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A. The use of outdoor lighting is often necessary for adequate nighttime safety and utility, but common lighting practices can also interfere with other legitimate public concerns. Principle among these concerns are

1. The degradation of the nighttime visual environment by production of unsightly and dangerous glare,

2. unnecessary waste of energy and resources in the production of too much light or wasted light,

3. interference in the use or enjoyment of property which is not intended to be illuminated at night, and

4. the loss of the often-neglected scenic view of the night sky due to increased urban skyglow.

It is hereby recognized that these different interests, those of safety and utility and those of aesthetic appearance, need not compete. Good modern lighting practices can provide adequate light for safety and utility without excessive glare or light pollution. In nearly all cases, careful attention to questions of when, where and how much lighting is needed, will lead to better lighting practice from all viewpoints.

B. It is also recognized that the topography and atmospheric conditions in northern Arizona are uniquely suited for government, military, commercial, and private astronomical observation in the area, and that unnecessary or excessive use of outdoor nighttime lighting has an adverse impact on astronomical observation in the area, and that unnecessary or excessive uses of outdoor nighttime lighting has an adverse impact on astronomical observation, even at relatively distant observatories.

C. Accordingly, it is the intent of this section of the Zoning Ordinance to encourage lighting practices and systems which will minimize light pollution, glare, light trespass, and conserve energy while maintaining nighttime safety, utility, security and productivity. (Prior code §  8-3)