DarkSky Outdoor Lighting Codes – reviews and recognition

Working with DarkSky International to review and recognize locally enacted lighting ordinances is an excellent way to ensure the quality and effectiveness of outdoor lighting code. Earning DarkSky recognition can also serve as valuable promotional material for tourism, offering communities a chance to celebrate their commitment to a better nighttime environment.

There are two pathways for submitting drafted codes: an interim review and final recognition. While we do not require you to submit your code or statutes for review before applying for recognition, we highly recommend it. This proactive step helps ensure that your ordinances meet DarkSky’s standards and are effectively protecting the night. It also allows you to apply for official recognition with confidence, knowing your policies align with our guidelines. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Submit a draft ordinance for interim review

DarkSky’s team will review the drafted language and outdoor lighting requirements, offering feedback and suggestions for areas needing improvement. This proactive review helps avoid potential challenges before the ordinance is presented to a governing body for official enactment and adoption. To submit an ordinance for review, click the link below to access the submission portal and pay the $250 review fee. If needed, our team can collaborate with you to refine the draft through an iterative feedback process; however, each submission is considered a separate interim review and thus requires an additional submission fee.

Step 2: Seek adoption by your governing body

Once the draft of your lighting code is finalized, it’s time to submit it to your council or legislature for enactment / adoption. This process can take time and may involve additional adjustments requested by the governing organization. We strongly advise that you seek an interim review of the final language before adoption if you plan on submitting for DarkSky Recognition after adoption; otherwise, it may be at risk of not being acceptable to DarkSky. Only fully adopted codes are eligible for official DarkSky recognition. Once your code is officially enacted/adopted, you can proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Apply for DarkSky Recognition

Once your municipal code is enacted /adopted, submit it along with official enactment confirmation from the governing body for final review and recognition. To begin, click the link below to access the application portal, where you can submit your documents and pay the $750 application fee.

If the newly adopted code meets all the criteria within the template, your municipality will receive official DarkSky recognition starting on the enactment date within the code. DarkSky recognition is a testament to your community’s commitment to responsible outdoor lighting and preserving the night sky.