San Diego Might Be a Bit Brighter Soon

Owners and tenants on private land in the city of San Diego, including in La Jolla, may soon be able to install brighter and more energy-efficient outdoor lighting under proposed policy revisions unanimously approved Wednesday by the City Council's Land Use and Housing Committee.

According to a staff report, city officials want to restore balance to outdoor lighting regulations that no longer meet goals of the general plan for public safety and energy conservation. The report says astronomers and “dark sky advocates” overly influenced the last changes made in 2008.

Scientists who view the heavens from observatories atop Palomar Mountain and Laguna Mountain have complained for years about worsening light pollution from San Diego's rapid growth.

The proposed changes still need final approval from the City Council.

City staffers have worked with astronomers and others with a stake in the issue to identify a satisfactory level of illumination.

According to the report, the city has already seen a savings of $1.2 million in energy costs, plus maintenance reductions, by installing new induction lights in public areas beginning two years ago. The rule changes would allow private interests to achieve similar savings.

Councilman Todd Gloria said supporting the item was “a no-brainer” because of potential cost-savings and lower energy consumption, which will help the environment.

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–City News Service