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Council discusses gas-station canopy lighting amid dark-sky complaints
Summary
Town council members discussed repeated complaints about bright LED lighting on a highway gas-station canopy that residents say interferes with views of the night sky and nearby businesses; council members agreed to pursue further contact with the station operator and explore bringing lights into compliance with town code and dark-sky goals.
Council members discussed ongoing complaints about bright lighting on the canopy at a gas station along Highway 9 and whether the town could require changes to reduce glare and protect dark-sky viewing.
At the meeting, council members said residents and nearby business owners have complained that canopy and sign lighting is so bright that “they cannot see the stars.” Council members compared the station’s fixtures to ones in neighboring Springdale and noted differences in how the lights are mounted and shielded. They also noted the presence of illuminated brand signage and a continuous strip of LEDs that appear brighter than fixtures observed in the comparison site.
The council did not take a formal vote. Members said staff should resume direct outreach to the station operator and provide the station with the town’s updated lighting ordinance and complaint procedures. Council members discussed possible town assistance to help the business bring lighting into compliance, and said they will inspect the site themselves to verify conditions and possible dimming or shielding solutions. Several council members reiterated a goal of preserving the town’s dark-sky character to support tourism and protect long-standing businesses and residents’ “quiet enjoyment.”
The discussion included practical comparisons and next steps rather than immediate regulatory action. Council members asked staff to send the ordinance to the operator, to confirm whether state or corporate safety rules (as asserted by the operator) require the current lighting level, and to report back with possible mitigation measures and any cost estimates.
Council members said the lighting topic will remain on future agendas until either the operator takes voluntary action or staff returns with a recommended enforcement path. No citations, fines, or formal notices were recorded during the meeting.
