The skies over Valley County are to be officially darker by November, when the county's outdoor lighting ordinance enters a new phase.
County residents have been receiving information about complying with provisions of the so-called "dark skies" ordinance to go into effect Nov. 1, planning and zoning administrator Cynda Herrick said.
Residents and businesses have until Nov. 1 to comply with the lighting rules that were approved by the county commissioners in November 2004.
Homes and businesses that do not comply with the new lighting standards will be notified by a county building department employee that the lights are not in compliance. After 30 days, if the lights are still not in compliance, the owner of the lights can be fined up to $300 and court costs.
The ordinance is similar to McCall's "dark skies" ordinance that is also beginning to go into effect in the city this year.
Lights must be shielded
The regulations are intended to establish standards that insure minimal light pollution, reduce glare, increase energy conservation, and maintain the quality of Valley County's physical and aesthetic character, the ordinance said.
There is a 30-foot height limit to all light fixtures. The lights also have to be fully shielded to train light downward, Herrick said.
Recreational facilities such as baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball or football fields are exempt from the ordinance so long as lights are on only while the field is in use.
Lights cannot be directed or indirectly reflected onto any adjacent lot. Lights should not illuminate the sky or reflect off any adjacent water bodies.
All nonessential exterior commercial and residential lighting is encouraged to be turned off after business hours or when not in use. Lights on a timer are also encouraged to be used for security purposes.
Other lighting rules in effect include:
• External lighting of the face of signs shall be placed above the sign and shielded or below the sign and directed in a manner that the illumination source shall not be visible from any adjacent lot or real property.
Sign lighting shall not reflect or glare beyond the face of the sign and immediately below the sign.
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All outdoor lights used for parking areas, walkways and similar uses shall be mounted on poles eight feet or taller shall be directed downward.
The light source shall be shielded so that it will not produce glare or cause light trespass on any adjacent lot or real property.
Searchlights shall only be operated for special events or grand openings for a maximum of one week. Searchlights shall not be operated on residential or agricultural property.
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The installation of mercury vapor lamps is prohibited.
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Flashing or intermittent lights, lights of changing degree of intensity, or moving lights shall not be permitted. This section will not prohibit flashing porch lights to help emergency vehicles find a home. Holiday lights are also exempt.
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Industrial and exterior lighting shall not be used in such a manner that produces glare on public highways and neighboring property.
Arc welding, acetylene torch cutting or similar processes shall be performed so as not to be seen from any point beyond the property line. Exceptions will be made for necessary repairs to equipment.
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Sensor-activated lights must be located to prevent glare and lighting onto properties of others and into the public right of way.
The lights must be set to go off after five minutes and shall not be triggered by activity off the property.
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Lighting of radio, communication and navigation towers along with power lines and power poles except as required for aircraft beacons.
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All applications for a conditional use permit or a building permit shall include an outdoor lighting plan for the entire site.
