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Planning board presents draft dark‑sky ordinance; council and residents raise exemptions and enforcement questions
Summary
Planning board members presented an eight‑page dark‑sky lighting ordinance intended to limit glare and preserve Foster—s night‑sky, prompting questions from residents about farm and stadium lighting, and confirming municipal and permitted-event exemptions in the draft.
Foster
The Foster planning board presented a proposed Dark Sky Lighting Ordinance, explaining it establishes exterior‑lighting standards intended to prevent glare and light trespass, preserve the night sky, promote energy efficiency and require lighting plans during land‑use reviews.
Susan Joyce, a planning‑board member, summarized the ordinance—s structure: definitions (Section 18‑34), scope (Section 18‑35), illumination and fixture criteria (Section 18‑36), administration (Section 18‑37), enforcement (Section 18‑38), and nonconforming lighting (Section 18‑39). The draft calls for contractors and applicants to include lighting plans when filing subdivision, development or building permit applications.
Residents asked whether common activities such as agricultural work, equestrian rings, stadium lighting or town‑permitted events would be restricted. Presenters and the planning board stressed that the draft includes exemptions for municipalities and town‑permitted events (section cited in the hearing) and that reasonable accommodations can be written into the ordinance (timers, motion sensors, time limits). An astronomy outreach professional involved in drafting background materials said well‑shielded lighting can reduce wattage needs and glare while meeting safety needs.
Council members asked staff to confirm exemptions and to refine time‑limit and enforcement language so the town can handle local needs such as sports fields and farm operations without unintended burdens. No vote was taken; the hearing remains open and will return to the council for further consideration.
