Ordinance Committee removes proposed ban on neon and "luminous tube" lighting, defers detailed dark‑sky rules

The Ordinance Committee voted on Aug. 20 to remove proposed redlined language that would have required existing lighting not in compliance with the draft code to be brought into compliance and later struck the section that would have prohibited neon and luminous‑tube lighting when outdoor mounted.

The change matters because the committee is preparing a new local lighting ordinance intended to meet dark‑sky best practices and a pending state-level “act to promote responsible outdoor lighting” that staff said could require towns to adopt dark‑sky rules.

Committee members spent the meeting debating whether the draft language matched local intent and whether the draft used the correct technical terms. Scott (Ordinance Committee member) moved to remove a sentence in the draft that read, in essence, that “existing lighting not in compliance with this code shall be brought into compliance within 5 years.” That motion passed 2–1. Later, Val (Ordinance Committee member) moved to strike Section 4 — the paragraph that would have prohibited neon or luminous tube lighting when outdoor mounted — and the committee voted 3–1 to remove that section.

Members repeatedly questioned the phrase “luminous tube lighting,” noting different readers understand the phrase differently. Several members said they were thinking of rope‑style continuous lighting that outlines buildings, while the term can also refer to fluorescent tubes used inside signs. Committee member Carolyn described the ambiguity and suggested a definition would be required: committee members agreed a definition for “luminous tube lighting” should be added if similar language is reintroduced.

Linda (Staff member) told the committee the state legislature had passed “an act to promote responsible outdoor lighting” that, if signed by the governor, would effectively require towns to have dark‑sky ordinances. Linda said the measure had passed the legislature in May and remained unsigned; if enacted the law could require towns to adopt certain standards within a set period. Linda urged caution: “this is in general… the state has, passed the legislature has passed a bill, an act to promote responsible outdoor lighting, which if it's signed by the governor… will effectively create, a mandate for all towns to have some kind of a dark sky ordinance,” she said.

Committee members also debated the effect on local businesses. Several members said they were comfortable allowing small window “open/closed” signs but not extensive building‑outlining tube lighting. One member observed these rope/strip lights are inexpensive and increasingly common and that a general ban could create hardship for some businesses unless a clear definition and exceptions were included.

Rather than attempt to resolve every detail in the meeting, the committee directed staff to supply a short additional paragraph and to send the draft to the dark‑sky reviewer who previously evaluated the document. Members discussed timing: the group had aimed to bring the ordinance to an upcoming special town meeting but acknowledged legal review would likely prevent a September vote; the committee set a goal to have the draft ready by the November or next June meeting, with a target to reconvene on Sept. 3. Linda said she would provide copies of the pending state language and the additional paragraph the committee requested.

What the committee decided - The committee voted 2–1 to remove the redlined sentence that would have required existing nonconforming lighting to be brought into compliance within five years. - The committee voted 3–1 to strike Section 4 of the draft lighting ordinance, which had prohibited neon and luminous‑tube lighting when outdoor mounted.

What remains unresolved - The committee did not adopt a definition for “luminous tube lighting” and asked staff to draft a specific definition if the committee chooses to reintroduce restrictions. - Committee members agreed to forward the revised draft to the dark‑sky reviewer and to reconcile the draft with any final state law language if the act is signed.

Next steps: staff will provide the requested paragraph and copies of the pending state language; the committee plans to reconvene Sept. 3 to continue work and to coordinate legal review before any town‑wide vote.