Zoning Regulations
Examples and Resources
Downtown Business Zone/Preference for Smaller Businesses (1999)
The city of Santa Cruz, CA, as part of its “downtown recovery plan,” wanted to have a vibrant, active Central Business District which would serve as the primary retail center for the city, and be the home for “unique” businesses “offering residents and visitors a diverse and wholesome environment.”…
Londonderry, New Hampshire Impact Fees
The town added to its zoning regulations a section on Impact Fees, which stated that the purpose of such fees was to “assess an equitable share of the growth-related cost of new and expanded public capital facilities to all types of new development in proportion to the facility demands created by…
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…
Outdoor-Lighting Ordinance of Cloudcroft, NM
Approved and adopted by the Cloudcroft Village Council in 1995, this bylaw requires, with exceptions for safety, that all outdoor light fixtures maintained on public or private property are turned off after 11:00 PM, flashing or pulsating signs are prohibited, and off-street lighting illuminates only…
Environmental Protection Ordinance, History of Violations (1998)
Wayne, Pennsylvania. This local ordinance prohibits corporations from doing business in the township if they have a consistent history of violating environmental laws. The purpose of this ordinance is to “protect the citizens…from corporations that have committed repetitious illegal activities…by…
Interim Guidelines for a Model Lighting Ordinance (2005)
Produced by IDA, this primer for local lighting regulation “aims to address light pollution harms such as glare, light trespass, human health and environmental impacts, and energy waste, by regulating the amount of light that can be used, when it can be used, and what types of fixtures should be…
Model Outdoor Lighting Ordinance for Cities and Towns
A boilerplate document, created by NELPAG, based on several successful outdoor night-lighting ordinances from different parts of the country. Beginning with a statement of the problems of light pollution, it goes onto apply detailed quantifiable solutions, and addresses the all-important topic of…
