Councilmember Young proposes outdoor‑lighting ordinance aimed at limiting glare from commercial signs

Councilmember Mr. Young told the July 15 agenda meeting he will submit a draft ordinance to amend the city code by adding section 24‑5‑203.1 to address light pollution from new commercial development.

Mr. Young said the proposal would be concise — essentially three requirements: lighting must be oriented toward the property, must be directed downward to avoid sky‑glow, and include additional criteria drawn from ordinances in Baton Rouge and Lafayette. He asked colleagues to agree to add the ordinance to the council agenda for final review on July 1 and said he would provide draft language in advance.

Council members asked whether the rule would apply to certain commercial areas only or to residences as well; Mr. Young said his intent was to target commercial properties but that the body could discuss scope. He and the clerk agreed on a short timeline for circulation of draft criteria to allow sufficient review before the next meeting.

No vote or formal introduction of the ordinance occurred at the July 15 agenda meeting; staff and the sponsoring member agreed to circulate draft language for council review before the next agenda deadline.