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Riverwoods student urges update to 2006 outdoor lighting rules to protect wildlife
Summary
A Deerfield High School junior asked the Riverwoods board to revise its 2006 outdoor lighting ordinance to reduce light pollution and protect wildlife, proposing a phased 12–24 month plan beginning with public education and moving to curfews, timers and limits on brightness and color temperature.
Catherine Dickon, a Deerfield High School junior and lifelong Riverwoods resident, asked the Village Board on Monday to update the village’s 2006 outdoor lighting ordinance to better protect wildlife and night skies.
“I propose a phased 12 to 24 month approach starting with education first,” Dickon said, suggesting outreach via social media and the Riverwoods newsletter before adopting technical requirements such as timers or smart plugs, curfews for year‑round decorative lighting, limits on brightness and color temperature, and seasonal restrictions.
The proposal prompted widespread support from trustees, who agreed the ordinance and local practices deserve a fresh look. Trustee Jamerson said enforcement is the main hurdle: the village does not staff enforcement overnight, making it difficult to police late‑night lights. He also noted the National Electrical Code treats holiday lighting as temporary and may limit how long such lights can legally remain in place.
Other trustees recommended routing the item through the sustainability committee for further study and suggested practical steps the village could explore, including public education, clearer guidance for residents on how to report violations without “tattling,” and the possibility of police documentation (time‑stamped photos) to support enforcement. The village attorney observed that the village’s own exterior lighting may not fully meet the code’s shielded‑down standards, indicating room for consistency and improvement.
Mayor Ford said the village will consider adding a lighting‑ordinance review to an upcoming Committee of the Whole agenda. Dickon told the board she would be willing to help draft or phase an adoption.
The board did not take formal action on the proposal at the meeting; trustees agreed next steps should include committee review and staff analysis of enforcement options.
