Planning Commission Agenda and Packet 2023 10 12

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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes August 10, 2023 Page 11 of 14 and species diversity is threatened. Nighttime outdoor lighting only increases threats to insects. Sherry Sommer, resident, advocated for better compliance choices, not just amortization versus new construction only. At the last meeting, less expensive options for compliance were brought up, especially by Commissioner Choi. Motion sensors and timers can be a good idea. She discusses other ways to make property safer, for instance not having bushes next to doors. Overall, it would be a win if more people added sensors and timers. Cathern Smith, resident, thanked the staff and Commission for their efforts. She advocates for the darkest possible skies. She wondered if the Ordinance is merely symbolic and not substantive. She is curious about cost estimates: at Home Depot it costs under $30 for a solar -powered light. Hardwired lights on Amazon range from $30- $130. So, it is not very expensive for residents to upgrade, and for those who are cost - burdened, perhaps the City can support subsidies and tax incentives to support people with financial constraints come up to code. Circadian rhythms and sunlight are very important to humans, animals, and plants. Health effects could include heart disease and diabetes. Anything we can do to incrementally reduce the impact of humans on the environment is important. Regarding enforcement, the Ordinance does not have to be 100% enforceable to be useful. She suggests that staff look to ways to make it more fun. M. Christiansen, resident, spoke through a sign language interpreter. She appreciated Commissioner Howe's comments at the last meeting. She prefers Option 1, although it does seem punitive. She thinks a longer time frame for amortization strategy would be good. She encourages the City to work with the small business community to help them implement lighting solutions and strategies to put safety first. She says that looking at the specifics of the building and the lighting location (e.g., under the eaves or not) is important. She wishes to see more compliance over time. She thinks safety is of upmost concern for parking lots and wonders if requiring Dark Sky compliance is perhaps a little punitive. She suggests finding ways to reduce the burden on businesses. As far as 25% improvement on property or lot is concerned, she thinks that there should be an option for homeowners and businesses to sit down with City staff to discuss a lighting plan, when they are formulating their building plans. She thinks the City should partner more heavily with Xcel, and look to other municipalities' experiences with working with Xcel. Commissioner Final Questions of Staff. Howe asked about the public comment on incentives. Did PACE and Xcel summarize everything? Brackett Hogstad says yes. City of Louisville Community Development 749 Main Street Louisville CO 80027 303.335.4592 www.LouisvilleCO.gov 13