Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-51 and Ordinance No. 2026-26:  A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona, declaring as a public record that certain document filed with the City Clerk, entitled "PZ-26-00070 Outdoor Lighting Update" and an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona, amending the Flagstaff City Code, Title 10, Flagstaff Zoning Code.
 

City’s request for a Zoning Code Text Amendment to amend provisions in Zoning Code Chapter 10-50: Supplemental to Zones, Division 10-50.70: Outdoor Lighting, Section 10-50.70.050: General Requirements – All Lighting Zones to update requirements for Class 1 and Class 3 lighting, and revise Table 10-50.70.050.C: Shielding Standards to update residential development designations. Amend Chapter 10-80: Definitions to update the definition of “Partially Shielded Fixture,” and update Title 10 Flagstaff Zoning Code Appendices to remove outdated, non-regulatory supporting information.

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended of this text amendment by a vote of 5-0 at their September 23, 2026, public hearing.

There are no anticipated financial impacts affiliate with the proposed Zoning Code Text Amendment.

There are no anticipated policy impacts affiliated with the proposed Zoning Code Text Amendment.

There has not been a previous City Council decition on this ordinance.

The City Council may adopt, modify, or deny the proposed amendment.

The purpose of the proposed amendment is to address community concerns about the total amount of Class 3 Lighting that can be permitted on large acre parcels.  The Zoning Code classifies all outdoor lighting in one of three categories to which each has its own specific allowances. 

Class 1 Lighting is lighting used for applications where color rendition is required to preserve the effectiveness of an activity. All Class 1 Lighting shall have a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 2,700 Kelvin (K), or less. Recognized Class 1 Lighting applications include only the following examples:

• Outdoor sales areas, including service station canopies;
• Primary customer building entry/exit areas of commercial and industrial uses (does not include service or emergency entry/exits);
• Outdoor eating areas at restaurants;
• Outdoor assembly or repair areas where assembly or repair work occurs at night as part of the normal business operations;
• Outdoor recreational field/track/arena areas; and
• External and internal lighting for signs.

Class 2 Lighting is lighting used for applications where general illumination for safety or security is the primary concern. Narrow-Spectrum Amber LEDs are required in all Class 2 Lighting applications. Examples of Class 2 Lighting applications include the following:

• Pedestrian walkways, driveways, and roadways;
• Parking lots;
• Equipment yards; and
• Outdoor security.

Class 3 Lighting is outdoor lighting used for decorative purposes. All light sources may be used for Class 3 Lighting including technologies that allow for the color of the light to change so long as the colors change less than every two minutes. Examples of Class 3 Lighting applications include the following:

• Architectural illumination;
• Flag and monument lighting; and
•  Landscape lighting and the illumination of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation.

The proposed amendment includes the following modifications:

• Amend Chapter 10-50: Supplemental to Zones, Division 10-50.70: Outdoor Lighting, Section 10-50.70.050: General Requirements – All Lighting Zones to relocate language regarding Total Outdoor Light Output and move Flag and Monument lighting from Class 3 to Class 1.
• Amend Section 10-50.70.050.B: Total Outdoor Light Output and associated Table 10-50.70.050.B: Maximum Total Outdoor Light Output Standards to clarify what is included in Total Outdoor Light Output and add new standards for Class 3 lighting (architectural or decorative lighting). The substantive addition is as follows:

• Amend Table 10-50.70.050.C: Shielding Standards to correct residential development requirements and clarify that unshielded fixtures are not permitted.
• Amend Chapter 10-80: Definitions, Division 10-80.20, Section 10-80.20.060 (“F”) to clarify the definition of “Fixture, Partially Shielded.”
• Update Title 10 Flagstaff Zoning Code Appendices by deleting outdated materials (Appendix 1.1, 1.2, 1.3; Appendix 2; Appendix 4), and renumbering remaining appendices as appropriate.

A Zoning Code Text Amendment shall be evaluated based on the following findings:
A.    Finding #1: The proposed amendment is consistent with and conforms to the objectives and policies of the General Plan and any applicable specific plan.
There are no Core Priority goals and policies that apply to this amendment.
The following Complementary Priority from Natural and Cultural Resources supports the proposed amendment.
Natural Resource Stewardship Goal (RS): The Region stewards its natural resources using scientific, social, economic, and cultural best practices.

• Policy RS.1: Preserve dark skies as a natural resource that supports ecosystem health and brings scientific and economic benefits to the Region.

B.    Finding #2: The proposed amendment will not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City.
The amendment provisions are not anticipated to be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City.  The proposed amendment is intended to set specific standards for outdoor lighting that is decorative in nature.

C.    Finding #3: The proposed amendment is internally consistent with other applicable provisions of this Zoning Code.
The amendments are internally consistent, utilize the existing format, and do not conflict with other Zoning Code provisions. The amendments maintain the Zoning Code’s purpose as a comprehensive contemporary set of land uses and requirements that are straightforward, usable, and easily understood.

Achieve a wel-maintained community thrugh comprehensive & equitable code compliance, & development is compatible with community values.

See Background and History seciton of this report.

This amendment has no connection to the Carbon Neutrality Plan.

This amendment has no connection to the 10-Year Housing Plan.