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Council approves outdoor lighting standards after debate over scope and exemptions
Summary
Brigham City adopted new outdoor lighting standards that require shielding to limit light trespass, raise a lumen threshold for unshielded fixtures, and exempt certain uses; the ordinance drew debate over adaptive controls and protections for the nearby bird refuge.
The Brigham City Council approved an ordinance establishing outdoor lighting standards that require most commercial and industrial lighting be shielded to keep the light source contained on the property, increase the unshielded-lumen threshold, and list limited exceptions.
City planner Mark Bradley summarized the draft changes and the staff-modified version: "the key is that the light source is to be contained completely on the ... property," he said. The modified draft raised the unshielded-exemption level from 1,000 lumens to 2,000 lumens in many cases, removed the earlier requirement for adaptive-dimming controls and added clearer exceptions (including language addressing flag lighting). Bradley told council the planning commission's review led to the current compromise.
Dean Lester, a community advocate who worked with volunteers and an advisory committee, urged adoption while acknowledging compromises: "This is not a dark sky ordinance. This is a wide ordinance for a small city that makes a lot of sense," he said, urging council approval so the city would have enforceable standards rather than none.
Council discussion focused on residential impacts, enforcement practicality and whether the ordinance would protect the Bear River bird refuge as industrial development expands. Staff said the ordinance prioritizes shielded fixtures to reduce light trespass — an approach that makes enforcement feasible without on-site light-metering.
After discussion the council adopted the ordinance; the roll-call vote recorded one no vote (Councilmember Jeffries). The ordinance updates Brigham City Code Chapter 156 and will apply to new commercial and industrial permits; existing fixtures are grandfathered until major modification or permit-driven change.
