Citizens Input Invited on Proposed Outdoor Lighting/Dark Sky Ordinance

The City of Heath Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed Outdoor Lighting/Dark Sky Ordinance at its February 1 meeting prior to discussing and taking action. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in the Community Room at Heath City Hall, 200 Laurence Drive.

You are invited to participate in the Public Hearing and can view the ordinance draft here.

What is the Purpose of an Outdoor Lighting/Dark Sky Ordinance?

The intent of the ordinance is to decrease light pollution to maintain Heath’s quaint rural character, maintain property safety, preserve views of the night sky, and promote energy efficiency, community health, and harmony between neighbors.

What Properties Would be Affected by the Proposed Ordinance?

The proposed ordinance would regulate all on non-residential properties within the city limits of Heath. Single-family homes would not be affected. Examples of non-residential properties regulated include:

• Parks
• Neighborhood common areas
• Neighborhood amenity centers
• Sports facilities
• Trails
• Streets
• Neighborhood entry features
• Non-residential uses situated in the take-area of Lake Ray Hubbard.
• Parking areas
• Agricultural uses such as barns and arenas
• Tri-plexes, four-plexes and apartments

What are the Requirements of the Proposed Ordinance?

This ordinance requires that outdoor light fixtures be shielded so that the light shines downward — not upward or directly sideways. The new regulations would control light from scattering upward into the sky and minimize the horizontal glare that occurs with looking directly at a lightbulb.

A goal of the ordinance is to provide light that is closest to the natural light seen from the sun and stars. This light required is in the yellow color spectrum, which minimizes the use of light in the blue color spectrum.

Great effort was made to write an ordinance that is easy to interpret, easy to administer, and easy to enforce.

How Would the Proposed Ordinance be Enforced?

If the proposed ordinance is approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and adopted by the City Council, the developer of non-residential development would be required to provide an outdoor lighting plan that meets the requirements of the ordinance.

This plan would be reviewed by City staff to ensure that requirements were met. After the lighting is in place and inspected by the building department, a code enforcement officer would investigate any complaints after dark.

Would the Proposed Ordinance affect Existing Non-Residential Properties?

Yes, if adopted by City Council, existing non-residential properties would be required to comply with the ordinance. Owners/developers of existing non-residential properties will have up to five years from the date of adoption to comply with the ordinance. If non-residential property owners/developers modify their property after the adoption of the ordinance, compliance may be required at the time the property is modified. City staff would be available to answer any questions to assist owners/developers regarding plans for compliance.