Jackson council delays vote on proposed string-lighting and dark-sky rules after extended debate

Jackson — The Town of Jackson Council voted July 6 to continue consideration of three proposed amendments to the town’s exterior-lighting regulations after lengthy staff presentations, scientific testimony and extensive public comment.

Planning staff described the package as three linked changes: a tiered approach to string lighting that would permit year‑round strings in the Town Square (subject to a 2 a.m. dimming/curfew) and seasonal use elsewhere; a prohibition on new unshielded exterior fixtures whose initial output exceeds 600 lumens; and clarified limits on spectral color that would bar green, blue and purple permanent lighting in favor of yellow, orange, red or warm white. Staff also proposed narrow exemptions for town operations and Teton County Parks and Recreation facilities, including the ice rink.

Samuel Singer, the applicant and a longtime dark‑sky advocate, told council the changes respond to research on how short‑wavelength (blue) light suppresses melatonin and affects wildlife night vision and circadian rhythms. "String lights are decorative; they are not designed for public safety," Singer said, arguing the town should reduce the most harmful wavelengths while keeping standards that are straightforward to follow.

Council members pressed staff and the applicant on details including how to define 'shielded' fixtures, whether a 600‑lumen threshold is practical for property owners to assess, how neon and tubular LED fixtures fit the rules, and where the town would draw boundaries for the zones proposed as more permissive. Planning staff warned enforcement would be difficult with current part‑time code‑enforcement resources and said permit review and complaint‑driven enforcement would carry much of the burden.

Several members of the public weighed in. The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce submitted detailed concerns and asked for additional outreach and outside expertise before restricting colored lighting, citing the importance of seasonal and aesthetic lighting for local businesses. A resident urged the town to obtain measurement equipment to support complaints about fixture output and color. Other residents said they supported stronger protections for wildlife and dark skies.

Councilors expressed mixed views: some said the string‑lighting tier seemed like an improvement on current rules, while others said shielding and color restrictions require more work to avoid unintended consequences for businesses and residents. To preserve the time already invested in drafting, Councilor Regan moved to continue the three amendments to a date uncertain so the applicant could work further with stakeholders and return with revisions; the motion carried on a voice vote. Staff noted that if council leaves the item set to a date uncertain, the town may need to renotice under land‑development rules before it returns to the council.

The action means no ordinance drafting or readings will occur immediately; the council preserved the option to advance one or more elements later after clearer stakeholder consensus and staff direction. The council left open the possibility of separating or prioritizing elements — for example, advancing only the string‑lighting tier while the color and shielding provisions are further refined.