Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Henry A. Sniezek
Department: Environmental Protection Division: Environmental Planning & Comm. Resilience
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution No. 2020-286 Amending the Broward County Administrative Code Ordinance, the title of which is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 25, PART XVIII. “GREEN BUILDING POLICY” OF THE BROWARD COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE TO COMPLY WITH SECTION 39-112 REGARDING OUTDOOR LIGHTING OF THE BROWARD COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE BROWARD COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Why Action is Necessary
A Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish notice of public hearing to consider adoption of the Resolution Amending the Broward County Administrative Code was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners at its meeting of May 5, 2020.
What Action Accomplishes
Amends the Broward County Administrative Code to apply the unincorporated area outdoor lighting standards to facilities owned or operated by Broward County during new construction and major lighting retrofit or replacement projects.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Board's Value of "Encouraging investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices, and environmental protection" and Goal 2: "Proactively lead in the planning, design and construction of projects supporting resilience and climate adaptation, including coordination with other entities to foster resilient design as part of local and regional projects, especially shore protection efforts."
On August 17, 2017, the Climate Change Task Force voted unanimously to recommend the County develop a Night Friendly Lighting Ordinance and recommended that the cities also consider adoption. On April 10, 2018, the Board of County Commissioners directed the County Attorney to draft an amendment to the Broward County Code of Ordinances ("Code") pertaining to outdoor lighting and the issues of light pollution and trespass, including establishing criteria for site design and fixtures.
On January 29, 2019, the Board unanimously passed Ordinance No. 2019-04, establishing outdoor lighting standards applicable for new construction and major lighting retrofit or replacement projects within the unincorporated area.
The proposed amendment to the Broward County Administrative Code would provide that facilities owned or operated by Broward County meet the Outdoor Lighting Standards in Sec. 39-112 of the Code during new construction and major lighting retrofit or replacement projects. This action serves to further implement Broward County Climate Action Plan, Policy 3.6.8 in the Broward County Land Use Plan, and recommendations of the Climate Change Task Force regarding adoption of outdoor lighting standards that reduce energy use, increase public safety, and protect human health and wildlife.
Source of Additional Information
Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Chief Resilience Officer and Director, Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division, 954-519-1464.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
No fiscal impact is anticipated to implement the Outdoor Lighting Code at County facilities and sites. Agencies should pursue compliant options that are cost neutral during the design process for new installations. The Director of the Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division can authorize exemptions to certain design specifications, if necessary.