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Commission splits on exterior lighting changes; approves shielded‑fixture prohibition and extends string‑light dates
Summary
After staff presentation, public comment and multiple motions, the Board approved prohibiting unshielded lighting fixtures except for string lighting (effective July 1, 2026) and extended the wintertime string‑light exemption to Oct. 25–Jan. 15; an earlier motion with different language failed 2–3.
Erin Monroe, Associate Long Range Planner, and applicant Samuel Singer (Wyoming Stargazing) presented proposed amendments to Section 5.3.1 of the Teton County Land Development Regulations governing exterior lighting. The proposal sought to prohibit most unshielded fixtures while maintaining a seasonal exemption for string lighting and to limit visible colors displayed during the exempt period. Samuel Singer presented the application and answered questions.
Multiple members of the public provided comment both in person and via Zoom opposing and supporting various elements: Stefan Fodor (on behalf of Fish Creek Investments), Heather Overholser, Scott Fossel, Liz Doyle, Amanda Robertson, Dan Baker, Meghan Quinn (Executive Director, Teton Village Association), Jared Smith, Karen Daubert, and Ellen Fales. The Board first considered a motion to adopt an amendment that would have prohibited all unshielded fixtures except string lighting and exempted colors during the string‑light period; that motion failed 2‑3. The Board then passed a motion to prohibit all unshielded lighting fixtures except for string lighting and removed the existing exemption for unshielded light sources under 600 initial lumens, with an effective date of July 1, 2026 (the motion carried 4‑1). Separately, the Board approved extending the wintertime exemption for string lighting to October 25 through January 15, effective July 1, 2026; that motion passed 3‑2. Planning staff recommended adding a Subsection L to address restrictions on flickering and flashing; the Board incorporated related language in its discussion and motions.
One motion maker read the amended motion on the record: “I move to approve the extension of the wintertime exemption for string of lights to the time frame of October 25 through January 15 as presented in the application AMD2025‑0002, based on the factors recommended by the Planning Director, effective July 1, 2026.” The changes will be codified in the LDRs with the effective dates the board set and staff recommended additional clarifications to the text for enforcement.
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