Park City residents may have to update their outdoor lights in the near-future to meet proposed city codes.
Park City’s Land Management Code on lighting hasn’t been updated since 1998. The city wants to align outdoor lighting regulations with Summit County’s and the International Dark-Sky Association standard.
City Planner Rebecca Ward said the purpose of the update is to protect the night sky.
“It doesn't necessarily it doesn't mean less lighting, it just means better lighting to reduce light pollution,” Ward said. “As the lighting technology has changed, and the standards have evolved, the code hasn't necessarily kept up with that. So we're trying to update the code to reflect those best practices.”
Elizabeth Jackson is also a city planner. She said the new code would set a maximum lumen for property, which limits the amount of light put out. It would also try to prevent harsh lighting by setting a maximum of 3,000 degrees Kelvin.
“So once you pass 3,000, that really changes the color and how harsh the light can be,” Jackson said. “So you'll probably see these really bright, bright, fluorescent lights, and you go inside of an office building, and it's just this harsh white light. The maximum basically just says it's a warmer light, and it's not going to go blue.”
But this would require work and money on the part of Park City residents who would have to update lights in their backyards. Ward said that’s why they have allowed plenty of time for residents to get up to code.
“We're suggesting that that date be set for December 2024 to give people four years,” Ward said. “That process can be really expensive. We're also looking for information on what the cost might be for certain properties.”
She also said the city is considering grant programs to help people who cannot afford the upgrade.
The code would not change rules regarding holiday lights, which are allowed from November 1 to April 15.
You can join in on the virtual community discussion at noon Tuesday by visiting parkcity.org/dark-sky.
