Commission Moves to Limit Light Pollution
Artist: David Cohen
At their January 17th meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners passed a new outdoor lighting ordinance designed to minimize light pollution and improve energy efficiency in unincorporated areas of the county. Commissioners amended the original Planning Board ordinance, incorporating stronger measures recommended by the Sierra Club and local environmental groups. The amendments:
1. Expand the ordinance applicability to include all types of new development except single family residential.
2. Restrict all new Dusk-to-Dawn security lights including single family residential.
3. Include a five-year sunset clause for all non-conforming Dusk-to Dawn security lights including single family residential.
4. Require that all non-conforming light fixtures be made compliant at the time of a renovation or replacement.
The Commissioners also approved a pair of grant applications for over $900,000 in state and federal funding that would go to Mountain Mobility transportation system. The grants would require roughly $166,000 in matching local funds. In addition, the Board heard a report by economic services program administrator Tom Rhodes on the county’s poverty prevention and management programs. He emphasized the county’s success working with outside partners such as ABCCM. In other business, a wellness incentive for county employees was approved.
To watch David’s video summary of the January 17 meeting and hear his thoughts on actions taken,
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