Planning Commission Meeting Date: June 20, 2024
To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Mikayla Schmidt, City Planner
Kim Lindquist, Planning Consultant WSB
Title
Consideration of Text Amendments to Section 3.3.4 Outdoor Lighting Standards found within Chapter 34 - Land Development Code.
Body
Action Requested:
The Planning Commission is asked to make a motion of recommending language changes to the ordinance. The changes are proposed in order to implement recommendations in the city's Climate Action Plan and to address a stated desire to meet the goals of the "Dark Sky" initiative.
Summary Report:
A draft of the text amendment was provided at the April 18, 2024 Planning Commission (PC) meeting. No substantial changes were recommended from the PC and now the draft is brought before the Commission to make a recommendation to City Council.
The lighting standards have been reviewed, and modifications made, to address the strong interest in adopting dark sky standards for the community. While City staff and boards and commissioners recognize there are commercial and industrial uses which have a need for lighting, these standards have been modified to provide clarity in terms of materials and performance standards to assist in reducing overall lighting and glare impacts. The ordinance introduces a dampening of lighting after 11pm by 50% and also provides exceptions from this standard for certain establishments. This performance standard is new and should reduce overall lighting within the community during the later evening hours.
As can be seen from the ordinance draft, much of the language is already within the codified ordinance. Potential changes are found in strikeouts and underlines. Also attached is a working paper that has some information and ordinance reviews about dark sky standards for the Commission's information.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends the PC recommend approval of the text amendment to City Council.
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