Ypsilanti council approves dark‑sky zoning changes on first reading, sets 10‑business‑day review for deputy clerk appeal; passes warming‑center MOU and other 12

YPSILANTI, Mich. — The Ypsilanti City Council on Sept. 23 advanced a package of land‑use and community safety measures and addressed a personnel appeal in a public hearing that will return to the council within a clarified timeline.

Council members approved on first reading a dark‑sky zoning ordinance intended to reduce unnecessary outdoor lighting, a measure planning staff said aims to lower light pollution, improve human and ecological health, and save energy. Council also approved a memorandum of understanding allowing the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County to operate a daytime warming center at the Freight House this winter, created an ad‑hoc tenants’ rights committee and backed several capital and public‑works purchases. In a separate, public personnel review, the council voted to interpret a rule requiring a decision within 10 days as 10 business days, a change members said would allow more time for deliberation.

The zoning item drew the meeting’s longest presentation and public exchange. Planning staff described scientific and public‑safety literature linking unshielded, high‑color‑temperature lighting to negative impacts on wildlife and human health, and outlined the ordinance’s new definitions, maximum color temperatures and foot‑candle limits, full‑cutoff fixture requirements, and phased approach for nonconforming lights. After public questions about enforcement, outreach and costs to convert DTE‑owned streetlights, the council voted 6–1 on first reading to send the ordinance to second reading on Oct. 7. Council member Campbell cast…