Ross considers pursuit of ‘dark sky’ designation on light pollution

Ross officials are exploring whether to seek a special designation by DarkSky International, a nonprofit that offers certifications for municipalities, parks and regions it deems to be mindful of nighttime light pollution.

The Town Council received a presentation from staff on the town’s conformance to the organization’s standards.

“Staff believes that the current code and policies in place at Ross are sufficient in addressing lighting pollution,” said Planning and Building Director Roberta Feliciano.

Feliciano said town code requires that all exterior lighting be directed downward and shielded. Exterior lighting of landscaping is not permitted.

Also, the town opted into a Pacific Gas & Electric Co. program to replace conventional streetlights with LED lights. More than 200 streetlights were replaced in the town by 2019, Feliciano said. All the lights were the lowest light intensity available for streetlights at the time and exceed the DarkSky International requirements.

More than 200 locations worldwide have attained the designation since Flagstaff, Arizona, was named the first “International Dark Sky City” in 2001. Advocates elsewhere in Marin have been seeking designations as well. No municipalities in Marin have received the certification.

The lighting standards in Ross are consistent with or exceed those of Belvedere, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Fairfax and Tiburon, according to a staff report.

“It’s good to see that we are as good if not better than some of our other towns and counties,” said Councilmember Teri Dowling.

Mayor William Kircher asked about the burden to the town to provide lighting blockers based on residents’ requests.

“Is that something the town does on its own?” he said.

Public Works Director Richard Simonitch said additional blockers can be done at the request of property owners. The town pays $300 to $400 for an electrical consultant for shielding.

The council meeting included a presentation by Dan Smiley, founder of Marin Stargazers and vice president of the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers, on light pollution and how it affects humans and wildlife. He noted a series of recent complaints by residents about lighting in the Ross Valley.

In 2022, the county, facing complaints from residents about glaring new street lamps along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, obtained new light packages with shorter poles and dimmer bulbs for use between Eliseo Drive and Manor Road.

Also, a community organization called DarkSky West Marin has been seeking the county’s support in obtaining DarkSky International designation for the coast.

Fairfax officials are also considering whether to develop an ordinance to curtail light emissions. At a Town Council retreat on March 29, members of the Town Council agreed to look at whether streetlights could be improved to be “dark sky” compliant. The council directed staff to develop an ordinance for review.