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> Issues > Urban Growth and
Development > Smart Bylaws Guide > Part
3 > Dark Sky Regulations
Smart Bylaws Guide – Dark Sky Regulations
The glare from streetlights makes stargazing difficult in urban
areas and is a waste of light. The glare from some outdoor lights
can also hamper visibility. Several jurisdictions, including Saanich
and Tempe, Arizona, have adopted street lighting standards aimed at
shielding the sky from light pollution, and directing the light
downwards to where it will be most effectively used.
District of Saanich
The District of Saanich was the first municipality in Canada to
develop light pollution guidelines. Commercial and multi-family
developments must adhere to the Saanich Municipal Outdoor
Lighting Standards for the Control of Light Pollution (Schedule
B to the Zoning Bylaw). Each zone to which the standards apply
contains a general provision stating that "the relevant
provisions of …Schedule B of this bylaw shall apply."
Out of concern for the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory located
in the municipality, the lighting of developments within 5
kilometres of the Observatory must be approved by the Observatory
and abide by stricter standards than those applied to the rest of
the municipality. Generally, outdoor light fixtures must be shielded
and skylights tinted to minimize light escapement.
Schedule
B, Zoning Bylaw 8200 - Municipal Outdoor Lighting Standards for the
Control of Light Pollution
See also Schedule B to the District of Highlands Bylaw No. 230
(Official Community Plan amendment), which has detailed standards
for lighting in the Highlands Commercial/Industrial Gateway Area,
also located near the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory.
Tempe, Arizona
The Dark Sky Ordinance in the City of Tempe, Arizona regulates
the installation of outdoor light fixtures to ensure that light is
directed downwards to where it will be used, and will not affect
astronomical observation with Tempe. All outdoor light fixtures,
with limited exceptions, shall be fully shielded.
Dark Sky
Ordinance 90.02
Official Community Plan Policy and Development Permit Guidelines
The District of Lantzville's Official Community Plan (BylawNo.
50, 2005) provides the following policy statement with respect
to roads and connectors:
- In an effort to minimize light pollution, the District will
use technology that results in "dark sky" lighting
in all new or replacement street lighting and for exterior
lighting for new development or redevelopment in commercial
and industrial areas.
A number of BC municipalities have included dark sky
guidelines in their development permit area (DPA) guidelines
established under their Official Community Plans:
- The Town of Dawson Creek's Official Community Plan (Bylaw
No. 3550) Multi-Family Residential DPA Guidelines stipulate
that streetscape lighting shall be "...'Dark Sky Friendly'
and not shine directly onto adjacent properties."
Dawson Creek's Zoning
Bylaw No. 3362 (section 5.14) also stipulates "Dark Sky
Friendly" lighting for parking areas.
- The City of Osoyoos' Official Community Plan (Bylaw
No. 1230, 2007) Multi-Family Residential DPA (9.9),
Commercial DPA (10.10) and Industrial Development DPA (11.5) all
stipulate that "dark sky lighting is required and shall be
placed not to shine on any adjacent residential properties or to
cause distractions to drivers."
Provincial Initiatives
Cypress
Hills InterProvincial Park Designated a Dark Sky Preserve
Sample Bylaws and Ordinances
Light Pollution
Abatement Resources- Municipal Bylaws (Royal Astronomical
Society of Canada)
Simple
Guidelines for Lighting Ordinances (International
Dark Sky Association)
For More Information
A number of organizations have gathered information and resources
related to preserving dark skies. Clickable
Map to Dark Sky Sites in Canada (Royal Astronomical Society of
Canada, Calgary Chapter) Dark
Sky Parks and Preserves (International
Dark Sky Association) (including McDonald
Park Dark Sky Preserve in Abbotsford, BC, officially designated
April 7, 2000)
Dark Sky
Society
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