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Superior council amends outdoor‑lighting curfew, extends 'nighttime' from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Summary
After public comment raising safety and enforcement concerns, the Town of Superior voted unanimously to amend its outdoor-lighting ordinance so "nighttime hours" run until 10 p.m.; staff said the change lets residents enjoy summer evenings while keeping measurable standards for enforcement.
The Town of Superior on July 13 unanimously approved an amendment to the municipal outdoor-lighting code that moves the ordinance’s definition of "nighttime hours" from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Planning and building staff member Jeffrey Weathers (speaker 22) told council the change is intended to allow residents a bit more evening lighting during summer months while keeping the ordinance’s measurable light-level standards so staff can respond objectively to complaints. "This amendment would change the definition of nighttime hours from 9PM to 10PM," Weathers said.
Public comment included strong objections from residents who said the ordinance as written imposes retrofit costs, risks safety and could pit neighbors against each other. One commenter urged the council to "repeal ordinance 0 4 in full," arguing shielding requirements and a 9 p.m. curfew impose costs and interfere with people’s routines. Another resident said the grandfathering provisions were confusing and asked whether police or staff would have maps identifying grandfathered fixtures.
Council and staff emphasized the ordinance targets only "nonessential" lighting as defined in the code and does not require residents to turn off safety or security lights. Sergeant of police and council members said lighting tied to safety — porch lights, pathways and garage areas — would be permitted as essential lighting. Council members also noted the ordinance adds a measurable standard so enforcement is not based on subjective judgments.
Several council members said they wanted future work-session discussion on whether the ordinance’s holiday window (Nov. 15–Jan. 15) and the definition of "nonessential" should be broadened to be more inclusive of other celebrations. Staff said they would consider those broader questions separately; the item before council on July 13 only changed the curfew hour.
The council took a roll-call vote; the ordinance amendment passed unanimously.
