Dobbins JLUS IMP Public Draft Light Pollution Study | Page 246

MODEL LIGHTING ORDINANCE - USER’S GUIDE
General Notes in Adopting this Model Ordinance
Adoption of this ordinance should follow the established development,
review, and approval processes of the adopting authority. If no such
processes are in place, this ordinance may be adopted as a new
independent section of the Municipal Code.
The MLO is probably best adopted as an “overlay zoning” ordinance.
This means that it overlays, but is different from, land-use zoning. It
can be added to or integrated into existing ordinances or codes and
cross-referenced to other applicable codes and ordinances such as the
electrical code, the sign code, planning ordinances, etc.
The MLO may best be managed by assigning it to planning officials
and using existing administrative structures.
Because of the diverse community and lighting needs across large
areas, this MLO is not intended for adoption as a state, provincial
or national ordinance. Regional coordination is encouraged. Light
pollution knows no boundaries, and the effects of polluting light
persist as far as 200 kilometers (about 120 miles) from the source.
One large city could adopt the MLO and dramatically affect a region,
but adoption in suburbs and small towns must be part of a regional
effort to achieve significant improvements in the overall quality of
the night sky.
MODEL LIGHTING ORDINANCE - TEXT
MLO Development and Task Force Members
This Model Lighting Ordinance has been developed as a joint under-
taking by the Illuminating Engineering Society and the International
Dark-Sky Association.
The Joint Task Force responsible for developing the MLO include
IDA
Co-Chair: Jim Benya
Co-Chair: Nancy Clanton
Leslie Lipstein
Leo Smith
Michael Mutmansky
IES
Naomi Miller
Cheryl English
Denis Lavoie
Eric Gibson
John Walter representing the electric utility industry also contributed
as a member of the Joint Task Force.
Adopting agencies should also consider that the MLO, like all other
modern codes, is designed to evolve over time. Lighting technology
will change, and MLO changes will be needed every few years.
On-going renewal cycles are strongly recommended as any part of
an adopting ordinance.
USER’S GUIDE - Page 4
Page B-4
ORDINANCE TEXT - Page 4
Appendix B: Model Lighting Ordinance