Dark starry nights, like natural landscapes, forests, clean water, wildlife and clear unpolluted air, are valued in many ways by the residents of this community and they provide the natural resource upon which our world-renowned astronomical industry depends.
Both the city and county adopted zoning regulations for outdoor lighting in 1989, and since then the codes have been periodically updated and strengthened. The purpose of these zoning regulations is to help assure that dark skies remain a resource to be enjoyed by the Flagstaff community and its visitors, and to provide safe and efficient outdoor lighting regulations that protect Flagstaff’s dark skies from careless and wasteful lighting practices. Dark starry nights, like natural landscapes, forests, clean water, wildlife and clear unpolluted air, are valued in many ways by the residents of this community and they provide the natural resource upon which our world-renowned astronomical industry depends. The use of outdoor lighting is often necessary for adequate nighttime safety and utility, but common lighting practices can also interfere with other legitimate public concerns.
In addition, the city and surrounding areas are uniquely suited for astronomical observation because of their topographic and atmospheric conditions. To assist in maintaining these conditions, the city promotes the reduction of light pollution so that the observatories within and adjacent to the city can maintain and carry out successful missions and operation. The concerns of aesthetic appearance, dark sky protection, operation objectives and utility need not compete. Good, modern lighting practices provide adequate light for safety and utility without excessive glare or light pollution. Also, attention to when, where, type and how much night-time lighting results in better lighting practices, darker skies and reduced energy use and costs.
In response to various development proposals through the past several years, the Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station (NOFS) completed a Mission Compatibility study to evaluate mission impact from light pollution, present findings and outline recommendations for consideration by the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County to minimize the impact to the dark sky and the NOFS military mission. The study was completed in three phases. Phase one quantified the current sky brightness at the NOFS. An inventory and analysis were completed of the existing and potential land uses in the region and finally a quantitative prediction of sky brightness resulting from new development. The second phase defined the maximum sky brightness that will be compatible with NOFS mission. Phase three developed six mitigation strategies to preserve the NOFS mission and operational capabilities.
The City of Flagstaff is in the process of updating the Zoning Code Outdoor Lighting Standards with the assistance of local lighting experts, based on a series of recommended modifications from the Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station Mission Compatibility Light Pollution Study. These modifications include the elimination of Lighting Zone 3, placing the majority of the City of Flagstaff within the same area requirements for outdoor lighting. Lighting Zone 3 currently covers most of east Flagstaff from Sunnyside to the eastern city limits. The draft version of this code can be reviewed on the city’s website at https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/3000/Amendments. A public open house is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 4, in the downtown library community room at 300 W. Aspen Ave., in Flagstaff to discuss the proposed amendment. Public hearings with the Planning and Zoning Commission are anticipated to follow this fall. Any questions or concerns can be directed to me, as Zoning Code manger. Please contact me at 929-213-2605 or tantol@flagstaffaz.gov. FBN
By Tiffany Antol
Tiffany Antol is the Zoning Code manager for the City of Flagstaff. Antol began with the City of Flagstaff in 2013 prior to working for Coconino County. She holds a bachelor’s degree in geography/urban studies from San Francisco State University and a master’s degree in planning from the University of Arizona. She can be reached at 928-213-2605.
Leave a Reply