Unwanted artificial light ruining your night?
Illuminating Engineering Society and DarkSky international has an accepted industry standard Model Lighting Ordinance which place limits on glare, spill light to abutting properties and curfew hours.
Limits are determined by zoning areas, becoming more strict depending on how dark the surrounding area is. For example, it restricts how much light can fall on the windows of residential buildings during pre-curfew and post curfew hours.
While the standard is not always mandatory it is enforced for applications such as sports field lighting and car park lighting, and can be requested for other areas such as street lighting and new developments.
To avoid the environmental impact and nuisance of obtrusive lighting, local government agencies should be insisting on Model Lighting Ordinance for all new projects involving new or upgraded lighting.
If you are experiencing nuisance from obtrusive or glary lighting we strongly suggest you contact your local legislators and planners to complain, specifically referencing this standard.
If you would like more information, please feel free to contact us to ask about lighting standards.