Ypsilanti planning commission backs new dark-sky zoning language, sends ordinance to city council

The Ypsilanti Planning Commission voted to recommend that City Council adopt a revised dark‑sky compliance amendment to the city zoning ordinance, commissioners said at a meeting that included a staff presentation and internal debate over sign‑lighting hours.

The recommendation follows a staff presentation that compared the existing zoning language with a more detailed draft ordinance, explained potential wildlife, human‑health and energy impacts of excessive exterior lighting, and outlined a timetable for City Council consideration. Planning staff told commissioners the draft rewrites section 122‑609 and adds a focused provision on sign illumination (122‑655d) with definitions, fixture specifications and administrative requirements.

The commission’s action matters because city council approval is required to change the zoning code; if council approves a first reading, staff said, a second reading would follow and a 30‑day protest…