We have just received a copy of proposed changes to the Ivins City Regulations for Outdoor Lighting. There are some very, very concerning changes that could dramatically impact the quality of our dark skies and contribute more light pollution to our area.
We are not sure why the Planning Commission has proposed such drastic changes. We recommended the City consider making changes to the ordinance last year that would strengthen the protections for a night sky but at that time the City Council decided to leave the ordinance as is with the exception of creating a prohibition for electronic message boards.
Here are some of our immediate concerns:
- Removed “To preserve, protect, and enhance the natural beauty of the “night sky” under 16.23.101 PURPOSE and have removed ALL references to protecting the night sky throughout the Ordinance.
- Proposed increasing the correlated color temperature (CCT) of outdoor lamps from 3,000 to 4,000 degrees Kelvin.
- Have substituted “required” for many provisions that would protect the night sky with disclaimers such as ” unless this will compromise safety or security”
- Have removed most requirements for amber filters which reduce the amount of light pollution.
- Are exempting Home Accent Lighting from all provisions. This has the potential to allow homeowners to shine lights throughout their yard with no regard to light trespass.
When our current Outdoor Lighting Ordinance was written it was more respectful and balanced than the ordinances in most, if not all other communities in Utah. But in the past couple of years many communities in Utah, the Southwest, and around the country have surpassed Ivins with new thoughtful and carefully researched changes to their outdoor lighting ordinances. With these proposed changes not only is Ivins missing the opportunity of strengthening their ordinance but are taking huge steps backwards and is losing its vision and distinct identity.
TAKE ACTION NOW
The Planning Commission will be discussing these proposed changes tomorrow, TUESDAY, December 15 at 5:30pm. Write comments TODAY and submit to: Bryan Pack, Planning Commission Chair here or Sharon Allen, Deputy City Recorder here. Attend this meeting via ZOOM.
Click here for a copy of the proposed changes. And click here for information about how to attend tomorrow’s meeting using Zoom on your computer.