Lighting Districts

What is a Lighting District?

There are different types of lighting districts, depending on light pole locations and number of poles. Some include light poles at the entrance of a neighborhood development or at a crossing area; some include light poles within a neighborhood.

Typically, a lighting district is created when a neighborhood is built, but sometimes lights may be added to an area that is already developed.

The cost of a lighting district is paid for by the members of the district via an additional fee in their Town taxes.

Adding light poles to an existing neighborhood must have extensive support from the members of the neighborhood. The lighting must meet requirements determined by RG&E with regard to placement and must comply with Town Code, including the Town’s Dark Sky Compliance requirements. See more information below on Dark Sky Compliance.

For information about the process of creating a lighting district, property owners can contact the Planning, Zoning and Development Department at (585) 248 - 6260 or by email using the DPW Contact form on the Town of Pittsford website.
 

What is Dark-Sky Compliant Lighting and why is it important?

The Town’s dark-sky lighting regulations protect residents from intrusive light from adjacent properties. These regulations benefit wildlife and the environment as well.

Our dark-sky compliant code helps minimize excessive or unnecessary light and glare while also conserving energy. It requires appropriate placement, design and construction standards for exterior lighting. These standards follow International Dark Sky Association and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America recommended practices for safety, utility, security, productivity, enjoyment and commerce.

Appropriate lighting is not only beneficial for our residents. Dark skies are important part of our ecosystems. Most birds, including small songbirds, migrate at night when the atmosphere is more stable and provides a steadier course. They use the stars and the moon to aid in navigation. Excessive night-time light can negatively affect nesting and feeding as well as migration. The breeding signals of many creatures – including fireflies, frogs, toads and crickets – are disrupted by excessive night-time light too.

Our Dark-sky lighting regulations provide a balanced approach to necessary, responsible exterior lighting practices. For further information about Dark Sky lighting requirements contact the Planning, Zoning and Development Department at (585) 248 - 6260 or by email using the DPW Contact form on the Town of Pittsford website.