Recent public comments made at a city council meeting revealed concern about residential light pollution. The concern relates to demolishing of old homes and replacing them with bigger and taller structures, the loss of trees, and the resultant light that travels from a neighboring house. The city declared “Dark-sky Week” multiple times over the past two years. We covered it here. A few city council members, Dan English and Dan Gookin voiced support for city staff to look into this issue. Mayor McEvers also verbalized support.
Pictured above, under construction, is the Thomas George building which replaces a single-story US Bank. This building was not the subject of the public comment. However, what is the feasibility of creating and enforcing an ordinance regarding residential lights shining onto neighboring properties? How much cost does it add to the design and construction process? Does this type of law exist in other Idaho communities? Councilmember Dan Gookin cited the city of Hailey, Idaho, which has one such ordinance.
