ACC RULE OF THE MONTHExterior Lighting

By: Linda Callahan, Architectural Control Department Manager

The primary intent of rules for exterior lighting in the TKPOA is to: a) Protect property owners from annoyance and obtrusive glare; b) enhance safety, security, and usability of the properties; c) provide for installation and maintenance of subtle, low-intensity lighting, which enhances landscaping and d) all outdoor lighting shall be designed, located, installed, directed downward or toward structures, fully shielded, and maintained in order to prevent glare, light trespass, and light pollution and away from adjoining properties and public rights of way, so that no light fixture directly illuminates an area outside of the property lines.

14.01 All exterior lighting, including security lighting, requires the approval of the ACC before installation.

14.02 Floodlighting: is allowed for intermittent use only (30 minutes or less). Floodlights must be aimed, screened, shielded, or constructed so filaments are not visible from adjacent lots or common areas. Floodlights must not be positioned (aimed) to reflect off water surfaces. All floodlights must be extinguished after 10:00 p.m.

14.03 Accent decorative and landscape lighting should be soft, low intensity and not offensive to neighbors or to traffic.

14.04 Dock, Ramp and Over water Platform (OWP) lighting must be low intensity and must be positioned to not create reflective glare or be offensive. Light fixtures may be placed on dock and OWP corners. Lights on top of dock piling must be low intensity.

14.04a Light bulb colors are limited to warm white and pale blue.

14.05 Solar lights must be low voltage, low intensity and may be used to enhance landscaping and identify pathways and other features. Must be positioned as to not create reflective glare or be offensive.

14.06 Security lights programmed to stay on continuously throughout the night are prohibited. Security lights must be aimed, screened, shielded, or constructed so filaments are not visible from adjacent lots or common areas. Lighting controlled by motion detectors must be limited to a maximum of five (5) minutes per cycle.

14.06a Soffit lights: Generally used to illuminate building sidewalls, entryways and exits. Soffit lights are recessed pointing downward from the underside of an architectural structure such as an arch, a balcony, or overhanging eaves. They may not be less than 8 feet apart. The depth of the recess must be sufficient to conceal the lighting filaments so as not to project light directly to neighboring properties or the street.

14.07 Front Porch Lights: May stay on all night, but must be screened, shaded, or aimed downward to not annoy or disturb neighbors.

14.07a Illuminated Street Addresses: Usually positioned on or near the front porch/entry. Only required on new construction of the primary residences. May stay on all night. May be added to existing residence structures. Street addresses may be illuminated from low intensity, front porch lights, or independently by low intensity lights.

14.08 Rear Property Lights: Can include temporary use of floodlights (see floodlighting 14.02) and temporary use yard lights that facilitate use of the property (outdoor parties, games, etc.). Rear Property Lights must be aimed downward, screened, shielded, or constructed so filaments are not visible from adjacent lots or common areas, and must not be positioned (aimed) to reflect off water surfaces.