Just because Kalispell has delayed enforcement of its new outside-lighting ordinance doesn't mean neighbors can't hit the dimmer switches now

The Daily Inter Lake

The rule of thumb: Step just outside of your yard at night and look at your lights.

If your outdoors lights are glaring into your eyes or shining into a neighbor's window, you're probably violating Kalispell's new outside-lighting law.

Actually, Kalispell's new outdoor-lighting standards are much more complicated, but that rule of thumb should be sufficient for homeowners, said city Planning Director Tom Jentz.

The new ordinance went into effect in August, but the city does not plan to start enforcing it for homes until Jan. 1, 2007.

Because commercial buildings will have a much tougher and more-expensive time to comply with the new law, the city won't start enforcing it on businesses until Jan. 1, 2009 - with extensions possible beyond that date.

New houses and new commercial buildings will be constructed to reflect the new lighting standards.

But the biggest bugaboo in writing, tweaking and enforcing the new law has been its effect on existing homes.

Will a typical homeowner face a lot of hassles and expense in complying with the new law?

Probably not, Jentz said.

Residential lights most likely to breach the law are floodlights and yard lights.

"It's how you focus the light. It's how you shade the lights. It's how you treat your neighbors," Jentz said.

Potential remedies include:

. Pointing a light more downward.

-Buying a lamp-like shield to cover the upper part of the light bulb, focusing the illumination downward. Prices vary, but many shields are in the $20 range.

-Using colored glass to cover part of the light bulb to redirect the illumination.

-Using black paint to cover the upper part of the light bulb.

. Buying a light bulb that throws out less light.

A Daily Inter Lake spot check of Kalispell stores showed that very few currently carry the light shields that city officials recommend homeowners buy and use, though a few more said they plan to stock up on shields later this year.

Several lighting fixture outlets do carry outdoor light bulbs that throw out less light and glare.

Jentz recommended against wrapping aluminum foil around part of a light bulb because it will heat up and create a fire hazard.

The city of Kalispell does not plan to actively seek out homes that don't comply with the new law. Instead, code enforcement officer Paul Jacobs will respond to complaints, most likely with personal visits to offenders to tell them how to comply.

The City Council adopted the new law in response to Kalispell's residential and commercial growth creating more light and glare during the past several years.

Reporter John Stang may be reached at 758-4429 or by e-mail at jstang@dailyinterlake.com.