06.m UDC Amendment for Exterior Lighting Standards - CC Packet
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Date of Meeting: December 16, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: T.J. Hofer, Consultant City Planner
Re: UDC Amendment for Exterior Lighting Standards
City staff have prepared an ordinance amendment to enhance standards for exterior lighting in
the AP, AG-C, RR-G, RR-N, and V-N Zoning Districts.
The staff report to the Planning Commission from the December 2, 2025, meeting is attached
and includes the background of the amendment as well as the draft language and staff analysis.
ANALYSIS
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission heard the ordinance amendment at the December 2, 2025, meeting.
The Commission held a public hearing at the December meeting, during which two public
comments were received. The first comment requested clarification on the definition of “roof” in
the context of a structure, sought clarification on a portion of the staff report, and noted that cool
light colors differ significantly from warmer lights, making properties appear more commercial.
The second comment stated concerns about various types of lighting use as LED light walls.
The Commission requested further details regarding the background of the complaint and the
issues identified in the Request for Council Action (RCA). The Commission discussed the issue
identified in the RCA at length. The Commission discussed various elements of the amendment
and noted that the change in shielding was reasonable but believed the language that was struck
should remain. The Commission discussed the height requirement and recommended that the
language regarding poles be removed, but that the prohibition of exterior lights on roofs remain.
They also struck proposed language regarding lighting architectural features.
The Commission discussed the purpose and need for the amendment at length as well.
Commissioner Cullen specifically noted that the existing code had tools to address the issue and
that the proposed amendment could create additional problems. Cullen asked the Commission to
consider whether the UDC already contains the necessary tools to address the issue, and if not,
whether the amendment would provide staff with those tools.
Staff also noted a concern with an existing standard related to bare bulbs. The lights referenced
in the RCA are disc lights with directly visible bulbs, and many properties utilize flood lights or
motion-activated lights which are commonly bare bulbs. The Commission noted an issue with
the existing standards and current practices but did not recommend an amendment to the
proposed ordinance. Staff noted that this standard is rarely enforced and likely does not need to
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be addressed, although there are many violations of the existing standard in the city that are not
acted upon.
The Commission was asked to consider including language recommending a color of light be
included in the code. Staff noted it could be appropriate to include the language, but ultimately a
recommendation within the UDC has no enforceability and therefore little use.
The Commission also discussed regulations for lights poles and the number and height of lights
on structures but ultimately did not make recommendations for standards.
The Planning Commission moved to recommend approval of the amendment. The motion was
approved with a vote of 4-1 (Cullen nay). Commissioner Cullen noted concerns that the
proposed amendment potentially created problems for activity done on a regular basis by many
residents.
Staff Analysis
Staff believe the additional standards proposed in the
ordinance amendment, as amended by the Planning
Commission, will provide the City with tools to limit
exterior lighting on structures in the AP, AG-C, RR-
G, RR-N, and V-N zoning districts so as not to create
nuisance.
Staff noted during the Planning Commission meeting
that the language for shielding uses industry terms
that may be confusing. Staff has prepared the adjacent
graphic to include within the code for reference.
COUNCIL ACTION
The City Council can do one of the following:
1. Approve, with or without conditions, of the attached ordinance and resolutions.
2. Deny, with findings, of the attached ordinance and resolutions.
3. Table the request for further review/study.
RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Commission recommends approval of the attached Ordinance 2025-16 regarding
exterior lighting standards.
Staff recommends approval of the attached Resolution 12-16-25-06 and 12-16-25-07 which
approve a finding of facts for Ordinance 2025-19 and provide for summary publication of
Ordinance 2025-19, respectively.
Motion to approve the attached Ordinance 2025-19 to amend Section 153.400.030
regarding exterior lighting standards, as well as Resolution 12-16-25-06, approving
findings of facts, and Resolution 12-16-25-07, providing for summary publication, with
the findings and conditions described within the staff report.
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Attachments
A. Ordinance 2025-19 Amendment Regarding Exterior Lighting Standards
B. Resolution 12-16-25-06 Approving Findings of Facts for Ordinance 2025-19
C. Resolution 12-16-25-07 Approving Summary Publication for Ordinance 2025-19
D. Planning Commission “UDC Amendment for Exterior Lighting Standards” Packet,
December 2, 2025
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CITY OF SCANDIA
ORDINANCE NO.: 2025-19
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCANDIA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
153.400.030 REGARDING EXTERIOR LIGHTING STANDARDS
The City Council of the City of Scandia, Washington County, Minnesota hereby ordains:
Section 1 Amendment. The City of Scandia Unified Development Code (“Development Code,”
or “Code”), Chapter 153.400.030 Site and Building Design Subd. 4 (D) Performance
Standards, shall be amended by adding the underlined text and deleting the stricken text
as follows:
II. In the AP, AG-C, RR-G, RR-N, and V-N Zoning Districts, any lighting used to
illuminate an off-street parking area, structure, or area must be arranged as to
deflect light away from any adjoining residential property or from the public street.
a. Shielding. The light source must be hooded or controlled so as not to light
adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity as defined throughout
this Section. The luminaire must contain a cutoff that directs and cuts off the
light at an angle of 90 degrees or less. Bare light bulbs are not permitted in
view of adjacent property or public right of way.
b. Intensity. No light source or combination thereof which casts light on a public
street may exceed 1 foot candle meter reading as measured from the centerline
of said street nor shall any light source or combination thereof which casts
light on adjacent property exceed 0.4 foot candles as measured at the property
line.
c. Height. A light source mounted on a building shall not exceed the height of
the building.
Section 2 Planning Commission. The Planning Commission discussed the proposed ordinance
at their December 2, 2025, meeting and held a public hearing on the amendment. Two
comments were made at the public hearing. The Planning Commission voted to
recommend approval of the ordinance, with amendments.
Page 2 of 2
Section 3 Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its adoption. Passed
and adopted by the City Council of the City of Scandia this 16th day of December 2025.
Steve Kronmiller, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kyle Morell, City Administrator
CITY OF SCANDIA, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 12-16-25-06
APPROVING FINDINGS OF FACT FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
SCANDIA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE 153.400.030 REGARDING EXTERIOR
LIGHTING STANDARDS
WHEREAS, the City of Scandia adopted the Unified Development Code (UDC) on
September 20, 2022, to replace the previous zoning and subdivision codes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the city’s standards regarding exterior or outdoor
lighting are established to regulate the character of the City consistent with the character and
development patterns of the community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council established Section 153.400.030 Subd. 4 in the Unified
Development Code to establish standards for exterior lighting; and
WHEREAS, the City of Scandia has proposed to amend Section 153.400.030 Subd. 4
regarding exterior lighting; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed a draft of Ordinance 2025-19, regarding
exterior lighting standards, and held a public hearing on December 2, 2025, and recommended
approval of the ordinance, with amendments; and
WHEREAS, the City Council reviewed Ordinance 2025-19, regarding exterior lighting
standards on December 16, 2025; and,
WHEREAS, the City took public input on Ordinance 2025-19, regarding exterior lighting
standards, on December 2, 2025, at duly called public hearings; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted an Ordinance 2025-19 amending the Unified
Development Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SCANDIA, WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA, that it should and hereby does
support the request for an amendment to the Unified Development Code Section 153.400.030
Subd. 4 Lighting, regarding exterior lighting standards.
Whereupon, said Resolution is hereby declared adopted on this 16th day of December 2025.
Steve Kronmiller, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kyle Morell, City Administrator
CITY OF SCANDIA
RESOLUTION NO. 12-16-25-07
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SCANDIA, WASHINGTON COUNTY,
MINNESOTA, PROVIDING FOR THE SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE
NO. 2025-19, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCANDIA UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT CODE 153.400.030 REGARDING EXTERIOR LIGHTING
STANDARDS
WHEREAS, On December 16, 2025, at a meeting of the Scandia City Council, by majority
vote, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2025-19 which amends the Scandia Unified
Development Code, regarding exterior lighting standards; and
WHEREAS, State law requires that all ordinances adopted be published prior to becoming
effective; and
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Scandia has determined that publication of the
title and a summary of Ordinance No. 2025-19 would clearly inform the public of the intent and effect
of the Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Scandia has reviewed the summary of
Ordinance No. 2025-19 attached and incorporated herein as Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Scandia has determined that the text of the
summary clearly informs the public of the intent and effect of Ordinance No. 2025-19.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council for the City of Scandia hereby:
1. Approves the text of the summary of Ordinance No. 2025-19 attached as Exhibit A.
2. Directs the City Clerk to post a copy of the entire text of Ordinance No. 2025-19 in
all public locations designated by the City Council.
3. Directs the City Clerk to publish the summary in the City’s legal newspaper within
ten days.
4. Directs the City Clerk to file the executed Ordinance upon the books and records of
the City along with proof of publication.
Whereupon, said Resolution is hereby declared adopted on this 16th day of December 2025.
Steve Kronmiller, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kyle Morell, City Administrator
Exhibit A
Ordinance Summary
SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2025-16, AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE SCANDIA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE 153.400.030
REGARDING EXTERIOR LIGHTING STANDARDS
On December 16, 2025, at a meeting of the Scandia City Council, by majority vote, the City Council
adopted Ordinance No. 2025-19 which amends the Scandia unified Development Code, regarding
exterior lighting standards by:
• Adding a standard that requires 90 degree cutoff for exterior lighting in the AP, AG-C, RR-
G, RR-N, and V-N zoning districts.
• Prohibiting lighting sources mounted on a building that exceeds the height of the building in
the AP, AG-C, RR-G, RR-N, and V-N zoning districts.
A printed copy of the Ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours
at City Hall or by standard or electronic mail.
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Date of Meeting: December 2, 2025
To: Chair Loeffler and Members of the Planning Commission
From: T.J. Hofer, Consultant City Planner
Re: UDC Amendment for Exterior Lighting Standards
City staff have prepared an ordinance amendment to increase standards for exterior lighting in
the AP, AG-C, RR-G, RR-N, and V-N Zoning Districts.
BACKGROUND
At the October 20, 2025, City Council meeting, a Request for Council Action (RCA) was heard
regarding exterior lighting on a recently constructed single-family dwelling located on 182nd
Street North. The Council discussed the photographs included in the RCA and agreed that the
conditions in the photographs were inconsistent with the desire of the Council. The Council
discussed the existing standards for exterior lighting. Staff noted that the standards could be
amended to address what appeared to be the issues shown in the photographs in the RCA. The
Council directed staff to prepare an amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) to
increase the standards for exterior lighting.
Prior to the October Council meeting, city staff were aware of the issue and had notified the
applicant of the building permit that action must be taken. After the Council meeting staff met
with the applicant on site and verified that the lights had been reduced in intensity. Staff have
received further complaints regarding the lighting and are continuing to investigate the issue.
Two standards exist in the UDC for exterior lighting in the zoning districts that are largely
agricultural and residential that address shielding and intensity. In the violation shown in the
RCA, the intensity of the lighting was early inconsistent with the standards in the code. The
shield of the lights, however, did not appear to be in violation of the code as a specific cutoff was
not required for the lights and they were installed on an angled surface, leading to additional
light being cast away from the structure. Staff identified this as a potential issue during the
October Council meeting.
OVERVIEW OF DRAFT ORDINANCE
Staff have drafted the attached amendment to amend the existing standards to increase standards
for exterior lighting located in AP, AG-C, RR-G, RR-N, and V-N zoning districts. The following
ordinance language shows removed text as red strikethrough and added text as red underline.
II. In the AP, AG-C, RR-G, RR-N, and V-N Zoning Districts, any lighting used to
illuminate an off-street parking area, structure, or area must be arranged as to
deflect light away from any adjoining residential property or from the public street.
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a. Shielding. The light source must be hooded or controlled so as not to light
adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity as defined throughout
this Section. The luminaire must contain a cutoff that directs and cuts off the
light at an angle of 90 degrees or less. Bare light bulbs are not permitted in
view of adjacent property or public right of way.
Staff propose an amendment to the standards for the AP, AG-C, RR-G, RR-N, and V-N zoning
districts to mirror the language of the standards for the V-C, V-HC, R-C, and I-P zoning districts.
Requiring a 90 degree or less cutoff means that lights cannot cast light upwards. In the issue
presented in the RCA from the October City Council meeting, the lights causing issues were
lights installed in the soffits of an angled roof on a two story building. These lights cast light at
an upward angle because they were not installed perpendicular with the ground. With the above
language a soffit light would be require to be installed perpendicular to the ground and the spread
of light from the fixture would be reduced and not directed upwards.
b. Intensity. No light source or combination thereof which casts light on a public
street may exceed 1 foot candle meter reading as measured from the centerline
of said street nor shall any light source or combination thereof which casts
light on adjacent property exceed 0.4 foot candles as measured at the property
line.
c. Height. The maximum height above the ground grade permitted for light
sources mounted on a pole is 18 feet. A light source mounted on a building
shall not exceed the height of the building and no light sources shall be
located on the roof unless said light enhances the architectural features of the
building and is approved by the Zoning Administrator.
Staff have included a modified standard related to height found in the standards for V-C, V-HC,
R-C, and I-P zoning districts. No height standards previously existed for the height of lights in
the AP, AG-C, RR-G, RR-N, and V-N zoning districts. While lights placed on poles are
uncommon in these zoning districts, they are still utilized on larger lots. Staff modified this
standard to remove the allowance to exceed 18 ft. with a conditional use permit that is allowed in
the V-C, V-HC, R-C, and I-P zoning districts.
ANALYSIS
Staff Analysis
Staff believe the additional standards proposed in the ordinance amendment will provide the City
with tools to limit exterior lighting on structures in the AP, AG-C, RR-G, RR-N, and V-N zoning
districts. During the October City Council meeting there were two other aspects of a possible
amendment that were discussed: photometric plans and color of lighting.
Staff stated during the October Council meeting that requiring a photometric plan was extremely
uncommon with single-family residential projects and that requiring a photometric plan was a
disproportionate response to the issue. While this means that issues related to exterior lighting
are dealt with exclusively in a reactionary instead of preventative way, staff are able to require
photometric plans when needed. Staff does not recommend requiring a photometric plan with
single-family residential projects.
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During the meeting, there was discussion between colors of lighting and how the color of light
impacts preferences around how exterior lighting looks. Generally, cooler temperatures of light
tend to look brighter than warmer temperatures of lights. This has been amplified by the
increasing presence of LED bulbs, which are generally capable of creating higher intensity
lighting. Staff reviewed seven municipalities in the area (Forest Lake, Chisago City, Stillwater,
White Bear Lake, Hugo, Mahtomedi, and Lino Lakes) and found that none of them regulate
lighting color. Aside from the uncommon nature of regulating exterior lighting color, staff notes
that the enforcement of such a standard is nearly impossible. Adopting a standard that limits
exterior lighting to a warmer color thereby changes every cool colored light in the city to a
nonconformity. Additionally, any bulb that is changed has an opportunity for a nonconformity to
be continued or created. Enforcement of a standard that regulates exterior lighting color would
be extremely time-consuming in terms of staff hours and resources. Staff does not recommend an
amendment to the UDC that regulates exterior lighting color.
Other Standards
Staff discussed two additional standards that the Planning Commission may wish to discuss,
height limits for lights on structures and farm light poles.
If a standard is adopted for the AP, AG-C, RR-G, RR-N, and V-N zoning districts for light pole
height, the Planning Commission may also want to discuss height limitations on exterior lighting
located on structures in these zoning districts. If the Planning Commission did desire these, it
may be relevant to limit the height based on stories of the building rather than a numerical value.
Story is defined in the UDC and is usable in this context. Also, the Planning Commission may
wish to discuss specific language that limits this kind of standard to only new light fixtures or
new construction. This kind of standard would create a large number of nonconformities that will
be very difficult to enforce. Including language such as “any new exterior lighting fixtures” or
“any new structure,” along with a referenced date, can create an allowance for what already
exists within the city. If this exception is used staff will not be able to address the
nonconformities created with the standard.
Staff have recommended the addition standard regarding light poles to be consistent with the
other zoning districts, however, lights located on utility poles on agricultural and rural lots
installed by power companies are common and may exceed this limit. An exception could be
included to except lights on utility poles from this standard.
COMMISSION ACTION
The Planning Commission can do one of the following:
1. Recommend approval, with or without conditions, of the attached resolution.
2. Recommend denial, with findings, of the attached resolution.
3. Table the request for further review/study.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission open a public hearing and receive any and all
comments from the public.
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Staff recommend the Planning Commission recommend approval of the ordinance amendment
regarding exterior lighting standards, with any amendments deemed necessary:
Motion to recommend the City Council approval of the attached ordinance to amend
153.400.030 of the Unified Development Code regarding exterior lighting standards, with
the findings and conditions described within the staff report.
Attachments
A. Draft Ordinance 2025-XX Amendment Regarding Exterior Lighting Standards
B. Zoning Map
C. “Citizen Request for Action - Sam Divita - Exterior Lighting for Residential Houses,”
October 21, 2025, Agenda Item, City of Scandia City Council
D. Unified Development Code 153.400.030 Site and Building Design Subd. 4 Lighting
Added Text – Red Underline
Removed Text – Red Strikethrough
Page 1 of 2
CITY OF SCANDIA
ORDINANCE NO.: 2025-XX
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCANDIA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
153.400.030 REGARDING EXTERIOR LIGHTING STANDARDS
The City Council of the City of Scandia, Washington County, Minnesota hereby ordains:
Section 1 Amendment. The City of Scandia Unified Development Code (“Development Code,”
or “Code”), Chapter 153.400.030 Site and Building Design Subd. 4 (D) Performance
Standards, shall be amended by adding the underlined text and deleting the stricken text
as follows:
II. In the AP, AG-C, RR-G, RR-N, and V-N Zoning Districts, any lighting used to
illuminate an off-street parking area, structure, or area must be arranged as to
deflect light away from any adjoining residential property or from the public street.
a. Shielding. The light source must be hooded or controlled so as not to light
adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity as defined throughout
this Section. The luminaire must contain a cutoff that directs and cuts off the
light at an angle of 90 degrees or less. Bare light bulbs are not permitted in
view of adjacent property or public right of way.
b. Intensity. No light source or combination thereof which casts light on a public
street may exceed 1 foot candle meter reading as measured from the centerline
of said street nor shall any light source or combination thereof which casts
light on adjacent property exceed 0.4 foot candles as measured at the property
line.
c. Height. The maximum height above the ground grade permitted for light
sources mounted on a pole is 18 feet. A light source mounted on a building
shall not exceed the height of the building and no light sources shall be
located on the roof unless said light enhances the architectural features of the
building and is approved by the Zoning Administrator.
Section 2 Planning Commission. The Planning Commission discussed the proposed ordinance
at their December 2, 2025, meeting and held a public hearing on the amendment. No
comments were made at the public hearing. The Planning Commission voted to
recommend approval of the ordinance, with amendments.
ATTACHMENT A
Added Text – Red Underline
Removed Text – Red Strikethrough
Page 2 of 2
Section 3 Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its adoption. Passed
and adopted by the City Council of the City of Scandia this 16th day of December 2025.
Steve Kronmiller, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kyle Morell, City Administrator
ATTACHMENT B
Citizen Request for Action
Form for the public to request a topic be added to the next Council Work Session agenda.
Name:*
Sam DiVita
Phone *
6512458101
Email *
sdivita13@gmail.com
Simple Description of Request:*
exterior lighting on residential new construction and remodels
Details of request:*
Please see attached letter
Optional Uploads
request for ordinance c
hange related to reside
ntial exterior lighting
1).pdf
390.49KB
ATTACHMENT C
1
Kyle Morell
From:Sam DiVita <sdivita13@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, September 6, 2025 8:03 AM
To:s.kronmiller; Kyle Morell
Subject:Re: Issue in 182nd St N
More photos from the 9 pm hour:
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 5, 2025, at 8:18 PM, Sam DiVita <sdivita13@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello,
I just discovered a very terrible situation with the new construction at Norell and 182nd St. Lights bright enough
to appear as daylight. This cannot happen. Who exactly approved this plan? What exactly will you do to reverse
this? We will not tolerate these lights. I can see the lights from my driveway a half block away. The lights are
lighting neighboring properties. Photos taken at 8 pm. A neighbor will try to get more pics once completely dark.
Sam DiVita
2
3
Sent from my iPhone
City of Scandia, MN
CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC)
SECTION 153.400 DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTER AND BUILDING STANDARDS 153.400
Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 11.18.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-15) page-15
III. Finished Building Material for Principal Structures. Except for agricultural accessory buildings and
buildings covered under Section 153.400.040 Character Area Standards and/or as otherwise
approved by the City Council, exterior building finishes must consist of materials comparable in
grade and quality to the following, unless otherwise provided by this Section:
a. Brick
b. Natural stone
c. Decorative concrete block or professionally designed pre-cast concrete units if the surfaces
have been integrally treated with an applied decorative material or texture, or decorative block
and if incorporated in a building design that is compatible with other development
throughout the district.
d. Wood, vinyl, steel, cement fiberboard or aluminum lap siding provided the surfaces are
finished for exterior use and proven to have exterior durability, such as cedar, redwood, and
cypress.
e. Stucco, cementitious coating.
f. Architectural metal panels for roofing and accents only.
(B) Residential Accessory Structures.
I. Accessory buildings on parcels less than 20.0 acres in size must provide a minimum one-foot
overhang on all sides of the building with finished soffits except when the building is accessory to a
principal residential home constructed with no or minimal overhang in which case the overhang of
the accessory building must match the overhang of the residential building.
II. All accessory buildings on parcels of 4 acres or less, excluding road right-of-way, must resemble, in
style, materials, color, roofline, and siding type, the principal building on the lot, except the following
building types may vary from this standard:
a. Accessory Buildings 120 sq. ft. or less in size (this exception is not applicable to the General
Standards set forth in Section (A)1;
b. Greenhouses;
c. Gazebos and decorative shelters;
d. Historic Buildings
III. Any Residential Accessory Building located on a non-contiguous parcel owned by the same Owner,
must meet the following standards:
a. Must be designed to be consistent and compatible with the Principal Structure. Design must
include a compatible architectural design, and the same or similar material and color palette as
that of the Principal Structure.
Subd. 4. Lighting . The City’s standards regarding exterior or outdoor lighting are established to regulate the
character of the City consistent with the character and development patterns of the community. The following
standards regarding outdoor and exterior lighting apply in all Zoning Districts:
(A) Applicability. The standards in this section apply to Outdoor Lighting of any structure, lot or area.
(B) Exemptions. The standards of this section do not apply to the following:
I. The use of temporary outdoor lighting during customary holiday seasons provided that individual
lamps are 10 watts or less.
II. The use of temporary outdoor lighting used for civic celebrations and promotions.
III. Lighting required and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration or other federal or state
agency.
ATTACHMENT D
City of Scandia, MN
CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC)
SECTION 153.400 DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTER AND BUILDING STANDARDS 153.400
Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 11.18.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-15) page-16
IV. Emergency lighting by police, fire and rescue authorities.
V. Street lighting on City streets and State and County Highways.
(C) Method of Measuring Light Intensity. The foot-candle level of a light source must be taken after dark with
the light meter held 6 inches above the ground with the meter facing the light source. A reading must be
taken with the light source on, then with the light source off. The difference between the two readings will
be identified as the illumination intensity.
(D) Performance Standards.
I. Lighting plans must be reviewed for compatibility with the Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines,
as applicable.
II. In the AP, AG-C, RR-G, RR-N and V-N Zoning Districts, any lighting used to illuminate an off-
street parking area, structure or area must be arranged as to deflect light away from any adjoining
residential property or from the public street.
a. Shielding. The light source must be hooded or controlled so as not to light adjacent property in
excess of the maximum intensity as defined throughout this Section. Bare light bulbs are not
permitted in view of adjacent property or public right of way.
b. Intensity. No light source or combination thereof which casts light on a public street may
exceed 1 foot candle meter reading as measured from the centerline of said street nor shall
any light source or combination thereof which casts light on adjacent property exceed 0.4
foot candles as measured at the property line.
III. In the V-C, V-HC, R-C and I-P Zoning Districts, any lighting used to illuminate an off-street
parking area, structure or area must be arranged as to deflect light away from any adjoining property
or from the public street.
a. Shielding. The luminaire must contain a cutoff that directs and cuts off the light at an angle of
90 degrees or less.
b. Intensity. No light source or combination thereof which casts light on a public street shall
exceed 1 foot candle meter reading as measured from the centerline of said street nor shall
any light source or combination thereof which casts light on adjacent property exceed 0.4
foot candles as measured at the property line.
c. Height. The maximum height above the ground grade permitted for light sources mounted on
a pole is 18 feet except by conditional use permit. A light source mounted on a building shall
not exceed the height of the building and no light sources shall be located on the roof unless
said light enhances the architectural features of the building and is approved by the Zoning
Administrator.
d. Hours. The use of outdoor lighting for parking lots serving commercial and industrial
businesses is restricted according to the following. Outdoor lighting that serves businesses
that do not operate after dark shall be turned off 1 hour after closing except for approved
security lighting. For those businesses that offer services after dark, outdoor lighting may be
utilized during the nighttime hours provided the business is open for service. Once the
business closes, the outdoor lighting shall be turned off 1 hour after closing except for
security lighting.
IV. Outdoor Recreation. Outdoor recreational uses such as, but not limited to baseball fields, football
fields, tennis courts and snow skiing areas have special requirements for nighttime lighting. Due to
these unique circumstances, a conditional use permit is required for all new outdoor lighting fixtures
that do not meet the regulations stated above.
a. No outdoor recreation facility whether public or private may be illuminated after 11:00 PM
unless the lighting fixtures conform to 153.300.030 Subd. 4. (D) II153.300.030Subd. 4(D)IIII,
above.
City of Scandia, MN
CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC)
SECTION 153.400 DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTER AND BUILDING STANDARDS 153.400
Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 11.18.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-15) page-17
b. Off street parking areas for outdoor recreation uses which are illuminated must meet the
requirements stated in 153.300.030 Subd. 4. (D) II.
(E) Prohibitions. The following outdoor light fixtures are prohibited within the City of Scandia:
I. Search lights or sky trackers
II. Flashing, blinking or rotating lights
III. Neon lighting on the exterior of a building
IV. Raceway lighting
V. Exposed fluorescent tubes
VI. Mercury vapor lamps
VII. Laser lights
VIII. Back lit canopies or awnings
(F) Submission of Plans. The applicant for any permit requiring outdoor lighting must submit evidence the
proposed outdoor lighting will comply with this UDC. The submission must contain the following in
addition to other required data for the specific permit:
I. Plans indicating the location on the premises, and the type of illuminating devices, fixtures, lamps,
supports, reflectors and other devices.
II. Description of illuminating devices, fixtures, lamps, supports, reflectors and other devices and the
description may include, but is not limited to, catalog cuts by manufacturers and drawings (including
sections where required);
III. Photometric data, such as that furnished by manufacturers, or similar showing the angle of the
cutoff or light emissions.
153.400.040 CHARACTER AREA STANDARDS
Subd. 1. Purpose and Intent. The City’s Base Zoning Districts are categorized and organized by Character Area
as defined in [Section 153.200.010]. The development patterns and forms throughout the City differ by Character
Area. The standards contained within this Section are intended to support and reinforce the desired physical
development patterns and forms in the City based on the described Character Area.
(A) Applicability. The following Character Area Standards do not apply to single-family detached residences or
the accessory structures that are used by the inhabitants of the principal structure , unless expressly stated in
subsection (B).
(B) Architectural Design Standards. The City’s adopted Design Guidelines are standards which are generally
suggested and encouraged. This Section is established to identify those standards and suggestions from the
Design Guidelines that are required and are defined as the Architectural Design Standards. The following
Architectural Design Standards are organized by Character Area.
I. Character Area: Agricultural Districts (A-P and AG-C). This Character Area is defined by larger
tracts of land that are used for active agricultural, small hobby farms, rural residential and associated
accessory uses and activities. Single-family homes, accessory structures and farmsteads are typically
setback from public rights-of-way and are buffered from adjacent properties and uses with
vegetation and /or natural topography. The following standards are established for any non-
residential use, conditional or interim use that proposes a new structure, expansion, or modification
of an existing structure. The purpose of the following is to reinforce the character of this area as
described herein:
a. Architectural Design. Design of new structures must reference design elements of existing
historic rural buildings if present onside including barns, farmhouses and schoolhouses.