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Dark‑sky consultant recommends stricter shielding, spectrum and phase‑in rules for Lake Bluff lighting code
Summary
John Barentine of Dark Sky Consulting reviewed a second draft lighting ordinance, recommending fully shielded fixtures, color temperature limits, lumen caps, adaptive controls and a 10‑year amortization for nonconforming fixtures; committee discussed enforcement, public lighting exemptions, sports lighting guidance and a 4–7 year review cycle.
John Barentine, principal of Dark Sky Consulting LLC, presented a second review of a proposed Lake Bluff outdoor lighting ordinance on March 18 and recommended several revisions the committee could adopt to reduce light pollution while maintaining safety.
Barentine said the analysis used Dark Sky International principles and model guidance from the International Dark‑Sky Association and the Illuminating Engineering Society. He recommended that the village require fully shielded fixtures to prevent upward light, set a color temperature ceiling for general lighting at 3,000 Kelvin, limit lumen output for certain non‑residential/non‑park fixtures (he proposed no more than 1,000 lumens for that category), and encourage amortization of nonconforming lighting within 10 years.
On security lighting, Barentine supported motion‑sensor‑only activation but recommended clarifying owner responsibility to avoid nuisance triggers and suggested a maximum motion‑trigger duration of five minutes. He recommended removing a proposed exemption permitting higher color temperatures and advised retaining compliance checks for luminaire limits at time of permit for new construction or major renovation.
Barentine suggested public lighting generally should not be wholly exempt from the ordinance; municipalities commonly regulate public fixtures either in code or by internal policy. He also recommended adopting Dark Sky International sports‑lighting guidance and updating the sign code to address illuminated electronic displays.
Committee members asked about conflicts with the Illinois International Energy Code; Barentine said adopted energy‑code controls are complementary and should not conflict. He advised a periodic ordinance review on a five‑to‑seven‑year cycle to keep pace with evolving lighting technology.
Committee discussion touched on residential compliance options (simple lamp swaps to meet Kelvin and lumen limits), the potential for lower Kelvin limits in residential zones (Barentine said residential fixtures can go as low as 2,200 K), public expectations about amortization, and enforcement pathways. No formal action was taken; the committee indicated it would consider Barentine’s recommendations when preparing the next draft ordinance.
