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Harpers Ferry dark‑sky committee presents draft lighting ordinance; council asked for more review
Summary
A volunteer committee presented a draft lighting ordinance recommending professional meters, an 18‑month amortization for existing fixtures and outreach plans; council members raised enforcement and equity concerns and asked for staff and code officer input before ordinance review.
Karen Segesi, chair of the Harpers Ferry Dark Skies Committee, presented a draft lighting ordinance to the Town Council on Dec. 8, outlining recommendations and an outreach plan to reduce light pollution while preserving nighttime safety and historic character. "We engaged the public through stakeholder meetings, a public meeting and a public survey," Segesi said, and recommended a professional‑grade light meter for enforcement.
The draft pairs technical standards with an education plan, including door‑to‑door flyers, open houses and a town web presence, and suggested an 18‑month amortization period for existing non‑compliant fixtures. The committee also recommended a middle‑priced meter based on price, ease of use and applicability; Jesse Mills provided the meter selection information. Segesi said the committee consulted Dark Sky International and reviewed model ordinances from other jurisdictions.
Council members sought clarifications on enforcement and impacts on residents. "Let's not lose track of the fact that he's just part time," one councilmember said of the code officer, asking whether the town would be asking a part‑time official to shoulder ongoing enforcement duties. Committee members proposed a complaint‑driven night audit approach (targeting new‑moon evenings) to limit routine demands on staff.
Some councilmembers expressed concern about sanctions in the draft (a three‑tier fine schedule up to $500) and about how the rules would affect older residents who rely on brighter fixtures for visibility. Segesi and other committee members said the technical approach—shielded fixtures, down‑directed light and warmer color temperatures—generally increases perceived safety and reduces glare for aging eyes.
The council did not vote on the ordinance. Members asked staff to meet with the code officer, and suggested the committee return with more detail on enforcement expectations, the suggested meter, and public education steps before the ordinance proceeds to the ordinance review committee.
