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Committee to research night-lighting impacts after council asks ERC for guidance
Summary
Council asked the ERC to study how proposed park and streetscape lighting could affect shorebirds and turtles; the town removed an uplighting project from this year's budget and the committee agreed to prepare scientific guidance, a public-facing flyer and "lights out" outreach.
The Town of Sunset Beach Environmental Resource Committee took up a council request to examine night-lighting impacts on wildlife on May 20.
Diana and Amy summarized two town projects under review: replacement or repair of failing fixtures in the gazebo parking lot and beach streetscape, and a proposed decorative uplighting plan for live oaks in the park. Members said the council raised concerns that uplighting and brighter fixtures could harm shorebirds, disorient turtles, and affect migratory birds.
Committee members reviewed dark-sky principles that staff shared: fully shielded fixtures, no upward light, warm color temperatures (recommended below 3,000 Kelvin), and lighting only when required or on motion sensors. They noted a state-level reference to barrier-island lighting restrictions discussed in a recent North Carolina House measure but did not cite a specific bill number.
Because of the wildlife concerns, the town removed the park uplighting from this year's budget pending further study. The ERC agreed to assemble subject-matter guidance: compile scientific literature on lighting impacts, identify local and state guidance (including the town's lighting ordinance and existing exemptions), prepare a short public-service flyer and consider a seasonal "lights out" public-awareness campaign (committee members suggested May 1 through September or November dates for turtle/bird protection). Amy volunteered to draft outreach materials for review by town staff.
The committee also flagged enforcement questions: existing code restricts persistent security lights and allows some exemptions for landscape lighting, but members said enforcement resources and procedures should be clarified by staff.
