•      General hardscape lighting power allowance

•      Outdoor sales frontage

•      Outdoor sales lot

6.4.5.3  Vehicle Service Stations

According to the definition in §100.1, vehicle service station is a gasoline, natural gas, diesel, or other fuel dispensing station. 'In 'addition to allowances for building entrances and exits, hardscape ornamental lighting, building façade, and outdoor dining allowances, as appropriate; the total wattage allowance specifically applying to vehicle service station hardscape is determined by adding the following layers, as appropriate:

•      General hardscape lighting power allowance

•      Vehicle service station uncovered fuel dispenser (allowance per fueling dispenser, with 2 mounting heights of dispenser)

•      Vehicle service station hardscape (less area of buildings, under canopies, off property, or obstructed by signs or other structures)

•      Vehicle service station canopies (within the drip line of the canopy)

The lighting power allowances are 'listed in Table 140.7-B of the Energy Standards.

Figure 6-4: Service Station Hardscape Areas

6.4.5.4  Under Canopies

According to the definition in §100.1, a canopy is a permanent structure, other than a parking garage, consisting of a roof and supporting building elements, with the area beneath at least partially open to the elements. A canopy may be freestanding or attached to surrounding structures. A canopy roof may serve as the floor of a structure above.

The definition of a canopy states that a canopy is not a parking garage. A parking garage is classified as an unconditioned interior space, whereas a canopy is classified as an outdoor space.

The lighting power allowance for a canopy depends on its purpose. Service station canopies are treated separately (see the previous section). The two types of canopies addressed in this section are those that are used for sales and those that are not. Non-sales canopies include covered walkways, and covered entrances to hotels, office buildings, convention centers and other buildings. Sales canopies specifically cover and protect an outdoor sales area, including garden centers, covered automobile sales lots, and outdoor markets with permanent roofs. The lighting power allowances are 'listed in Table 140.7-B of the Energy Standards.

The area of a canopy is defined as the horizontal projected area, in plan view, directly underneath the canopy. This area is also referred to as the “drip line” of the canopy. Canopy lighting, either sales or non-sales shall comply separately, e.g. trade-offs are not permitted between other specific lighting applications or with general site illumination.

General site lighting or other specific applications lighting, and/or sign lighting that are attached to the sides or top of a canopy, cannot be considered canopy lighting. For example, internally illuminated translucent panels on the perimeter of a canopy are considered sign lighting, while the lighting underneath the canopy and directed towards the ground is canopy lighting.

Figure 6-5: Canopy Lighting

6.4.5.5  Ornamental Lighting

Ornamental lighting is defined in §100.1 as post-top luminaires, lanterns, pendant luminaires, chandeliers, and marquee lighting. However, marquee lighting does not qualify for the ornamental lighting allowance. The allowances for ornamental lighting are 'listed in Table 140.7-B of the Energy Standards.

The ornamental lighting allowance on the site is calculated as the product of the total illuminated hardscape for the site times the hardscape ornamental lighting allowance in Table 140.7-B. This allowance is calculated separately, and is not accumulated into the other allowances. This additional wattage allowance may be used for any illuminated hardscape area on the site.

Luminaires used for ornamental lighting as defined in Table 140.7-B shall have a rated wattage, as 'listed on a permanent, pre-printed, factory-installed label, of 100 W or less.

Figure 6-6: Ornamental Lighting

(The cobra head luminaires shown in the above figure are not ornamental lighting. However, if the post-top acorn luminaires are rated 100 watts or less, they qualify as ornamental lighting)

6.4.5.6  Drive-up Windows

Drive-up windows are common for fast food restaurants, banks, and parking lot entrances. In order to qualify, a drive-up window must have someone working behind the “window”. Automatic ticket dispensers at parking lots do not count.

The lighting power allowances are 'listed in Table 140.7-B of the Energy Standards as a wattage allowance per application.

The wattage allowance in Lighting Zone 3 is 125 W for each drive-up window.

Luminaires qualifying for this allowance must be within 2 mounting heights of the sill of the window.

Figure 6-7: Drive-up Windows

6.4.5.7  Guarded Facilities

Guarded facilities, including gated communities, include the entrance driveway, gatehouse, and guardhouse interior areas that provide access to secure areas controlled by security personnel who stop and may inspect vehicles and vehicle occupants including, identification documentation, vehicle license plates, and vehicle contents.

There is an allowance of up to 1,000 ft² per vehicle lane. Qualifying luminaires shall be within 2 mounting heights of a vehicle lane or the guardhouse.

The power allowances for guarded facilities are 'listed in Table 140.7-B of the Energy Standards.