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City of Providence
City of Providence Zoning Ordinance
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§ 1604

ILLUMINATION STANDARDS

1604 ILLUMINATION STANDARDS

  • A. Any sign illumination, including gooseneck reflectors, external illumination, and internal illumination, shall be designed, located, shielded, and directed to prevent the casting of glare or direct light upon roadways and surrounding properties, or the distraction of motor vehicle operators or pedestrians in the public right-of-way.

  • B. The sign face of internally illuminated signs shall function as a filter to diffuse illumination. The sign face shall cover all internal illumination components so that no exposed bulbs or lighting components are visible.

  • C. All external illumination of a sign shall concentrate the illumination upon the printed area of the sign face.

  • D. The intensity of sign illumination shall meet the requirements for exterior lighting in Section 1301. For electronic message signs, the maximum brightness is limited to 5,000 nits during daylight hours, and 500 nits between dusk to dawn. The sign shall have an automatic dimmer control that produces a distinct illumination change from a higher allowed illumination level to a lower allowed level for the time period between one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise.

  • E. No sign illumination may be combined with reflective materials, such as mirrors, polished metal, or highly-glazed tiles, which would increase glare.

  • F. The use of neon, LED lighting, or exposed bulbs that are designed as an integral part of the sign are permitted as a sign material or sign accent only in the non-residential districts. When lit, lighting shall be continuously illuminated. Flashing neon, flashing LED lighting, or flashing exposed bulbs are prohibited. Neon, LED lighting, or exposed bulbs to outline doors and windows are prohibited.

  • G. In the D-1 District and ES Overlay District, signs may be externally illuminated. Internally illuminated signs in the D-1 District and ES Overlay District are prohibited with the exception of the following types:

  • 1. Reverse channel. A method of illumination that casts a shadow of lettering or a logo on the face to which it is mounted.

  • 2. Stencil or channel-cut. A method of illumination that lights lettering or a logo and does not light the remaining face of the sign.

  • 3. Halo. A method of illumination that produces a halo of light surrounding lettering or a logo without illuminating the surface to which it is mounted.