Save the Night | Be the Solution, Stop Light Pollution
- Brightness: In general, unshielded fixtures like these can be used as long as they are 600 lumens or less in brightness (Section 102-4A). However, if they create a public safety hazard or nuisance (see Section 102-6A), a lower lumen level may be required. Also, there is a limit on the total lumens allowed for all fixtures (combined) that aren't fully shielded (see Section 102-4C(2)). For these reasons, we recommend using 250 lumens for fixtures like these – or, even better, switching to a fully shielded fixture, especially if your fixture is visible to neighbors.
- Color Temperature: The color temperature must be 2700K or less (Section 102-4B). We recommend using 2400K or less to be the most dark-sky and neighbor friendly.
- Time Restriction: As long as fixtures like these have bulbs that are 600 lumens or less, the bylaw doesn't require that they be turned off or dimmed during the night if they are used as safety and security lighting (Section 102-4D). If they aren't being used for safety and security, they must be turned off between 11pm and 6am or, on nonresidential property, within one hour of closing until one hour before opening (Section 102-4D). The most dark-sky and neighbor friendly thing to do is to turn them off between 11pm and 6am.
Examples of Fully Shielded Alternatives
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