Best Practice Action 4.1
GreenStep City Best Practices: Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals No. 4
Improve the efficiency and quality of street lighting, traffic signals and outdoor public lighting.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 1
Require energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant new or replacement outdoor lighting fixtures on city-owned/private buildings and facilities.
- The best reference for outdoor lighting efficiency standards is the Model Lighting Ordinance developed and continuously revised by the International Dark-Sky Association and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.
- For outdoor lighting standards see the light pollution reduction credit (p. 80) of the LEED for Neighborhood Development (version 4) Rating System Document. The Leed for Cities and Communities metric is to achieve a sky glow at or below 4 in the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale where the Milky Way is still visible in residential areas, or a Sky Quality Meter reading of 21.2 or greater.
- Use the International Dark-Sky Association Outdoor Lighting Basics guide to promote reduced/smarter outdoor lighting. See the GreenStep Dark Skies best practices for more.
- Bird-Friendly Development Guidelines (City of Toronto, 2007) provides design tips on reducing night-time light pollution and the benefits to birds. See also Bird-Safe Building standards in the State of MN B3 Guidelines, and the Audubon Society's Lights Out challenge through which a city can work with building owners and managers to turn off excess lighting during the months migrating birds are flying overhead, so as to help provide them safe passage between their nesting and wintering grounds.
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Summarize the policy or practice for fixtures on city-owned, or school or other governmental buildings. |
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Summarize policies for fixtures adopted by the city and at least one other entity (the school board, another governmental unit within the city). |
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Requirements (within State code) for private buildings, OR: installation on public facilities of photo controls on all outdoor light fixtures; installation of timers with seasonal schedules to control when lights turn on and off; score under 4 in the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale. |
Who's doing it
Duluth -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2012
Implementation details:
Duluth's Exterior Lighting Ordinance (UDC 50-31) applies to all city-owned, multi-family, mixed use, commercial, and/or industrial buildings in the city as well as all parking lots. The ordinance requires that:
-Any light emitting more than 900 lumens must be shielded with an IESNA shield with 90% of the light falling below 80 degrees.
-All lighting must be compliant with intensities and uniformity ratios in the IESNA lighting handbook and must meet specific minimum and maximum illumination values as set forth in the Minnesota Energy Code.
-Light pole height, sign illumination, and service stations/convenience stores follow certain guidelines.
-Fixture illuminating monuments or statues shall emit only a narrow beam of light.
-Any light emitting more than 900 lumens must be shielded with an IESNA shield with 90% of the light falling below 80 degrees.
-All lighting must be compliant with intensities and uniformity ratios in the IESNA lighting handbook and must meet specific minimum and maximum illumination values as set forth in the Minnesota Energy Code.
-Light pole height, sign illumination, and service stations/convenience stores follow certain guidelines.
-Fixture illuminating monuments or statues shall emit only a narrow beam of light.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618
Partners:
La Crescent -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
Section from ordinance that states: "Subd. 5. GLARE. In all districts, any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area, sign, or other structure, shall be arranged so as to deflect light away from any adjoining residential zone or from the public streets. Direct or sky-reflected glare, whether from floodlights or from high temperature processes such as combustion or welding, shall not be directed into any adjoining property. The source of lights shall be hooded or controlled in some manner so as not to light adjacent property. Any light or combination of lights which cast light on a public street shall not exceed one (1) foot candle (meter reading) as measured from the centerline of said street. Any light or combination of lights which cast light on residential property shall not exceed .4 foot candles (meter reading) as measured from said property line. All new exterior lighting shall be dark sky LED lighting not allowing light trespass."
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.cityoflacrescent-mn.gov/wp-content/uploads/Zoning-Ordinance-Book-pdf.pdf
For more information contact:
Jason Ludwigson (Contractor) | JDLudwigson@gmail.com | 5073139633
Partners:
Lakeville -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
Existing City ordinance requires that new street lights, building exterior lights, and parking lot lights for City-owned and private buildings an facilities be dark sky compliant.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ann Messerschmidt (City Staff) | amesserschmidt@lakevillemn.gov | 952-985-4528
Partners:
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Energy efficient, Dark-sky compliant new or replacement lighting fixtures are included in new construction.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brandy Toft (City staff) | air@lldrm.org | 218-335-7429
Partners:
New Prague -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: Pre-2010
Implementation details:
All City facilities currently have outdoor lighting that is downward facing, shielded, and does not bleed across property lines. Section 704 of the zoning code requires that all commercial, new or updated, also comply with those standards.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Partners:
Richfield -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Section 544.09 of the Zoning Code includes outdoor lighting requirements consistent with Dark-Sky principles. The Code applies to both public and privately owned property. However, the Code requires metal halide lighting, although it is common practice citywide to now replace with LED.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
Partners:
Royalton -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton is committed to achieving "dark sky" compliance for its city and as a result the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council have adopted an ordinance requiring lighting to be "dark sky" compliant
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The ordinance is in place and future lighting in the city (residential, commercial and street lighting) will comply with this ordinance.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Partners: Planning & Zoning Commission
Sauk Rapids -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In 2007 the City reconstructed its main street through its downtown. This improvement included decorative lights which are dark sky compliant. City ordinance also requires all new private parking lot lights to be of the same or similar design to the City lights, meaning that all new private parking lot lighting is also dark sky compliant.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Marilyn Patterson (Community volunteer) | mpp03@charter.net | 320-258-5300
Partners:
Scandia -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
Development code sets standards for lighting in all zoning districts providing that any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area or other structure or area shall be arranged as to deflect light away from any adjoining property or from the public street.
1. Shielding. The luminaire shall contain a cutoff that directs and cuts off the light at an angle of 90 degrees or less.
2. Intensity. No light source or combination thereof which casts light on a public street shall exceed 1 foot candle meter reading as measured from the centerline of said street nor shall any light source or combination thereof which casts light on adjacent property exceed 0.4 foot candles as measured at the property line.
1. Shielding. The luminaire shall contain a cutoff that directs and cuts off the light at an angle of 90 degrees or less.
2. Intensity. No light source or combination thereof which casts light on a public street shall exceed 1 foot candle meter reading as measured from the centerline of said street nor shall any light source or combination thereof which casts light on adjacent property exceed 0.4 foot candles as measured at the property line.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: Dark sky lighting standards
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
Partners:
Morris -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
All city-owned buildings and facilities (including parks) have been replaced with energy efficient, Dark-sky compliant lighting fixtures.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Blaine Hill (City staff) | bhill@ci.morris.mn.us | 320-589-3141
Partners:
New Hope -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Section 4-3 (d) (5) requires cut sheets for all new proposed lighting so that light intensity at or above 90 degrees is no more than two and one-half percent of lamp lumens, and no more than ten percent of lamp lumens at a vertical angle of 80 degrees above nadir.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jeff Alger (City Staff) | jalger@newhopemn.gov | 763-531-5119
Partners:
Nisswa -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
All of our city buildings have switched our outside lighting to energy efficient, dark sky compliant lighting fixtures. This has been in the works for awhile but we are 100% changed over. We will continue to use these lights to keep our energy usage down and avoid light pollution.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brittney Cotner (City Staff) | zoningadmin@ci.nisswa.mn.us | 2189632402
Partners:
Roseville -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city has a LED Retrofit Four Year Plan for all city owned lights in place.(Dates: 2011-2015)
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Johnson (City staff) | Ryan.johnson@cityofroseville.com | 651-792-7049
Partners:
Bemidji -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
Bemidji is a participating member of the Dark Sky Initiative and actively works to conserve the dark sky. Dark sky compliant lighting is required on city buildings and facilities. Dark Sky conservation is also listed within the comprehensive plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Michelle Miller (City staff) | michelle.miller@ci.bemidji.mn.us | 218-759-3561
Partners:
Burnsville -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
New or replaced outdoor lighting fixtures are all energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant fixtures. Additionally, almost all new outdoor lighting fixtures are LED. This is overseen by the City of Burnsville's Maintenance Supervisor as a standard, not a policy.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sue Bast (City staff) | basts@ci.burnsville.mn.us | 952-895-4524
Partners:
Eden Prairie -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
As part of Eden Prairie's 20-40-15 program, most city lights have been switched to LED.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Partners:
Grand Marais -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
County Courthouse outside lights were replaced in with all LED fixtures. The County replaced communication tower lighting with LED lights. One tower is inside the City limits.
County Courthouse outside lights were replaced in with all LED fixtures. The County replaced communication tower lighting with LED lights. One tower is inside the City limits.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Shane Steele (Contractor) | sustainability@grandmarais.city | 507-884-5790
Partners:
Hopkins -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City recently installed Dark-Sky compliant outdoor lighting at Cottageville Park. There is no policy requiring outdoor lighting on City-owned buildings and facilities to be Dark-Sky compliant, but the City does require them as practice.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Steve Stadler (City staff) | sstadler@hopkinsmn.com | 952-548-6350
Partners:
Mountain Iron -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Our recently adopted Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy requires, under Section 2(6) that only LED lighting be used
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Partners:
Saint James -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Nearly all street lights in the City of St. James use LED lights and are Dark-Sky compliant. It is the City's policy to purchase only LED replacements for outdoor lighting fixtures and to have all the outdoor lights become Dark-Sky compliant.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289
Partners:
Saint Paul -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City does not require Dark-Sky compliant fixtures, however, they are considered when replacements are needed. The City has been installing LED fixtures in most of our newest installations but have not adopted this as a defined policy. We have replaced 1,500 fixtures with both state and federal funding, as well as City contributions. We are replacing between 500 and 800 more fixtures in high speed/high volume roadway areas this year.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kurt Schultz (City staff) | kurt.schultz@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-266-6590
Partners:
Saint Peter -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
All city-owned parking lot lights and lights outside the buildings are LEDs
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Partners:
Two Harbors -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
All city-owned buildings have exterior lighting photo eyes or time clocks. This is to ensure the exterior lighting is in use only when necessary.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Stuart Anderson (City staff) | cthelec@frontiernet.net | 218-834-8811
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Susan Zarling, State Signal and Lighting Engineer, MN Dept. of Transportation: 651/234-7052, susan.zarling@state.mn.us