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Palo Alto council adopts dark-sky ordinance with 11 p.m. curfew after extensive public comment
Summary
After hours of public comment and council debate, Palo Alto approved a revised outdoor-lighting ordinance aimed at reducing light pollution, protecting migratory birds and public health, and applying new fixture standards with specific exemptions; the measure passed 6–1.
Palo Alto’s City Council on Dec. 8 adopted a revised outdoor lighting ordinance designed to reduce light pollution, protect wildlife and reduce adverse health effects associated with nighttime lighting, voting 6–1 after lengthy public comment and council amendments.
Staff told the council the draft aligns with Dark Sky International principles and aims to require shielding, warmer color temperatures and curfews for nonessential outdoor lighting. Kelly Cha, senior planner, summarized the changes staff proposed after outreach and PTC input, including a two-list structure of fully exempted and conditionally exempted lighting and a neighborhood-specific security exemption for Edgewood properties abutting San Francisco Creek. Cha said staff would prepare a second-reading ordinance and that the new…
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