No action taken in Yuma ‘Dark Sky’ ordinance at board meeting

Editor’s Note: In a previous version of this article, the information provided was sourced from the Associated Press which is a news agency that provides print and television journalists nationwide.

Information regarding the action taken with the ordinance has since been updated.

The possibility of a ‘Dark Sky’ revision to Yuma County’s Outdoor Lighting Ordinance is at a standstill.

According to a Facebook post by Yuma County Government, no action was taken on this agenda item.

According to the post, as of now there is ” no plan to regulate any lighting right now. The Dark Sky amendment, if brought back, would have to go through a great amount of work. ”

“If the Board continues to move forward, there would be ample opportunity for the public to provide input.”

In a city council board meeting discussing this agenda item, the agenda stated “This item was heard by the Board of Supervisors at their regular meeting of February 20, 2019 at which time the Board asked for a legal opinion concerning Proposition 207. Staff contacted the incorporated jurisdictions in Yuma County and none have adopted a Dark Sky Ordinance.”

According to a description of what is approved under the Dark Sky ordinance, the International Dark Sky Association says to be listed, a fixture must be fully shielded and emit no light above the horizontal plane. There shall be no sag or drop lenses, side light panels, or uplight panels. Approved fixtures shall employ warm-toned ( 3000K and lower) white light sources or may employ amber light sources or filtered LED light sources. If other CCT’s or mounting options are available for the luminaire, a notation needs to be made on the web page, spec sheets, and order forms that 3000K or warmer, and fixed mounts must be ordered for IDA certification compliance.

The post from Yuma County Governments goes on to say “It is important to note, that your porch lights will be safe.”