SANDPOINT — The city announced it will begin enforcing its outdoor lighting code in the spring, following outreach and engagement with business owners. 

The announcement follows the end of the five-year grace period outlined in the city’s 2020 ordinance. City officials said the primary focus initially will be educating the public and helping landowners to become compliant with the code. Enforcement will begin after the city makes “reasonable efforts” to work with the property owners, the city said.  

“The outdoor lighting code was adopted to protect public safety, reduce glare and light trespass, preserve neighborhood character and safeguard Sandpoint’s night skies,” Sandpoint officials said. “Property owners who wish to avoid receiving a formal notice of violation are encouraged to review their exterior lighting systems now and bring any non-compliant fixtures into compliance.” 

To comply with the code, exterior shields must be used to point lighting downward and limit its output. However, lighting may be unshielded if it produces less than 260 lumens, or partially unshielded if it produces up to 640 lumens per fixture. 

The lighting cannot spill into neighboring properties or public streets and must be adjusted to prevent glare beyond the property boundary. Additional code and regulations are on the city’s website under Title 8, Chapter 4. 

The city’s dark sky ordinance has been a constant point of focus for Councilor Pam Duquette, who has raised several concerns about the lack of enforcement at City Council meetings. 

At the Jan. 7 meeting, Duquette brought up an issue a neighbor was having, who felt the complaints were falling on deaf ears. Mayor Jeremy Grimm said he could discuss how to elevate enforcement of the code if the council wanted to make it a high priority. 

“Probably not high priority with everybody, but it is a code that isn't being enforced, and it's something that's near and dear to my heart,” Duquette said at the Jan. 7 meeting. “Thank you for listening continually.” 

For more information, the city encourages property owners to contact the building division at 208-263-3423 or review the code at sandpointidaho.gov/building/pages/sandpoint-dark-sky-city/.