YAVAPAI COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING ORDINANCE Page 146 A. INTRODUCTION: 1. Incorporation By Reference: A.R.S., Title 49, Chapter 7, Light Pollution, §49-1101 et seq., is hereby incorporated by reference. 2. Mission Statement: To afford every citizen of Yavapai County the flexibility to engage in the pursuit of safe, effective lighting practices for the purpose of commerce and private use without being impeded upon or impeding upon other citizens desiring a more pristine nighttime environment free from light pollution, waste, trespass, or clutter while providing nighttime safety, security and productivity. 3. Purpose and Intent: a. The use of outdoor lighting is often necessary for adequate nighttime safety and utility, but common lighting practices can also interfere with other legitimate public concerns. Principle among these concerns are: (1) the degradation of the nighttime visual environment by production of unsightly and dangerous glare, (2) unnecessary waste of energy and resources in the production of too much light or wasted light, (3) interference in the use or enjoyment of property which is not intended to be illuminated at night, (4) the loss of the often-neglected scenic view of the heavens due to increased urban skyglow and (5) lighting practices that interfere with the health and safety of Yavapai County citizens and visitors. It is hereby recognized that these different interests of safety, utility and those of aesthetic appearance need not compete. Good modern lighting practices can provide adequate light for safety and utility without excessive glare or light pollution. Careful attention to questions of when and where and how much nighttime lighting is needed will lead to better lighting practice from all viewpoints. b. It is also recognized that the topography and atmospheric conditions in northern Arizona are uniquely suited for government, military, commercial, and private astronomical observation and that unnecessary or excessive uses of outdoor nighttime lighting have an adverse impact on astronomical research and observation, even at relatively distant observatories. c. Accordingly, it is the intent of this Section of the Planning and Zoning Ordinance to encourage lighting practices and systems which will minimize light pollution, glare, light trespass, and conserve energy while maintaining nighttime safety, utility, security and productivity. 4. Conflicting Regulations: In the event of conflict between the regulations set forth in this Section of the Ordinance and any other regulations applicable to the same area, the more stringent limitation or requirement shall govern. SECTION 603 LIGHT POLLUTION CONTROL