Lake County's Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment Committee on Aug. 6 voted to direct staff to start the formal hearing process for proposed text amendments to Chapter 151 that would update nonresidential lighting regulations to incorporate dark‑sky principles.

Staff told the committee the amendments would focus first on nonresidential lighting standards that encourage fixture shielding and reduce upward-directed light. The proposed standards are intended to be phased—nonresidential regulations first, followed by facility policies and residential regulations after additional feasibility and cost research.

"Staff's recommendation right now is to start with dark‑sky based nonresidential regulations for lighting, which incorporate best practices such as the shielding of lighting fixtures, reducing the use of upward lighting in new developments," Taylor Gendel, senior planner, said. The presentation noted that dark‑sky lighting can reduce bird strikes and would complement the county's bird‑friendly building design regulations.

Committee members raised safety concerns; staff and members responded that dark‑sky approaches generally redirect rather than reduce lighting. Member Frank said, "This doesn't, if done properly, put safety for business customers or businesses at risk. It doesn't prohibit lighting." He described personal experience with excessive light from a street lamp and said properly directed lighting can also improve energy efficiency and human health outcomes.

Action taken: Motion by Member Frank, second by Member Kanishnick to forward a resolution to the County Board to initiate a ZBA hearing on dark‑sky nonresidential lighting amendments. The committee voted in favor.

Staff said they will complete research and drafting before the ZBA public hearing; residential regulations and a policy for county‑owned facilities will be considered later in a phased approach.