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Residents press commissioners over new LED fixtures; county attorney says zoning is the likely route
Summary
Multiple residents raised concerns about new residential LED fixtures and impacts on night-sky viewing at the Sept. 16 Carter County meeting. Commissioners and the county attorney said the county lacks straightforward authority to regulate private lighting without zoning changes.
Several Carter County residents urged the Board of Commissioners on Sept. 16 to consider the impact of newly installed LED lighting on night-sky viewing and neighborhood quality of life.
Jim Winchester told the commission he was again raising concerns about LED fixtures installed at nearby residences and the "loss of Night Sky viewing," and he provided printed materials for commissioners to review. Toni Winchester and other neighbors described moving to rural property in part to enjoy dark-sky conditions.
June McPherson spoke in defense of the lighting, saying, "They have had the lights since 1997," and showed a petition of signatures supporting the fixtures; Bill McPherson and Marg Keiger spoke about safety needs and personal experience living adjacent to the lights.
Commissioners responded that the county’s legal authority over private lighting is limited. Commissioner Aaron Frazier said the commission does not have authority to control what lighting property owners install. Commissioner Jason Rasnick said there are "no laws on lighting, no restrictions" in the county and that regulation would require planning and zoning changes. County Attorney Josh Hardin advised that other counties have regulated similar issues through zoning and recommended beginning with the planning process, while noting practical enforcement challenges.
Commissioner Charlene Thomas asked the attorney to research approaches used elsewhere and report back to the planning committee. No formal action or regulatory change was taken at the meeting.
The exchange was logged during the public-comment period; residents and commissioners emphasized safety, property rights and neighborliness as they weighed competing concerns.
