It is ironic, if not sad, that at the same time the James Webb Space Telescope is allowing us to view the stars and galaxies back to the beginning of time, from earth we can barely see the stars. This is not due to industrially polluted skies we have become complacent about but rather the ever-growing light pollution we have been ignoring. Over 80% of Americans have never seen the Milky Way. All North America and Western Europe live under some level of light polluted skies.
Research continues to link human health with avoidance of light pollution. Humans need the night sky not just for their general mental well-being, but our circadian rhythms require darkness like the many nocturnal animals, birds, and other creatures we share on this planet such as insects and pollinators that depend on the dark to thrive. Careless lighting up the night sky disrupts delicately adapted pattens of life in the wild with unanticipated consequences.
The good news is Maine is taking some steps. Despite Maine having the largest contiguous areas of dark skies east of the Mississippi River with its “Maine Woods Dark Sky Park” and “Katahdin Woods and Water Dark Sky Sanctuary”, Maine recognizes continued economic growth in the state will result in creeping light pollution. To mitigate this forecast the 132nd Maine Legislature has introduced LD 1934 “An Act to Promote Responsible Outdoor Lighting”. This bipartisan bill was sponsored by Rep. Laurie Osher of Orono and introduced to the House on May 6, 2025.
The purpose of this bill is to establish state-wide standards for municipal and state-owned properties planning outdoor lighting projects. These guidelines would incorporate means to minimize light trespass on neighboring properties as well as directing the Department of Administrative and Financial Services to draft model zoning lighting ordinances for towns to adopt at the local level.
So how does this affect your condominium or HOA complex? All condo boards eventually face an exterior lighting project in their future. Responsible planning to reduce light pollution, sometimes referred to as ‘light trespass’, should be part of the agenda for these discussions. Everyone knows switching to exterior LED light fixtures will reduce the electric bill and maintenance costs of replacing bulbs, but we should be aware the blue light emanating from an LED fixture produces more light pollution than a standard bulb.
In addition to this proposed state bill, there are many resources available to a condo or HOA community wanting to include environmentally responsible provisions in their own Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&R) and future outdoor lighting plans. Web sites of the International Dark-Sky Association and the Illuminating Engineering Society provide language and ideas that can be adapted to suit any community’s need or preference. The basic principles include:
- Use light only if it is needed.
- Direct light so it falls only where it is needed.
- Use light only when it is needed.
- Light only to the brightness needed.
- Minimize blue light to the amount needed.
Often the issues of personal safety and security drive the need for improved lighting on a condo or HOA site. But the correct solution is not always intuitive. As an example, most would think adding more illumination to a parking area would enhance a sense of security. It turns out increasing illumination heightens a sense of insecurity. A better solution would be to increase the illumination of the paths of egress from the parking lot while dimming the parking area. When the human mind has a sense of easy and reliable escape from danger, a heighten sense of security occurs.
Boards should review a condo complex’s real outdoor lighting needs. Better illumination and lower power costs comes with intelligent thinking such as using lighting fixture timers or motion sensors to reduce unnecessary fixture use. Outdoor lighting fixtures should be directed downward with shields and well-thought-out locations using low-glare, efficient bulbs. Consider low solar walkway fixtures instead of high area lighting. Also, consider reducing or eliminating landscaping lighting which not only may be a waste of money but also can harm some plants who need to adjust at night after prolonged exposure to daytime UV radiation.
Condo and HOA communities can be a driving force not only on their grounds but also in directing their local municipal government’s planning to prevent future developments contributing to light polluting the night skies. Perhaps some day we can bring back the Milky Way.
Written by Jack Carr, P.E., R.S., LEED-AP, Senior Consultant Criterium Engineers
Published in Condo Media