Reduce Light Pollution and Design for Dark Skies

B7Reduce Light Pollution and Design for Dark Skies

2 points possible

Why this matters to the lake?

Light pollution is created by the use of inefficient luminaires and lamps (especially at night) and lighting to excessive levels.  Excessive and inappropriate use of night lighting obscures the view of the night sky over the lake, disturbs wildlife, and wastes energy. Light pollution can be minimized by choosing efficient luminaires and lamps. Fewer lamps may be required to meet lighting objectives, resulting in less light emitted into areas where lighting is unnecessary.

Intent

  • Improve night sky visibility and reduce development impact on nocturnal environment by eliminating light trespass from buildings and site
  • Encourage reasonable uses of outdoor lighting for nighttime safety, utility, security, and enjoyment, while preserving nighttime ambience
  • Reverse loss of natural night sky and environment
  • Conserve energy and resources
  • Protect natural environment from damaging effects

Recommended Methods

Overall, minimize site lighting where possible. Adopt site lighting that maintains safe light levels while avoiding off-site lighting and night sky pollution. Take advantage of lighting controls, such as timers and motion detectors, to only use lights when they are needed. Control the amount of light emitted by shielding, placement and eliminating light above the 90◦ plane. 

Select “Low Glare” lighting equipment for the following uses:  Parking Lots – Use full cutoff luminaires; Pedestrian and Entry Lighting – Use of full cutoff luminaires or low wattage; and Façade Architecture – Aimed top down or make certain any light does not escape building. 

Landscape and Security Lighting should be fully shielded and downward facing so the majority of light hits its target. Shield lights from normal viewing angles to ensure they do not cause glare. Avoid over-lighting an area. Turn lights off when not needed.

Requirements

  • One point is awarded to sites that adopt at least one of the following practices:
    • Use lowest wattage of lamp possible. Maximum wattage for most commercial applications is 250 watts of high intensity discharge (HID) lighting.
    • Use motion sensor controlled lighting.
    • Incorporate lighting curfews. 
    • Use automatic timers or motion detectors set for all outdoor lights.
    • Eliminate landscape lighting.
    • Have a shielded lighting plan.
    • Minimize exterior building lighting.
    • Use solar powered lighting.
  • One point is awarded for the following Maximum Lamp Wattage and Required Luminaire/Lamp Shielding below:
    • Fully shielded
    • Maximum 250 watts HID for commercial lighting
    • Maximum 100 watts incandescent bulbs
    • Maximum 26 watts compact fluorescent for residential lighting
    • Residential areas – Lights shielded so light is not directly visible outside property perimeter.
  • The following are exempt: Swimming pools and other water features governed by Article 680 of National Electric Code; Exit signs and other Building Code illumination requirements; Lighting for stairs/ramps (Building Code); Signs regulated by Sign Codes (Required to be fully shielded); Holiday and temporary lighting; Recreational sports field lighting: and low voltage landscape lighting.

Submittals

Include the following information with application:
✓ As part of the Proposed Site Plan, the applicant should show site lighting, information on lumens and/or wattage of light features, and describe the measures taken to avoid light pollution.
 

Other Resources

Existing Regulatory Guidance/Requirements

Town of Bolton Waterfront Revitalization Plan, Chapter 2-11, Dark Sky Ordinance

Town of Lake George, Town Code, Section 220-25