Light-pollution ordinance proposed to keep dark skies, prevent light trespass

During Monday night's meeting, the City Council discussed regulations for outdoor lighting fixtures, which could require any automated fixture more than eight feet tall to be shielded.

“I brought this ordinance forward as a light pollution ordinance,” alderwoman Linda Lloyd said.

Without an ordinance in place, she said, neighbors have no recourse for a nearby property putting out excessive light.

This has resulted, she said, in people being unable to see stars at night and, in some cases, needing to install blackout curtains.

Alderman Frank Anderson said he is concerned that, because a light controlled by a switch isn’t affected by this regulation, it is too easy to circumvent.

“I can do that as long as I switch it,” he said.

Alderman John Flynn said that this ordinance would only affect newly-erected lights. Pre-existing lights, he said, would be grandfathered in.

As far as ensuring the ordinance’s effectiveness, he said, the council has additional readings to fine tune it.