Simsbury conservation chair urges dark‑sky ordinance, offers model language to zoning commission

Marjorie Winters, chair of Simsbury’s Conservation Commission and Inland Wetlands Commission, told the Simsbury Zoning Commission that artificial light at night is disrupting wildlife and human circadian rhythms and urged the commission to adopt local lighting regulations based on Connecticut model rules.

Winters told the commission that the Conservation Commission has reviewed the Connecticut “Lights Out” model regulations and will provide draft zoning‑text language that would require lower‑Kelvin fixtures, shielding, timers or dimmers and other standards. “There’s no such thing as wildlife‑friendly lighting. You can have better lighting, but the best lighting is no lighting at all,” Winters said during the commission’s general business discussion.

Why it matters: Winters told commissioners that artificial night lighting harms insects, birds and other wildlife, reduces nocturnal pollination and increases bird collisions during migration. She cited satellite studies showing an annual rise in light pollution and described research linking blue‑white LED spectra to greater ecological disruption than older sodium lamps. Winters urged use of warm‑color (3,000 kelvin and below) fixtures, targeted shielding and time‑based dimming or motion sensors as low‑cost measures towns can require or encourage.

During a roughly 30‑minute presentation Winters summarized ecological and human health impacts she and colleagues documented in talks for Lights Out Connecticut and other groups. She cited research finding large declines in insects and reductions in nocturnal pollination in lit areas and said many migrating birds navigate by starlight and are drawn into dangerous artificial light. Winters described specific, actionable standards that the Conservation Commission recommends: full shielding so light is directed downward, color temperatures 3,000K or lower for outdoor fixtures, timers or dimmers to reduce overnight lumen output, and encouraging motion‑sensing or occupancy controls rather than steady overnight lighting.

Commission staff and members discussed next steps. A zoning‑text amendment or a planned‑area development (PAD) specific to the Simsbury Center area were both mentioned as vehicles to carry lighting rules into the town’s regulatory framework. Commission staff said the Conservation Commission has worked with town staff (referred to in the meeting as Britney) to prepare draft language and that the draft will be provided to the Zoning Commission for review. The Conservation Commission also signaled it will continue public education—banners and library programs—to encourage residents and businesses to dim lights during bird‑migration and firefly seasons.

Commissioners asked about precedent and compliance. Winters said a growing number of Connecticut towns and some larger cities have adopted lighting regulations or lighting plans, and she described a state initiative and local examples asking state buildings to reduce overnight lighting during migration windows. She also relayed that the International Dark‑Sky Association and national professional bodies recommend limiting blue‑rich (high‑Kelvin) lighting; Winters noted public‑health guidance urging reduced blue light at night. She suggested the Zoning Commission consider regulation language that would apply to new development and renovations, plus an educational outreach component for existing properties.

What the commission directed: No formal vote took place. Commissioners asked staff to review the Conservation Commission’s draft model ordinance and to return with zoning‑amendment options, including possible standards for fixtures, color temperature limits, shielding requirements and timing/dimming controls. Winters and Conservation Commission members said they would deliver the draft language to staff and the Zoning Commission for the next stages of review.

Next steps and outlook: The Zoning Commission will review the Conservation Commission’s draft lighting ordinance and discuss whether to pursue a text amendment that applies townwide or a PAD/text amendment targeted to specific zones (for example, Simsbury Center) where new developments and renovations would be regulated. Winters encouraged simple, low‑tech homeowner steps—closing curtains and using warm bulbs—while the town considers regulatory changes.