Bella Vista City Council Proposes Outdoor Lighting Regulations for Commercial Developments
Bella Vista, AR – The Bella Vista City Council has introduced a new ordinance aimed at regulating outdoor lighting for new commercial developments. This proposal, discussed during the regular council meeting seeks to address community concerns about light pollution and ensure safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor lighting.
The proposed ordinance, adding Article X to Chapter 109 of the city's Code of Ordinances, establishes comprehensive standards for outdoor lighting to:
Protect the privacy of property owners by minimizing light pollution and limiting glare and light trespass from adjacent properties.
Safeguard drivers, pedestrians, senior citizens, and the visually impaired from the glare of non-vehicular light sources that can impair safe travel.
Promote efficient and cost-effective lighting solutions.
Allow flexibility in the style of light fixtures while encouraging creativity and compatibility with the city's image.
Reduce atmospheric light pollution to enhance the overall environment of Bella Vista.
Key provisions include requirements for all outdoor lighting to be hooded, shielded, and aimed downward to minimize light trespass and glare. Existing fixtures can be modified to comply by adding appropriate shields or re-aiming the lights downward. The ordinance also sets specific standards for commercial recreational lighting and canopy structures, ensuring that lights are fully recessed or shielded to prevent glare on public rights-of-way or adjacent properties.
The ordinance exempts single-family and duplex residential properties, temporary emergency lighting, and routine maintenance activities. The council aims to balance the need for effective outdoor lighting with the community's desire for a safe, healthful, and attractive environment.
The council will review the ordinance further in upcoming meetings, considering additional feedback and potential amendments before final approval.
