Environment
Examples and Resources
Yakima, WA Wal-Mart Supercenter Store Noise Study Report (2004)
This developer-produced report concludes that, with some mitigation, the noise generated by trash compactors, trailer truck deliveries, garbage truck collection, pneumatic tire wrenches, roof-top HVAC, parking lot sweepers, and customer vehicles for a 24 hours a 65 day, 7 days a week Wal-Mart Supercenter,…
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
CEQA created a system of checks and balances for land-use development and management decisions in California. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) records the scope of the applicant’s proposal and analyzes all its known environmental effects. Project information is used by state and local permitting…
Cape Cod Commission, Massachusetts (1990)
The Cape Cod Commission was created in 1990 by an Act of the Massachusetts General Court and confirmed by a majority of Barnstable County voters. In the wake of an unprecedented growth boom in the 1980s, the Cape Cod Commission Act found that Cape Cod had “unique natural, coastal, historical, cultural…
Washington State Environmental Policy Act-SEPA
The Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) provides a way to identify possible environmental impacts that may result from governmental decisions. These decisions may be related to issuing permits for private projects, constructing public facilities, or adopting regulations, policies or plans.…
New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR, 1978)
New York’s State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) is a model law to introduce in any state. SEQR requires all state and local government agencies to consider environmental impacts equally with social and economic factors during discretionary decision-making. These agencies must assess the…
Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act (MEPA)
This statewide environmental protection law requires that state agencies study the environmental consequences of their actions, including permitting and financial assistance. It also requires them to take all feasible measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate damage to the environment. MEPA further…
Windsor Township, York County, PA, Official Zoning Ordinance (2001)
A briefly written ordinance, Windsor requires hooded and/or screened lights “so as not to permit the source of illumination nor lenses from being seen off premises.” States specific goals in foot candles for range of illumination for parking lots and commercial buildings. Perhaps, most significantly,…
Plymouth, Massachusetts Lighting Ordinance (1997)
Citing the glow of large commercial parking lots as a major generator of light pollution, this amendment makes the straightforward requirement “that all lights be shielded to limit glare…and prevent lights from shining beyond the boundaries of the development.” Stating that light pollution not…
Tucson, Arizona Lighting Ordinance (1994)
Written with the premise that seeing a starry night sky is our human heritage, this zoning bylaw is considered to be one of the best lighting ordinances in the world. In effect for more than ten years, its detailed and focused approach shows the influence of local astronomers who help to craft it.…
Albany County, Wyoming Lighting Ordinance (2003)
On September 2, 2003, the Albany County Board of County Commissioners approved regulations for outdoor lighting. The purpose of the new rules was to reduce light trespass, glare, and light pollution, to reduce energy costs, promote public safety and preserve the county’s pristine night sky. Light…
