FAQs

Frequently asked questions for Bisbee Dark Skies

1. Q. The City of Bisbee just updated the lighting codes to become Dark Skies compliant. As a homeowner in Bisbee how does this affect me?

A. These new regulations have very little effect on current homeowners. The new code 7.10.3 says; ” The requirements shall apply to any and all NEW uses and additions to existing land uses, developments, building, or structures.”

The only way a residential homeowner would be affected by these codes is if they decided to turn their home into an Air B & B ( A commercial operation) then they would have to upgrade to the new code.

2. Q. If none of these new codes affect residential home owners how does this city become a Dark Skies Community?

A. At Bisbee Dark Skies our motto is “Lets keep what we have”. 95% of our residences mostly meet the rules for Dark Skies Compliance. These new codes basically affect New Business and future development.

3. Q. I love the concept of Dark Skies in my community. If these new codes don’t mandate my compliance how can I voluntarily update my lights to achieve Dark Skies at my house?

A. This is what we are looking for from residential homeowners. Simply replacing older outdoor unshielded lights with down-facing lower wattage shielded (“ shielded “meaning the bulb does not protrude beyond the housing around it) lights usually is enough to achieve Dark Skies compliance. Home Depot already carries a selection of lights that meet these requirements.

4. Q. The street light outside of my house shines into my windows all night long. Is there anything I can do about this?

A. Yes. APS has a program to install light shields on existing streetlights. This done by taking a picture of the number on the pole with the streetlight as shown below. Then contact:

Customer Construction Team
602-371-6140
Construction@APS.com

The cost is currently $75

5. Q. I have a neighbor that has an outdoor light that shines directly into my house. Can Bisbee Dark Skies help with this.

A. No

This issue falls under the new city lighting code 7.10.6, "Light Trespass." If you’re experiencing this problem, contact the city’s Building Inspector to arrange an after-dark inspection. If a violation is found, the neighbor will be notified and given 30 days to resolve it. Lighting must not exceed the property line.

To file a complaint, contact Xavier, the city inspector:

Building & Zoning Inspector
Xavier Rodriguez
(520) 432-6015
XRodriguez@BisbeeAZ.gov

What are the requirements to be a dark sky community

1. A quality comprehensive lighting code (like the IDA/IES Model Lighting Ordinance with the following minimum standards for permanent lighting installations):

Fully shielded or full-cutoff standard for all lighting fixtures over 1500 lumens

Establish a threshold of 3000 Kelvins for the allowable correlated color temperature of all lighting fixtures

Restrictions on total amount of unshielded lighting, such as a limit on lumen per acre or total site lumens in unshielded fixtures (or equivalent wattages)

A policy to address over-lighting, such as energy density caps, lumen/acre caps, or maximum illuminance specifications

A provision that clearly: (1) indicated where, when, and under what circumstances new public outdoor lighting (street lighting and lighting on other public property and rights-of-way) is warranted and will be permitted, and (2) requires that adaptive controls and curfews be employed in all future installations of public outdoor lighting.

2. Community commitment to dark skies and quality lighting as shown by:

City owned lighting conforming with, or committed to conforming with, the lighting code (if the latter, a published plan with a timeline for completion in no more than 5 years)s)

Municipal support of dark skies and good lighting as indicated through city publications, flyers, public service announcements, funding of lighting upgrades, etc.

3. Broad Support for dark skies from a wide range of community organizations such as:

Chamber of Commerce
Local electrical utility
Local IDA Chapter
Lighting retailers
Home Owners Assocation
Business Improvement Associations
Others

4. Community commitment to dark skies and education as shown by at least one of the following:

Planning and execution of at least two community dark sky awareness events per year. This may be organized through a local astronomy club, municipality, school, etc.

Inclusion of dark sky awareness documents (IDA brochures or community-created brochures) with other community informational documents for residents and visitors

Inclusion of dark sky education in community schools and curriculum

5. Success in light pollution control. At least one of the following conditions must be demonstrated:

Examples of a minimum of ten projects built under the lighting code, demonstrating effective application of the local lighting code
Alternative demonstration of success in light pollution control, to be discussed with IDA for compliance

5. A sky brightness measurement program must be maintained either by the community or by another public or private organization (university, research center, IDA chapter, astronomy club, etc.) to follow the evolution of light pollution in Bisbee.

6. Designation is permanent, but it is subject to regular review by IDA and possible revocation if minimum requirements are not maintained.

7. Periodic checks, through the submission of the annual report due October 1st, will be preformed to ensure that minimum standards and objectives of the program are being upheld and adequate progress is being made. This report is a short 1 to 2 page synopsis of the community's activities and initiatives throughout the last year.