This English translation is for reference only. The Chinese version shall prevail in case of any inconsistencies.
Notice on Issuing the Measures for the Administration of Landscape Lighting in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin
All relevant departments,
The Measures for the Administration of Landscape Lighting in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin has been approved upon deliberation at the session of the Executive Committee of the Cooperation Zone, and is hereby issued to you for your careful implementation. Should any issues arise during implementation, please promptly report them to the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone.
Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin
April 11, 2024
Normative Document No. 4/2024 of the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau
Measures for the Administration of Landscape Lighting in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin
Contents
Chapter I General Provisions
Chapter II Landscape Lighting Planing
Chapter III Landscape Lighting Construction
Chapter IV Operation and Maintenance
Chapter V Legal Liability
Chapter VI Supplementary Provisions
Chapter I
General Provisions
Article 1.
Purpose and Basis
To enhance the management of landscape lighting in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin (hereinafter referred to as the “Cooperation Zone”), standardize its planning, construction, operation, and maintenance, and create a harmonious, magnificent, elegant, green, and low-carbon nighttime landscape for Hengqin and Macao, these Measures are formulated in accordance with the Provisions on Administration of Urban Lighting and the specific circumstances of the Cooperation Zone.
Article 2.
Definitions
For the purposes of these Measures, “landscape lighting” refers to artificial lighting intended for decoration, landscaping, or display. It may be installed independently or integrated with functional lighting.
Landscape lighting includes lighting for public spaces and buildings (structures). “Landscape lighting for public spaces” refers to landscape lighting used for urban roads, squares, parks, public green spaces, mountains, wetlands, historic monuments and sites, and other public spaces. “Landscape lighting for buildings (structures)” refers to landscape lighting that highlights building designs or showcases dynamic scenes through techniques such as floodlighting, translucent façade lighting, decorative lighting, and specialized artistic lighting, both static and dynamic.
Article 3.
Scope of Application
These Measures shall apply to activities related to the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, supervision, and management of urban landscape lighting within the Cooperation Zone.
Article 4.
Management Principles
The management of landscape lighting shall be guided by the principles of holistic planning, highlighting key features, creating a refined and elegant ambiance, promoting green and low-carbon innovation and energy efficiency, and ensuring equal attention to planning, construction, management, and maintenance.
Article 5.
Division of Responsibilities
The Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone shall act as the administrative authority for landscape lighting management, responsible for guiding, coordinating, supervising, and organizing the implementation of landscape lighting projects in the Cooperation Zone.
Article 6.
Protection of Landscape Lighting Facilities
Landscape lighting is an essential component of urban infrastructure. All units and individuals shall have the right to prevent, report, or lodge complaints about acts that damage landscape lighting facilities.
Chapter II
Landscape Lighting Planing
Article 7.
Plan Drafting
Landscape lighting plans shall be incorporated into the territorial spatial planning system as special plans, prepared by the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone.
Landscape lighting plans shall include the following overall plans and detailed plans:
1. The overall plans shall be formulated based on the distinctive urban features identified in the Cooperation Zone’s urban design, such as natural landscapes, urban structure layouts, public space systems, and historical and cultural characteristics. They shall adhere to the principles of ecological prioritization, dark sky protection, and appropriate illumination. The plans shall define the positioning and framework for urban landscape lighting, delineate landscape lighting zones, develop lighting strategies for the Cooperation Zone, propose general requirements and green control standards for urban landscape lighting (including, but not limited to, luminance and contrast), and provide recommendations for implementation; and
2. Detailed plans shall build on the overall plans and align with the functions of land units as defined in the detailed territorial spatial planning. They shall specify quantitative requirements, including, but not limited to, color temperature, luminance, contrast, and dynamic modes; identify major areas for landscape lighting, such as public spaces and landmark buildings (structures); and establish guidelines for specific sites. These guidelines shall include parameters such as color temperature, luminance, contrast, glare limits, surround ratios, and lighting power density (LPD) to guide the design of specific landscape lighting projects.
Article 8.
Construction Plan
The Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone shall formulate construction plans for landscape lighting and shall establish a project database for landscape lighting (covering landscape lighting projects for public spaces and buildings or structures) based on the plans.
The construction plans for landscape lighting shall remain valid for a period of three or five years.
Chapter III
Landscape Lighting Construction
Article 9.
Construction Area
Landscape lighting facilities shall be installed according to plans for the following buildings (structures) or venues:
1. Major public buildings along urban expressways, arterial roads, and collector roads;
2. Public buildings (structures) and facilities for sports, culture, and other purposes;
3. Landmark buildings (structures) and public buildings (structures) exceeding 50 meters in height;
4. Advertising lightboxes and commercial signage on major streets;
5. Large-scale amusement facilities and other distinctive buildings (structures) and facilities; and
6. Public buildings (structures) within waterfront public spaces.
A list specifying the above items shall be prepared by the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone.
Article 10.
Construction Costs
Landscape lighting projects for public spaces and buildings (structures) shall comply with the landscape lighting construction plan. Funding for these projects is as follows:
1. The construction costs for landscape lighting on buildings (structures) shall be borne by the property owners or users; and
2. Landscape lighting in public spaces, being public welfare projects undertaken by the government, shall be funded by the government of the Cooperation Zone.
Article 11.
Investment Model
Landscape lighting projects funded by government of the Cooperation Zone shall be incorporated into the Cooperation Zone’s investment project plans and implemented according to the government investment model.
Article 12.
Technological Requirements
Research on urban lighting technologies shall be encouraged and supported. The adoption and promotion of new technologies, equipment, and products, including LED lighting fixtures, shall also be supported to facilitate green and low-carbon lighting practices.
Landscape lighting for buildings (structures) shall be subject to intelligent monitoring and centralized management, and integrated into smart city development. This will continuously enhance the technological sophistication and management effectiveness of landscape lighting within the Cooperation Zone.
Landscape lighting systems for buildings (structures) shall have robust capabilities for adjusting luminance, color temperature, and color precision, while maintaining a high grayscale range.
Article 13.
Requirements for Light Pollution Prevention
The installation of landscape lighting shall not cause light pollution or compromise public safety. Specific preventative requirements are as follows:
1. Landscape lighting installations shall avoid directly facing residences and other sensitive areas. Careful consideration shall be given to the positioning and angle of fixtures to prevent light from directly entering the interiors of residences and other sensitive areas; and
2. Landscape lighting is prohibited within the Cooperation Zone’s ecological conservation red lines. Installations near ecologically sensitive areas, such as the Cotai Ecological Zone in Macao, Hengqin Erjingwan Wetland Park, and Hengqin Mangzhou Wetland Park, shall undergo environmental impact assessments and minimize ecological disruption. The use of lasers and high-power beam lights directed towards areas within the ecological conservation red lines is strictly prohibited.
Article 14.
Landscape Lighting Scheme
Construction units shall formulate landscape lighting schemes based on detailed landscape lighting plans.
The content and detail of landscape lighting schemes shall comply with urban landscape lighting plans, applicable regulations and standards, and the requirements of this provision.
Landscape lighting schemes shall be submitted to the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone for review and, upon project completion, for final inspection and acceptance.
Upon receiving a submitted landscape lighting scheme, the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone shall conduct a review, utilizing technical consultation or expert review, and issue a review report.
The review shall cover, but is not limited to, the scheme’s compliance with national, provincial, and municipal technical standards and regulations, its conformity with landscape lighting plans, its potential impact on surrounding buildings, and the feasibility of its implementation.
Article 15.
Application Materials for Review of Landscape Lighting Schemes
The application materials for review of landscape lighting schemes are as follows:
1. Application for review of a landscape lighting scheme;
2. The landscape lighting scheme shall include the following:
(1) Scheme Overview: project overview, project design style, and landscape lighting design concept;
(2) Visualization: renderings and animations (if applicable) from different angles, scenes, and modes;
(3) Lighting Metrics: for public spaces, provide illuminance, uniformity, light color, power density, glare limitations, and surround ratios. For buildings (structures), advertising, and signage, provide luminance, light color, dynamic modes, power density, and light pollution metrics. Include supporting calculations for all metrics; and
(4) Technical Drawings: luminaire installation details, luminaire specifications, and control system documentation.
Article 16.
Application Materials for Final Acceptance
The application materials for final acceptance of landscape lighting projects are as follows:
1. Application for final acceptance of the landscape lighting project;
2. Luminaire testing reports. These reports shall include safety parameters such as waterproofing, dustproofing, protection against electric shock, and thermal testing results, as well as optical parameters including power, color temperature, and light distribution curves. These reports shall be issued by a nationally accredited testing institution (CNAS or CMA);
3. Control system testing report; and
4. On-site testing reports are required for landscape lighting projects for key areas and major projects.
After the application materials are approved, the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone shall verify the consistency of the on-site lighting effects with the approved scheme (including specified scenes) during the final acceptance process.
Where the construction unit modifies the landscape lighting scheme, they shall submit a written application to the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone and undergo the review procedure again.
Article 17.
Qualifications for Design and Construction
The design and construction of urban landscape lighting facilities shall comply with the technical specifications, standards, and operating procedures for such facilities.
Design and construction units for urban landscape lighting facilities shall possess the appropriate qualifications.
Article 18.
Upgrade Requirements for Lighting Facilities
Projects involving the upgrading of landscape lighting facilities shall be implemented in accordance with these Measures and the applicable urban landscape lighting plan.
Chapter IV
Operation and Maintenance
Article 19.
Management Units for Operation and Maintenance
The Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone shall serve as the administrative authority for the operation and maintenance of landscape lighting in the Cooperation Zone, responsible for unified management, supervision of maintenance, support, and subsidies for landscape lighting throughout the Zone.
For urban landscape lighting facilities in public spaces, the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone, as the designated management entity, shall be responsible for maintenance.
Funds required for the operation of these facilities shall be included in the Cooperation Zone’s budget and earmarked specifically to ensure the proper functioning of the landscape lighting facilities.
For urban landscape lighting facilities funded by private entities, the owner or manager, as the designated management entity, shall be responsible for maintenance.
Article 20.
General Requirements for Operation
Management entities for landscape lighting shall proactively comply with the requirements for the operation of landscape lighting set by the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone.
Article 21.
General Requirements for Maintenance
Management entities for landscape lighting shall be responsible for maintaining their respective project’s lighting facilities. The management entities shall ensure an operational availability rate of at least 92% and maintain basic lighting effects. The Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone may commission third-party institutions to conduct quarterly or semi-annual assessments of the operational availability of landscape lighting facilities and issue reports.
Where these reports indicate an operational availability rate below 92%, the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone shall urge the responsible management entities to meet the required standards.
Article 22.
Operating Time
The Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone shall publish the annual schedule for landscape lighting operation at the beginning of each year, adjusting for seasonal variations. Landscape lighting facilities shall be turned off by 22:00 daily and may be extended to 23:00 on official holidays. Dynamic or flashing lights and displays shall be prohibited during off hours.
For major events or special circumstances, the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone shall determine and announce specific landscape lighting schedules.
Article 23.
Supporting Measures
The Cooperation Zone supports the design, construction, and operation of landscape lighting projects, as well as the design and construction of landscape lighting that positively impact overall urban lighting. Specific measures include:
1. The Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone shall engage professional landscape lighting consultants to provide technical assistance during project planning and design. This assistance shall include, but is not limited to: interpreting the Cooperation Zone’s landscape lighting plans; detailing specific site requirements; demonstrating how lighting design can enhance building and landscape architecture; and showcasing the latest technologies in landscape lighting design; and
2. For landscape lighting systems under the direct management and operation of the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone, the Bureau shall develop and implement an electricity subsidy program. This program shall provide subsidies to the responsible management entities of landscape lighting based on operating time and power consumption.
Chapter V
Legal Liability
Article 24.
Legal Liability
Where construction activities adjacent to landscape lighting facilities damage the said facilities due to inadequate safety precautions, the construction unit shall be liable for compensation.
Damage to landscape lighting facilities shall result in a mandated rectification order specifying a deadline for completion from the Commercial Services Bureau of the Cooperation Zone. Penalties shall also be imposed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and the Provisions on Administration of Urban Lighting. In addition, those responsible for the damage shall be liable for compensation in accordance with the law.
Theft or intentional damage to landscape lighting facilities constituting illegal or criminal activity shall be subject to legal action by the relevant authorities in accordance with the law.
Chapter VI
Supplementary Provisions
Article 25.
Power of Interpretation
These Measures shall be interpreted and implemented by the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Cooperation Zone.
Article 26.
Effective Date and Validity Period
These Measures shall come into effect on April 25, 2024, and shall remain valid for a period of five years.