The city of Mountain View is developing an ordinance to establish objective lighting standards to reduce light pollution, protect wildlife and preserve the view of the night sky.
Known as a dark sky ordinance, it is intended to promote sustainable and efficient outdoor lighting and minimize light pollution in natural and residential areas. The objective lighting standards can apply to new and existing development depending on the breadth of the ordinance.
The city’s Fiscal Year 2023-2025 Work Plan, approved by the city council in 2023, outlines the dark sky ordinance among the city’s priorities. This ordinance will provide clear guidance for lighting levels, fixture specifications and operational standards for private development throughout the city, said Lenka Wright, the city’s communications officer.
The project began in June and will tentatively conclude in 2026.
The city is conducting an online community survey until Dec. 10. This feedback will help guide the development of the ordinance. The survey is geared toward an evaluation of lighting priorities and the quality of lighting throughout the city.
Steve Landau, president of Dark Sky Santa Cruz, said different iterations of the ordinances are guided by local control. He said there are similar efforts happening throughout the Bay Area, Palo Alto included.
“They did a good job of getting the gist across that the lighting can be better virtually everywhere. It’s good to be doing it and getting the perspective of people,” he said.
Wright said the cost at this time was undetermined. The total cost of implementation would be dependent on its scope.
