THE INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY ASSOCIATION

WORKS FOR YOU - - - BOTH NEARBY AND FAR AWAY

 

Written by Robert Callanan and Edited by Dave Bilgray

 

 

The Southern section of the International Dark Sky Association (SA-IDA) would like to pass onto members of the TAAA two recent reports.  In both of these, local sections of IDA worked to get smart lighting concepts into laws to help improve the outdoor lighting in their communities.  These can serve as examples for future legislation elsewhere. 

1.  In Eagar, Arizona, the new Residential Lighting Code provides a way to get rid of annoying lights from neighbors.  The code, paraphrased, reads: 

 

"If a property owner within 300 feet is experiencing light trespass from an    adjoining neighbor and there is a formal complaint to the Planning and Zoning department, they will have 45 days to shield the fixture so that light will not go beyond their property lines." 

 

The new code, passed in April, deleted the exemption for shielding residential fixtures under 160 watts.
 
Eagar has a population of about 4,000 people and is located in Apache County, East of Show Low.  Wouldn't it be great if similar results could be achieved in other parts of the State ??? What about Phoenix ???  That would sure help the telescope viewing from Kitt Peak !!!
 
2. In the United Kingdom, Parliament passed a law making light intrusion a statutory nuisance in late April 2005.  This will have far reaching impacts across the UK as people work to control light pollution. 

 

Light pollution should be considered as simply another type of property trespass.   After all, there has been legislation controlling noise intrusion for many years - - - and that is now widely accepted.

 

THE USE OF OUR EXISTING TRESPASS LAWS HERE IN TUCSON COULD BE A POSSIBLE WAY FOR TAAA MEMBERS TO HAVE PARTICULARLY BOTHERSOME SITUATIONS CORRECTED - - - ESPECIALLY IF THE TRESPASSING LIGHT INTERFERES WITH REGULARLY USED TELESCOPE VIEWING SITES !!!

 

The Southern Arizona section of IDA welcomes your support for worthy projects locally, including enforcement of existing laws.  Remember that these may be in your own self interest.  Please feel free to ask us how we can help you. 

 

 

Submitted by John Polacheck

President of Southern Arizona Section

International Dark sky Association (SA-IDA)

 

SA-IDA web site:  www.sa-ida.org

E-mail address:  jpolach@dakotacom.net 

Telephone:  (520)-743-1362  (home/evenings)   

8/19/05