Successful outdoor lighting codes need to strike a balance between the needs of municipalities, businesses and homeowners to ensure security and safety, on one hand, and the energy costs and environmental impact of artificial light pollution on the other.

Properly designed light fixtures and lighting codes can help reduce the expense and the amount of energy used to keep public and private areas lighted at night. They can also minimize glare for motorists and pedestrians; prevent light from trespassing into private areas; and improve habitat for wildlife.

Light at night also has significant effects on human health. A recent study conducted by the National Cancer Institute demonstrated that light at night interferes with the production of melatonin, one of the body's natural defenses against cancer.

Web Resources

The International Dark Sky Association is the leader in the movement to wipe out unnecessary light pollution. Their web site has some very useful guidelines for municipal lighting codes.