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Board approves Saint Ignatius field lights with new limits on hours, sound and events
Summary
After months of neighborhood negotiation, the Board of Supervisors amended and approved a conditional use authorization that allows Saint Ignatius High School to install field lights under strict new conditions meant to limit evening use, amplified sound and to strengthen event management and neighbor communication.
The Board of Supervisors on Oct. 20 approved an amended conditional use authorization for Saint Ignatius High School's proposal to add lights to its athletic field, imposing a set of restrictions intended to reduce evening impacts on nearby residents.
Supervisor Aaron Peskin moved to continue the appeal items and to approve the Planning Commission's decision with new conditions developed during neighborhood discussions; Supervisor Mar proposed and the Board adopted a package of operational restrictions. The motions to amend and approve passed with a recorded roll call.
Under the approved conditions, field lights may be used Monday through Thursday during the school year for up to 150 nights per year, with lights dimmed by 8 p.m. and fully shut off by 8:30 p.m.; amplified sound would be prohibited after 7:30 p.m. and limited to spectator events (not practices). Up to 15 nights per year may extend the schedule to 10 p.m. on non-Sundays for Saint Ignatius events, with lights dimmed by 9:30 p.m. and no amplified sound after 9:30. The conditions also bar lights and amplified sound on Sundays, and on Sundays field use would be limited to noon–5 p.m.
Supervisor Mar said the limits were chosen to balance the school's needs for additional practice time and regional athletic use while protecting neighborhood peace and youth routines. The amended approval also strengthens the school’s large-event management plan, requires off-street parking provisions for large events (200 spaces for events above 500 attendees) and formalizes a community liaison and sidewalk and streetscape upkeep obligations.
The Planning Commission's earlier decision had been appealed. After public comment and a series of negotiated changes between the school, neighbors and the supervisor’s office, the Board voted to conditionally disapprove the Commission decision and adopt the authorization with the new, stricter conditions. The board tabled a separate related item and directed the planning department to prepare findings consistent with the action.
