1b. City Code Amendment - LED Lights
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning & .
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax: 952.227.1110
Web Site
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
1-b
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Planning Commission
FROM:
Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Senior Planner
O~,
DA TE:
June 16,2009
SUBJ:
City Code Amendmentsto Chapter 20 to allow
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Lights
BACKGROUND
On April 7, 2009, staff presented an issue paper to the Planning Commission
addressing Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Lights. This issue was subsequently
reviewed by the City Council on May 26, 2009 (see attachment #1). Staff
explained that there have been developers requesting LED lights. The technology
is moving toward LED. City code allows high-pressure sodium (HPS) light
fixtures only. The city code needs to be updated to accommodate this technology.
The use of LED lights should be added to the type of light permitted in the City.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS (All new language is in bold.)
Sec. 20-913 Lighting
(c) Lighting fixtures on poles shall comply with the following:
(1) All fixtures must be shielded, high pressure sodium or Light-Emitting
Diode (LED) with a total cutoff angle equal to or less than 90 degrees.
RECOMMENDA TION
Staff recommends the Planning Commission recommend approval of the attached
ordinance amending Chapter 20.
ATTACHMENTS
1. City Council Work Session Memo dated May 26,2009.
2. Proposed Ordinance Amendment.
3. Notice of Public Hearing.
g:\plan\city code\2009 code amendments\led lights\cover memo pc.doc
Chanhassen is a Community for life - Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: %2.227.11 00
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax: 952.227.1110
Web Site
ww#.ci .chanhassen. mn. us
MEMORANDUM
TO: Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
FROM: Sharmeen AI-Jaff, Senior Planner
DATE: May 26, 2009
SUBJ:
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Lights
ISSUE
Staff was contacted by a developer requesting installation of Light-Emitting
Diode (LED) lights. Staff explained that current city ordinances allow only High-
Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights. Staff researched the difference between LED and
HPS and presented the findings to the Planning Commission. The consensus was
that the yellow hue from HPS is preferred over the white LED.
BACKGROUND
The City Code allows high-pressure sodium (HPS) light fixtures only (Sec. 20-
913). This requirement applies to public and private developments. The code
also requires that if a development changes more than 50% of its existing non-
conforming light fixtures, then the new fixtures must meet all standards specified
in the code including the high-pressure sodium.
Chanhassen is a Community for life. Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
LED Lights
May 26, 2009
Page 2 of 5
A large number of the city street lights are owned and maintained by Xcel Energy and Minnesota
Valley Electric Company (MVEC). Currently Xcel Energy and MVEC offer HPS only. This
discussion will focus on privately owned lights rather than street lights owned by Xcel Energy.
EXISTING SITES WITH LED LIGHTS
Staff recommends the City Council visit one or more of the following sites to be more
acquainted with LED light fixtures:
. Chan View in Chanhassen (south of the Chanhassen Fire Station) located at 7610 Laredo
Drive, Chanhassen, MN 55317
. Eden Prairie City Hall parking lot located at 8080 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
55344
. 1-35W Mississippi River Bridge, Minneapolis
. Cub Foods - Phalen Neighborhood, 1177 Clarence Street, St. Paul, MN 55106
ANALYSES
One of the more promising and emerging technologies in lighting is LED. It consumes
approximately 50% less energy than HPS making it more energy efficient. The lifetime of LED
is between 10 to 15 years, while HPS lasts 3 to 5 years, requiring more frequent maintenance.
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
LED Lights
May 26, 2009
Page 3 of 5
Municipalities are investigating the option of switching light fixtures from HPS to LED and they
all want answers to the following questions: "Is this a good light? Is it as bright? Do we get the
same coverage?" As with any such transition, there are advantages and disadvantages.
- Compact Fluorescem
High Intensity Discharge
'1000
The cost
associated with
retrofitting
existing
fixtures is still
high; however,
it is falling
rapidly.
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Figlln: 2-1: Hi~toricul und Predicted EITkacy of Light SOllrcc~
Source; Lumilclls.
2010
2015
Year
Some of the LED products
available today are marketed
as "energy-efficient," but
actually have lower light
output (illumination)
compared to typical light
sources. The current efficacy
of an LED light continues to
grow. It is anticipated that it
will surpass existing
technologies.
2020
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
LED Lights
May 26, 2009
Page 4 of5
As LED technology advances, costs decrease, and efficiency improves, LEDs will become more
competitive in the market place.
The following chart shows how the light output of LED has increased twentyfold each decade
for the last 40 years, while the cost has decreased tenfold each decade over that same time
period. The figure also shows predictions for price and light output over the next two decades.
10000 ... Red $ILumen ... White $/Lumen
. Red Flux . White Flux
1000 -Expon. (Red Flux) -Expon. (Red S/Lumen)
(jj'" +20x IncreaselDecade..
c ..
Ql 0
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1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Year
Figure 2-4: Haitz's Law: LED Light Output Increasing I Cost Decreasing
Source: Roland Haitz and Lumileds.
:'\otc: Both lincs arc onthc samc numclical scale (with dilrlTcnt units)
The one remaining issue deals with the placement of LED lights next to HPS light fixtures. The
output of these lights is visually and esthetically different. LED provides a soft, even, and white
light while HPS is a focused, golden light.
PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the above-mentioned facts, staff believes that LED lighting should become the leading
method of illumination. The City must consider how to facilitate the transition process from
HPS to LED. The following are options to consider:
1. Do nothing: Eventually, the city will react to the changing technology.
2. Allow a mix of LED and HPS fixtures: It will provide the most flexibility; however, it will
lead to a mix of lighting.
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
LED Lights
May 26, 2009
Page 5 of5
3. Allow developers the choice of either LED or HPS fixtures: Provides flexibility. Since the
cost ofHPS in the short term is less than LED, developers may opt to install HPS.
4. Require all new developments to provide LED lights: There is a higher short-term cost;
however, the continuing maintenance and overhead cost will be less.
5. Replace existing light fixtures as HPS fixtures need replacing: will require a long-term
commitment on the city's part.
g:\plan\issue paper\led-cc.doc
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 20
CHANHASSEN CITY CODE,
ZONING
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA ORDAINS:
Section 1. Section 20-913 Lighting of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is
hereby amended to read as follows:
(c) Lighting fixtures on poles shall comply with the following:
(1) All fixtures must be shielded, high pressure sodium or Light-Emitting Diode
(LED) with a total cutoff angle equal to or less than 90 degrees.
Section 2. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and
publication.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this _ day of ,2009, by the City Council of
the City of Chanhassen, Minnesota
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager Thomas A. Furlong, Mayor
(Published in the Chanhassen Villager on )
1
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER & HENNEPIN COUNTIES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Chanhassen Planning Commission will hold a
public hearing on Tuesday, June 16,2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in Chanhassen
City Hall, 7700 Market Blvd. The purpose of this hearing is to consider a request for
amendments to Chapter 20, Zoning, of the Chanhassen City Code.
The proposed changes are available for public review at City Hall during regular business
hours. All interested persons are invited to attend this public hearing and express their opinions
with respect to this proposal.
Robert Generous, Senior Planner
Email: bgenerous@ci.chanhassen.mn.us
Phone: 952-227-1131
(Publish in the Chanhassen Villager on June 4, 2009)