Keep Sedona Beautiful Resolution:
Proposed Continuous Roadway Lighting for West State Route 89A

Dark Skies ... Starry Nights

Sedona is known for majestic red rock beauty, though when the sun goes down, another natural marvel takes center stage: Sedona's starry nights.

But our brilliant celestial display could be in danger of fading, as it has in many growing cities and towns throughout the world.

The good news is that a few simple measures can help preserve Sedona's
starry skies. The first step is learning more...

Why is it harder to see the Milky Way these days?

• Whatever we call it‑‑light trespass, urban glow, or light pollution‑‑the problem is artificial brightening of the night sky above cities and towns. Brighter skies make stars and celestial bodies, like the Milky Way, appear faded, less distinct.

What causes light pollution?

• Inefficient lighting‑‑either unnecessarily bright, or directed or reflected upward—sends light into the sky instead of down where we need it.

What's wrong with too much light? Too much light or misdirected light...

• Wastes energy dollars
• Wastes resources (like coal or oil) used to produce energy
• Increases pollution associated with resource consumption
• Creates glare, making it difficult for drivers and others to see at night
• Causes light trespass, from neighboring properties to yours
• Makes for clutter and confusion, an unattractive and distracting nighttime environment in our cities and towns

Who is affected by light pollution?

• Amateur stargazers, astronomers, drivers, pilots, conservationists, taxpayers, neighbors ... nearly everyone is affected by light pollution.

What can I do about it? Click here to find out how you can report it.

• Shield the lights you use at night, directing their glow down to illuminate doorways, paths, etc. Be sure you are not losing light to the sky or spilling light onto neighboring yards.
• Take advantage of dimmer switches, time controls, or motion sensors to use
  light more effectively, when and where you need it.
• Consider switching to low-pressure sodium lights. LPS lights are not only preferred by astronomers, they are also energy efficient.
• If you are bothered by glare or trespass from your neighbors' lights, talk to them about it, or give them a copy of this brochure.
• Contact businesses that cause glow or distracting glare. Encourage them to use light more efficiently and to turn off unnecessary signage after midnight.
• Participate in public meetings involving local and regional outdoor lighting guidelines.
• Join Keep Sedona Beautiful or other organizations that promote dark skies.
• Visit International Dark Sky Association or Yavapai County to see what your area's lighting ordinance and regulations are.
• Read the City of Sedona ordinances here.

Goals for Sedona

• An attractive, well-lit nighttime environment that is safe, secure and functional.
• A beautiful, star-filled night sky.

The stars have been our guiding lights through centuries of human development — to preserve this delightful and dazzling display for future generations is just one more way to Keep Sedona Beautiful.

 

APRIL 2006: Yavapai County Strengthens Lighting Ordinance

Thanks to a long-term concerted effort by Keep Sedona Beautiful and the Big Park Regional Community Council, with strong support from Supervisor Chip Davis, the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an amendment making a significant change to the County's Outdoor Light Pollution Ordinance, first enacted in 2002. Fully shielded outdoor lights will now be required on all new residential construction, remodels or replacements. Fully shielded is already a requirement for commercial lighting. 

 
According to Keep Sedona Beautiful's Conservation Vice President Bob Carabell,  "This amendment is significant for all communities...it addresses the growing number of citizen light trespass complaints and will improve driving safety conditions."  Trespass occurs when light and glare enter a neighbor's home or affect night driving vision, etc. The old ordinance allowed some unshielded lights and led to abuse over time.  New higher glare light bulbs now on the market sparked additional complaints. Yavapai County's new ordinance will now lead the state and most of the nation in light pollution prevention and trespass protection. Going forward, KSB expects to focus first on lighting education and the cooperation of businesses and homeowners to shield existing offending lights. 

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