DarkSky codes and statutes templates
DarkSky International provides templates designed to help communities and territories develop outdoor lighting codes and statutes that both improve the lighting experience and reduce light pollution.
These documents are crafted to offer a straightforward, effective approach to writing codes and statutes with technically accurate language and incorporating measures that meet lighting needs for people while mitigating light pollution. Each template ensures that the lighting measures are practical, enforceable, and follow DarkSky’s Five Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting.
The templates have been modeled for U.S. municipalities and states, but the underlying concepts and principles are universal and easily adaptable for non-U.S. communities and territories. These resources provide baseline lighting practices for any region looking to enhance lighting quality while mitigating light pollution. We will continue to expand these templates with additional supplements over time to meet evolving needs.
We invite you to use these templates as a starting point, modifying them to suit the specific needs of your community or territory in line with our terms of use. Additionally, we recommend consulting with lighting design professionals to help ensure the most effective implementation of these policies.
DarkSky Municipal Ordinance Template and User Guide
This template is for city, county, or other municipalities to establish codes and/or ordinances that will enhance outdoor lighting and mitigate light pollution. The measures included in this template are structured for community-level design decisions to adapt with local environmental and civic concerns.
DarkSky also provides supplemental templates that provide further guidance for illuminated signage, seasonal lighting, and lighting areas where coastal marine turtles are concerned:
Municipal ordinance supplements:
DarkSky State Legislation Template and User Guide
This template is for states, provinces, or territories to establish statutes that will enhance outdoor lighting and mitigate light pollution. The measures included in this template cover larger state/territorial properties without necessarily placing mandates on the communities within the state or territory. The provisions in this template are broad and simple but effective in reducing light pollution and energy costs.
Download the DarkSky State/Territory Legislative Introduction Letter (PDF/DOC) for a brief and compelling introduction to the topic of outdoor lighting and why we need legislative help. It is short enough to be read quickly yet interesting enough to gain someone’s interest. It is meant as a way for you to introduce yourself and the topic of responsible lighting when you first meet with state/territory legislators”.
