Thursday, August 28, 2025

Humboldt County Implements Dark Sky Ordinance to Curb Lighting

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Humboldt County is implementing new regulations for exterior lighting in unincorporated areas, enhancing opportunities for residents to report disruptive lights and aiming to reduce light pollution. Advocates, like Mark Wilson from the Astronomers of Humboldt, believe the ordinance will promote science education by improving stargazing conditions and position the county as a leader in dark sky preservation. While Eureka has less stringent rules, the new county standards are more comprehensive but may strain code enforcement resources, as expressed by Board of Supervisors Chair Michelle Bushnell. The measure, which passed 3-2, allows existing non-compliant lighting to remain unless it provokes complaints, with certain exemptions for sports fields and holiday decorations.

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