Planning Board forwards outdoor lighting ordinance with flag-lighting exemption

The New Shoreham Planning Board on Aug. 13 voted to forward revisions to the town’s outdoor lighting ordinance to the Town Council. The updated draft, dated July 9 in the board packet, adds clarifications intended to reduce glare, protect the night sky and preserve wildlife, while exempting flag lighting used for proper display of national and state flags.

Board members discussed wording and exceptions. One member said she still favored listing flagpoles explicitly among exceptions; the July 9 draft in the packet already contains language exempting “minimize lighting associated with proper display of national and state flags.” The board also discussed enforcement: zoning complaints are handled through the town’s existing zoning complaint form and process; staff confirmed that applicants will be asked, as part of building-permit review, to acknowledge the ordinance and that compliance would be checked through normal permit and complaint channels.

Findings attached to the motion include consistency with the comprehensive plan, protection of the town’s nighttime character and dark skies, increased safety and security, prevention of excessive glare and energy conservation. The motion to forward the ordinance to the Town Council passed on a voice vote.

Staff will upload the approved ordinance language to the building-permit application portal so applicants must acknowledge the rules when applying for new permits; enforcement of noncompliant lighting will follow standard zoning complaint procedures.