Revere council approves amended outdoor-lighting ordinance after debate

The Revere City Council on July 13 approved an amended ordinance revising Title 17 of the Revere Revised Ordinances to regulate outdoor lighting across the city.

The ordinance, which the zoning subcommittee moved favorably, was debated in detail over concerns about enforceability and whether long‑standing fixtures should be grandfathered. Chairman Silvestri noted the subcommittee’s recommendation and presented the amended language; Councilor Hass, who had not been at the zoning meeting, asked whether parks, athletic fields or homeowner motion lights would be affected. Councilor Calleandro and other members said the ordinance would be applied to nuisances and that athletic fields were explicitly exempted in the amendment.

Councilors pressed for protections so homeowners would not be forced to replace longstanding fixtures because of permit triggers; Councilor Novosalski urged grandfathering where reasonable. The council settled on amended language leaving nuisance determinations to the building commissioner and zoning enforcement officer while preserving necessary lighting for parks and public facilities.

On a roll call the ordinance passed as amended. Vote details recorded on the floor show Councilor Kelly and Councilor Novosalski voting no; other councilors voted in favor. Following the vote, the council ordered engrossment and ordainment of the ordinance.

The ordinance will be enforced by the city’s building and zoning officers as written; councilors said they expect further clarification in enforcement practice and will watch for impacts on residents who rely on motion‑activated lighting.

The council moved on to the next agenda item after the ordinance’s approval.