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Dark sky friendly lighting in Harmony, Florida. Photo by Jim Richardson.

The Dark Sky Friendly Development of Distinction certification program was designed to recognize subdivisions, master planned communities, and unincorporated neighborhoods and townships whose planning actively promotes a more natural night sky but do not qualify for the International Dark Sky Community designation.

The Dark Sky Friendly Development of Distinction promotes sensitive outdoor lighting in an effort to preserve the environment from unnecessary light at night, including (but not limited to) light trespass, glare, and sky glow. The award was designed to garner community support for environmentally responsible outdoor lighting.

Note: As of 1 August 2020, DarkSky no longer accepts new nominations for the Dark Sky Friendly Development of Distinction program.

Certified Dark Sky Developments of Distinction

Downloads

Development of Distinction Guidelines (April 2009) (PDF)