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Board continues dark‑sky lighting ordinance review, asks staff to research directional standards
Summary
The board discussed weaknesses in current draft language on lumen limits and asked staff to research model language that specifies directional shielding; the item was continued for additional review and planning commission input.
The board continued its review of proposed lighting standards, focusing attention on directional shielding and how draft language addresses lumens.
Staff noted that the current draft mentions lumen counts and broad dark‑sky goals but “does not talk specifically” about which direction light should be aimed or how fixtures should be shielded. The Chair and members emphasized that beyond limiting brightness, ordinance language should require lights be directed downwards to limit spill and preserve the night sky. One board member said the directionality issue is especially relevant for fixtures visible from the bridge and across multiple properties.
Members asked staff to research examples from other commonwealth localities and return with suggested language; the Chair proposed continuing the item to the next meeting cycle to allow comparison with other ordinances and planning commission input. The board also set a timeline for inventory work between April and May and agreed to reconvene with an updated inventory in June to support ordinance drafting.
No formal vote was taken on ordinance language at this meeting; the matter was continued for further staff research and planning commission review.
