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Council approves resolution declaring intent to pursue Dark Sky certification, with caveats for practicality and cost
Summary
Council voted 5–2 to adopt a nonbinding resolution stating the town's intent to seek Dark Sky community certification so it can enforce updated outdoor-lighting standards; staff said the resolution is exploratory and any new rules would apply only to future development.
The NorthlakeTown Council adopted a resolution stating the town’s intent to pursue Dark Sky certification and to align its outdoor-lighting regulations with certification requirements, passing the resolution 5–2.
Staff (Nathan) said the resolution is not an immediate requirement to retrofit existing fixtures and that it simply allows the town to adopt and enforce updated lighting standards for new development or when fixtures are replaced. The resolution also clears the way for enforcement of the town’s existing outdoor-lighting rules under new state law that conditions some lighting regulation on either being a certified dark-sky community or formally declaring an intent to pursue certification.
Council members who supported the resolution said it preserves the town’s rural character and enables staff to update standards; opponents said certification may be impractical for a growing town and worried about the impact on homeowners. Staff said the town will explore costs and could stop the effort if the town determines certification is not affordable or feasible. The council adopted the intent resolution, allowing the town to proceed with a study of potential costs and regulatory updates.
