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Council approves first reading of dark-sky outdoor lighting ordinance
Summary
Harpers Ferry council approved first reading of Ordinance 2026-05 to establish outdoor lighting standards aimed at preserving night skies; one council member recused and the motion carried on first reading with discussion of next steps for final adoption.
Harpers Ferry’s town council approved the first reading of Ordinance 2026-05, an outdoor lighting code intended to meet dark-sky standards, after members praised months of committee work and public outreach.
Council member S3, who previously helped draft the measure, thanked committee members and described the effort as the product of “18 months worth of work,” noting the ordinance aims to preserve night skies and reduce light pollution. A motion to adopt the ordinance on first reading passed with a recusal recorded and a final tally of 6-0 on the motion.
The ordinance’s first reading focused on general requirements and the committee’s intent; council members discussed whether the version before them differed substantially from the committee draft and signaled plans for follow-up review before second reading and final adoption. The record shows the council intends to maintain the ordinance’s architectural and historic protections while enforcing lighting limits that align with dark-sky guidance.
Next steps: council members said they expect additional implementation detail and administrative instructions will be developed before the ordinance returns for a second reading. No schedule for final adoption was set during the meeting.
