Nashville, TN
Nashville’s New Lighting Ordinance Affecting Commercial and Residential Exterior Lighting
WHO
This new ordinance, recently signed into law by Mayor Cooper on 4/7/2021 and in effect by Metro Council on 4/9/2021, affects Metro Nashville and Davidson County.
WHAT
The Dark Sky ordinance amends Titles 16 and 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws regarding the design and operation of outdoor electrical lighting to achieve light pollution reduction consistent with International Dark Skies Association guidelines (Proposal No. 2020Z-014TX-001). We have supplied a full ordinance link through our website below.
PURPOSE OF ORDINANCE
To reduce light pollution and light trespass within Metro Nashville and Davidson County.
HOW THIS COULD AFFECT YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS
1) There are now new standards for light intensity and light uniformity.
2) This ordinance restricts the use of specific luminaire types and could affect how you illuminate facades, statues and
other architectural structures, trees and landscapes, architectural features, etc. It will also affect how you utilize
in-grade lighting or up-lighting since the ordinance prohibits aiming floodlights above a 90 degree angle.
3) There are restrictions on the correlated color temperature (CCT) of exterior luminaires.
4) PENALTIES: Non-compliance penalties range from $500 - $1,500 per day.
PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS/DOCUMENTATION TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF CODES ADMINISTRATION INCLUDE:
1) Plan submissions that include all new and existing luminaire locations.
2) ISO footcandle plots for the overall site.
3) Summary table identifying maximum and minimum light levels.
4) Description of each luminaire, new and existing
HOW DHS LIGHTING DESIGN CAN HELP
Section E.1.c. of the ordinance allows the applicant to use an alternate method. The “Performance Method” of the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) model legislation, of which DHS Lighting Design is a member, allows for additional flexibility in the lighting design when using a qualified lighting design professional.
To see the ordinance in its entirety, click here.
Please call us at 615.495.9401 if you need clarification of the new ordinance or need additional assistance with your projects.
Danny Streit, IALD, IES, LC is Design Principal of DHS Lighting Design in Nashville, TN, and has over 20 years’ experience in architectural lighting design and lighting control systems. He has successfully completed over 1300 designs in his career and has a history of providing innovative, functional, and sustainable lighting solutions for any design application. danny.streit@dhslightingdesign.com
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