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Commission discusses “dark skies” policy; staff to review Shoreline Master Plan references
Summary
Commissioners discussed protecting night skies, balancing safety and security lighting, and directed staff to review existing plans and codes already containing dark-skies elements.
The Planning Commission discussed a “dark skies” initiative referenced in the comprehensive plan (policy 3.8) and whether the city should pursue local guidance to preserve night-sky darkness while balancing safety and security needs.
Commissioner Dan Booker summarized comp-plan policies that encourage protecting night skies, promoting downward-shielded fixtures, and educating the public. He said dark-skies lighting is inexpensive but less commonly used, and pointed to examples such as Estes Park, Colorado, where code provisions require downward-directed landscaping lights and incentives exist to replace noncompliant fixtures.
Commissioners acknowledged competing concerns: some first responders and security professionals said brighter exterior lighting improves safety, wayfinding and emergency response; others said residents value visible stars and reduced glare. Planning staff noted the Shoreline Master Plan contains dark-skies elements; commissioners asked staff to review that plan and return with possible objective language or incentive approaches.
No regulatory changes were adopted; commissioners discussed potential tools ranging from education and incentives to narrowly tailored code provisions that preserve safety lighting for stairs, walkways and emergency needs while reducing unnecessary uplighting and glare.
