OUTDOOR LIGHTING LAW

The Town of Ithaca has adopted a new Outdoor Lighting Law which applies to all public and private outdoor lights installed in the Town of Ithaca.  It is intended to eliminate problems of glare, minimize light trespass to keep unnecessary direct light from shining onto abutting properties or streets, and to reduce sky glow.  The Town identified a need for a lighting law that recognizes the benefits of quality outdoor lighting and that provides clear guidelines for the installation of outdoor lights.   The new law, which was adopted by the Town Board on October 16, 2006, became effective on October 29, 2006.

What are the problems with lights?


 

The problem of light pollution exists most everywhere, and it is still growing rapidly.  New lighting technologies have produced lights that are extremely powerful, and these types of lights may be improperly installed so that they create problems of excessive glare, light trespass, higher energy use, and sky glow.  Excessive glare can be annoying and can cause safety problems by reducing your ability to see.  Light trespass reduces everyone’s privacy by light falling where it is not needed or wanted and sky glow can interfere with observatories and wash out all but the brightest stars. 

What is the purpose of the Town law?

The purpose of the law is to promote the public safety and welfare by regulating outdoor lighting to reduce the problems created by improperly designed and installed outdoor lighting.  This law is intended to eliminate problems of glare and minimize light trespass to keep unnecessary direct light from shinning onto abutting properties or streets, to help reduce the energy costs of outdoor lighting, and to reduce sky glow. 

 
 

What are the major elements of the law?
 

The law includes requirements for the shielding of most types of new and replacement outdoor lights installed in the Town of Ithaca.  The law also includes specific regulations which deal with:

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 outdoor signs (light mounted on top of sign – brought into conformance with law within one year)

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recreational facilities (hours of operation)

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lighting under roof overhangs and canopies (recessed and/or shielded so light is restrained to no more than 85 degrees from vertical – brought into conformance with law within one year)

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spotlights and floodlights (aimed 45 degrees or more below the horizontal)

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prohibited lights (laser source lights, search lights and strobe lights, mercury vapor fixtures and lamps)

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temporary lighting

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submission requirements for new construction

Most typical small household lights will not be affected – the law exempts any lamp of 1,000 lumens or less.  The lumen output of most lamps is listed on the packaging.  As an example, a 60 watt incandescent light = 890 +/- lumens, and therefore no shielding would be required, while a 100 watt incandescent light = 1,550 lumens, and would therefore require shielding.

 

 

Where can I get a copy of the law?

Outdoor Lighting Law

Copies of the law are also available at Town Hall, 215 N. Tioga Street.

Who can I contact at the Town?

Jonathan Kanter, Director of Planning

jkanter@town.ithaca.ny.us

or

Michael Smith, Environmental Planner

msmith@town.ithaca.ny.us

at

607-273-1747

 

Where can I find more general information about outdoor lighting?
 

International Dark-Sky Association

http://www.darksky.org/

Sensible and Efficient Lighting to Enhance the Nighttime Environment (Dark Skies for New York)

http://selene-ny.org/default.asp

Dark Sky Society

http://www.darkskysociety.org/

Light Pollution Awareness Website

http://members.aol.com/ctcadman/index.htm

Light Pollution Internet Links

http://members.aol.com/ctcadman/LiteLynx.htm

Page by Michael Smith, Environmental Planner