Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Lighting Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jackson planning commission records 4–4–1 tally on shield-and-color LDR edits after mixed testimony
Summary
Planning staff recommended clarifying exterior-lighting rules (shielding and single-color limits) to protect dark skies; commissioners recorded a 4–4–1 vote after staff and technical witnesses supported the change and business owners warned of economic and safety impacts. The commission agreed to send the matter toward council scheduling for further action.
Planning staff told the Jackson Planning Commission on Feb. 4 that proposed edits to the town's Land Development Regulations (P25-234) would ban unshielded exterior fixtures for new development, clarify color-temperature rules for single-color sources and keep the 3,000-Kelvin limit for spectral lights.
Staff said the changes aim to reduce light trespass and protect the town's dark-sky certification, and noted a letter from Chief Weber recommending extended lighting for Town Square operations until 2 a.m. while other public and recreational lighting remains addressed separately. "We support the townwide prohibition on unshielded exterior lighting for new development and redevelopment only," staff said in their presentation.
Sam Singer, founder and executive director of Wyoming Stargazing, urged commissioners to adopt clearer, enforceable standards and to rely on voluntary compliance for many string-lighting uses. "My intent is to strike a balance between responsible use of string lights throughout the year and standards that preserve dark night skies," Singer said during his presentation.
Lighting consultant and long-time industry practitioner Susan O'Brien told the commission she supports banning unshielded fixtures and clarifying single-color sources. "Amendment number 1 and 4 are good," O'Brien said, but she also urged caution about other provisions that permit year-round string lighting and raised enforceability and health concerns tied to flicker and nondimmable LEDs.
Business leaders and downtown property owners opposed broad restrictions as written. Rick Howe, president and CEO of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, said the winter lighting window creates ambiance that draws tourists and that the Chamber would oppose the ordinance "as currently listed." He asked for more time to work with staff and the applicant. "Allow us to work on these final stipulations," Howe told the commission.
Other business speakers echoed concerns about the proposal’s economic impact and the enforcement approach. "Turning off lights when a business closes down doesn’t work," Sadek Darwich, president of Hotel Jackson, said, adding that window-shopping and evening foot traffic are important to downtown retailers. Linda Cordier, a downtown resident and longtime business owner, told the commission to prioritize pedestrian safety: "The safety of our residents and guests should be first and foremost before anything."
After discussion, a motion to recommend approval of P25-234 was moved and seconded. The commission recorded a tally reported in the hearing as 4–4–1; the transcript records the count but does not show an unambiguous final disposition beyond that reported tally. Staff indicated the item would be scheduled for council review in the coming weeks.
What happens next: the commission’s record and any formal recommendation will go to the town council for the next procedural step. The council may adopt, modify, or return the text amendment for further revision following its public process.
