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Simsbury zoning panel adopts dark‑sky outdoor‑lighting rule
Summary
The Simsbury Zoning Commission approved a text amendment creating a townwide outdoor‑lighting regulation (ZC 25‑17) that applies to new exterior lighting on site plans and site‑plan amendments; the measure was adopted unanimously and will take effect pending the statutory appeal period.
The Simsbury Zoning Commission voted unanimously to adopt a text amendment creating a townwide outdoor‑lighting regulation intended to reduce light pollution and protect the town’s night skies.
The regulation, filed as application ZC 25‑17 and drafted by planning staff in partnership with the Conservation Commission, establishes a new Outdoor Lighting section (proposed Section 8.8) in the Town of Simsbury zoning regulations, adds related definitions to Section 17.4, and directs the Simsbury Center and Hartford‑Simsbury form‑based codes to reference the new section.
Planning staff said the rule will apply when applicants submit a site plan that adds new exterior lighting and to site‑plan amendments that change fixtures, pole heights or locations. The draft requires shielded fixtures (no uplighting), sets limits on brightness measured in foot‑candles, encourages warmer color temperatures, and recommends timing controls and motion sensors to limit late‑night illumination. Staff said the text draws from a model ordinance developed by Lights Out Connecticut and reflects comments from town departments and the Connecticut chapter of the International Dark‑Sky Association.
Marjorie Winters, chair of the Conservation Commission, told the zoning panel the rule addresses both human health and wildlife impacts, saying, “It’s lovely when you have an environmental problem that can be solved with turning off a switch.” Resident John Pico supplied historical context and urged approval, saying the dark skies are a long‑standing town quality and asking the commission to “vote in favor of this new zoning regulation.”
A planning commission referral dated Sept. 9, 2025, recommended approval and found the amendment aligns with the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, staff reported. The zoning commission closed the public hearing and approved the amendment in a motion that made the text effective on 10/20/2025 pending the statutory appeal period.
The regulation as adopted applies only to new lighting installations and to site‑plan amendments affecting lighting; existing fixtures are not automatically required to be replaced unless they are part of a new application or amendment.
