[BoulderCouncilHotline] Item 5A: lighting questions

[Morzel, Lisa]

In advance of tonight brief discussion of 5A,
I have the following questions:

1.  Would staff please provide the public comment that was supposed to be in our packet for this item? I cannot find it

2.  What is the actual compliance of the existing lighting ordinance? Is it only 20% or is it closer to say 80%?

3.  What percentage of the city's buildings and lighting fixtures are in compliance?  How much is not in compliance currently? And how much would it cost to bring the city in compliance in the next few months?

4.  On page 203 of 1314 pages, it states "since lighting plans are not reviewed required for projects relating to single-family homes city staff assist compliant in response to complaint in that practice will continue." My question is is there anywhere in the permit application that mentions the current city requirements for lighting for the applicant so that the applicant is not caught unaware when complaints start coming in?  I would hope our policy is not to be dependent upon people complaining about their neighbors lights in order to enact this ordinance. This does not create good relations amongst neighbors. This is the city's job, not the neighbors job, to enforce. 

5.  Is there any reason why the current ordinance could not be implemented now with an eye on making the lighting upgrades  required in the building performance ordinance in 2021? Can they not be treated separately?

I brought the dark skies ordinance back to Boulder Colorado from Sanibel Island Florida in January 1996. It should not take 22.5 years to implement a simple dark skies ordinance. The original ordinance was passed unanimously by that city Council and was strongly supported by our police department as well as many others in the community   The 15-year amortization period should be enough and, as I understand from watching planning board, The majority of residential and commercial and private buildings are in compliance. 

Thanks 
Lisa

Lisa Morzel
Boulder City Council Member

303-815-6723 c
303-938-8520 h