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Simsbury planning staff seeks public hearing on proposed dark‑sky outdoor lighting standards
Summary
Staff presented a draft text amendment to add outdoor lighting standards to the Simsbury zoning regulations, citing the 2024 Plan of Conservation and Development and model language from Lights Out Connecticut. The commission agreed to schedule a public hearing for Oct. 20.
Planning staff presented a high‑level summary of a proposed text amendment to add outdoor lighting standards to Simsbury’s zoning regulations, recommending creation of a new Section 11 (Outdoor Lighting Standards) and updates to the definitions section. The proposal implements dark‑sky principles cited in the 2024 Plan of Conservation and Development.
Staff said the draft would apply to non‑residential new development and to site plan applications and lighting changes on public and private properties. The draft would not apply to single‑family homes or to signage at this stage. Staff reviewed sample approaches used by other Connecticut towns and the Lights Out Connecticut model ordinance and said the aim was a balance of usability and environmental protections.
Key elements described by staff included requirements for downward‑directed (no uplight) fixtures, restrictions on fixture types, photometric plans showing illumination levels (with a focus on limiting light trespass near property lines, e.g., 0.1 foot‑candles at edges), limits on pole height and canopy lighting, color‑temperature limits for LEDs (3000K or lower), and requirements for dimming or automatic controls. The draft would exempt critical safety lighting (police, fire), short‑term lighting, permitted flagpole lighting under conditions, traditional seasonal lighting, and certain temporary sport‑event lighting.
Staff said the town had referred the draft to the Planning Commission (scheduled Sept. 9) and had shared it with the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street as outreach to affected business owners. Commission members and staff discussed noticing requirements and available hearing dates; the commission agreed by consensus to schedule the required public hearing for Oct. 20 so staff and stakeholders would have time to review the draft and submit comments.
Staff said they had coordinated closely with Marjorie Winters and the Conservation Commission on the draft.
