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Council backs staff research into dark-sky streetlight standards, asks for planning-commission review
Summary
Council directed staff to research dark-sky streetlighting practices and possible code changes and to coordinate with Dominion Energy on fixture selection at a March 13 work session item introduced by Councilmember Cory Park.
Council members asked staff to research dark-sky best practices and to return with options for streetlight fixtures and ordinance changes after a March 13 work session discussion prompted by Councilmember Cory Park. The discussion focused on two tracks: coordinating with Dominion Energy on fixture selection for public streetlights and exploring zoning or subdivision-code amendments for private and new-development lighting.
Councilmember Cory Park introduced the item and urged staff to begin research on best practices and possible code changes to reduce light pollution. "I implore city staff and the city manager to possibly begin research on best practices," Park said. City Manager Leslie Beauregard and Planning Manager Tim Hartless described two separate efforts: public-works-led selection of streetlight fixtures within Dominion’s catalog and a community-development-led ordinance process for lighting on new private development and commercial sites.
Tim Hartless told council there are three distinct categories staff would examine: existing public street lighting, lighting for new residential subdivisions that will become public streets, and private-development or commercial lighting. "We're looking for some...direction. We're happy to look at implementing some of these dark skies initiatives into our lighting requirements," Hartless said. He noted Dominion maintains an online fixture catalog and the city has previously selected Dominion catalog fixtures for Central and Churchill avenues.
Councilmembers recommended involving local advocates and volunteers: a local delegate to the Dark Skies Initiative, identified in the meeting as Sarah, offered to volunteer expertise. Several councilors suggested the comprehensive-plan update would be an appropriate place to collect public comment on lighting policy and said the planning commission should be part of the next steps. Council asked staff to return with options for a phased approach and to coordinate with Dominion to select fixtures compatible with dark-sky guidance.
The discussion did not include ordinance language or a vote; staff said they will develop options and bring them back through the planning commission and a regular meeting for formal direction if council chooses to pursue code changes.
