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Dark Sky Ordinance to Take Effect in Whitefish

By Beacon Staff

WHITEFISH – Three years after the Whitefish City Council adopted an ordinance to reduce the amount light shining skyward, the city’s dark sky ordinance takes effect Monday.

The ordinance requires light fixtures to block light from shining upward and sets stricter rules for commercial lighting.

Residents will be required to install light fixtures that shine downward. Lights without any type of shielding will be limited to 45-watt bulbs while lights with partial shielding can use bulbs up to 60 watts.

Commercial exterior lighting must be on poles no taller than 30 feet, mercury vapor lights cannot be used and canopy lights, such as those at service stations, must be fully shielded.

Whitefish’s dark sky ordinance follows the philosophy of the International Dark Sky Association, which wants to reduce the energy used in lighting and leave the sky darker so more stars can be seen.