Submitted by [deleted] t3_10m5ulx in pittsburgh
twistedscrew t1_j615gqb wrote
The city has light pollution ordinances - I would check with 311
Watchyousuffer t1_j619gbr wrote
the one I'm finding via google is only for city owned property - is there anything else?
twistedscrew t1_j61s6ia wrote
Watchyousuffer t1_j61ul6l wrote
Thanks! Interesting ordinance appreciate you locating it
Moogottrrgr t1_j658bbf wrote
So, good news and bad news. In the code under "Residential Compatibility Standards," it says this:
916.07 - Lighting
All lights used by development that is subject to
Residential Compatibility Standards shall be arranged and controlled so as to
deflect light away from any lot that is zoned RSD, RSA, RT, RM, or H. Any light
or combination of lights that casts light on a public street shall not exceed
one (1) foot-candle (meter reading) as measured from the centerline of such
street. Any light or combination of lights that cast light on a lot zoned R1D,
R1A, R2, R3, RM, or H shall not exceed 0.4 foot-candles (meter reading), as
measured no more than three (3) feet inside the lot line of a lot that is zoned
R1D, R1A, R2, R3, RM, or H.
That's the good news. They are not allowed to do that at all. The bad news is, its a PITA to get PLI to enforce RCS. Start with 311, though.
Low-Ear-2171 t1_j620u95 wrote
Wow. That's interesting. I wonder if that only applies to the city, like would that extend to surrounding areas/suburbs? My Boro installed offensive LED street lights that light up the inside of my house at night! I can no longer have darkness while I try to sleep in my own house. They were very proud of themselves for installing these "energy saving lights that will deter crime". Meanwhile I worry that not having darkness in my house to sleep will have an affect on my and my family's health.
4000Tacos t1_j622z34 wrote
General rule of thumb… if you don’t vote for the Pittsburgh Mayor… the Pittsburgh ordinance will not apply to you. You would need to contact your boro or township.
You could express your concerns to your neighbor instead of immediately reporting them to the boro or township.
Low-Ear-2171 t1_j627nbj wrote
Right, thank you. That's what I thought regarding the jurisdiction part of it. And just for reference it's not a neighbor in my case, it's the actual street lights that the Boro installed. But thanks for the input.
Jekerdud t1_j64ufja wrote
Most municipalities have ordinances posted on public websites, so if you can find the specific statute, you can cite it to them when requesting them to remove or re aim the light. For city owned lights (anywhere), they'll usually remove it or move it to a different pole.
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