The Ideal Preservation Approach
Exterior lights—entry lights, spotlights, and security lights—frequently are incompatible in design, location, and quantity with historic structures. The presence of incompatible exterior lighting can detract from the historic ambience of individual properties and entire historic districts. To preserve the historic character of both landmarks and districts, original historic lighting should be repaired and maintained when possible. The installation of additional lighting should be undertaken only if it is necessary and with an eye to preserving the historic appearance of a property as a whole.
Exterior lighting alterations and installations do not require a Certificate of Appropriateness. However, property owners who wish to preserve Pomona's historic character will abide by the following guidelines.
· Existing historic lighting should be repaired with similar materials.
· If the replacement of historic lighting is unavoidable, new lighting should be compatible with the period and style of the primary historic structure.
· If modern spot or flood lighting is to be used, is should not be attached to primary historic structures or be visible from the street.
· Exposed accent lighting for landscapes should be of historic appearance or not visible from the street.
· High output vapor security lighting is incompatible in appearance with historic structures. When such lighting must be installed for safety, it should not be attached to primary historic structures. If possible, is should be installed so that it is not visible from the street.
For more information on historic preservation in Pomona, contact the City Planning Division at 505 South Garey Avenue, or call 909 620-2191.