HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-14-17 Public Comment - H. Foch - UDC Update, Exterior LightingFrom:Tom Rogers
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: UDC - Exterior Lighting comments
Date:Monday, November 13, 2017 6:29:19 PM
Attachments:UDC - Exterior Lighting comments Henri Foch.pdf
From: Henri Foch [mailto:hfoch@intrinsikarchitecture.com]
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2017 1:50 PM
To: Tom Rogers <TRogers@BOZEMAN.NET>
Subject: UDC - Exterior Lighting comments
Hi Tom,
Please find attached comment letter regarding exterior building lighting at front entries. This is an item that we have
been grappling with on projects adjacent to main street and the B-2M district with storefront building placement. It
seems a bit more leniency on illumination at building entries in more urban settings may be warranted. It would also
be good to address the conflict between the referenced UDC sections and the building code.
I appreciate your consideration.
Thanks,
Henri
Henri Foch, AIA, LEED A.P.
intrinsik architecture, inc.
111 north tracy avenue
bozeman, montana 59715
O. 406.582.8988 M. 406.581.1073
www.intrinsikarchitecture.com_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This email is privileged and intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. If this email has been received in error, please notify the sender.
Henri Foch
111 N. Tracy Avenue
Bozeman, MT
59715
November 13, 2017
Tom Rogers
Planning Division
20 E. Olive St.
Bozeman, MT 59771
Dear Mr. Rogers,
Please consider the following comments as they pertain to exterior lighting at building entries in close proximity to
front property lines (“public rights of way”). While both current and proposed UDC sections appear to contain
essentially the same language I will refer to section numbers from the proposed updated UDC.
Comment:
Current and proposed street frontage requirements strongly encourage placement of building walls containing
entries directly on front property lines in certain areas to create a more urban and pedestrian friendly condition.
Covered entries are also encouraged to provide shelter to pedestrians and create more inviting entries. These
requirements are consistent with the existing urban setting of downtown Bozeman.
Section 38.570.020.A states: “With the exception of street lighting, lighting is not required. If installed, all lighting
must comply with the requirements of this section.”
Section 38.570.040.B. Building entrances states: “Illuminance for building entrances (including commercial,
industrial, institutional and municipal) must average 5.0 maintained footcandles.”
Section 38.570.040.G.5. states: “All outdoor lighting must be designed and located such that the maximum
illumination measured in footcandles at the property line must may not exceed 0.3 onto adjacent residential
properties and 1.0 onto adjacent commercial properties and public rights-of-way.”
The 2012 International Building Code requires a minimum of 1.0 footcandles at all building exits.
In designing within these parameters we have discovered that it is very difficult if not impossible to ensure that
adequate lighting is provided at front building entries/exits adjacent to sidewalks while keeping lighting levels
below the maximum levels allowed by Section 38.570.040.G.5.
Suggestion:
Allow a higher level of illumination on public sidewalks (“public rights of way”) where building is placed near the
property line. This will allow for safer and more pedestrian friendly illumination at building fronts/entries.
Consider allowing illumination levels of up to 5 footcandles within an 8’ radius of building entries/exits located
adjacent to sidewalks within the public right of way. This will create a condition similar to that which exists in the
downtown area.
I appreciate your consideration of these comments/suggestions.
Henri Foch,
Intrinsik Architecture, Inc.