Campton Hills leaders draft a responsible outdoor lighting ordinance

CAMPTON HILLS When Mark Christensen first moved to his St. Charles home 30 years ago, he could see the Milky Way albeit faintly from his backyard.

You cant do that anymore, the Fox Valley Astronomical Society member said.

Christensen chalks the disappearing night sky up to too much development but said the situation isnt hopeless in Kane County with some effort.

Nearby Campton Hills is making that effort.

Five years after voters said they wanted the village to consider adopting a dark sky light ordinance, Campton Hills leaders have drafted a responsible outdoor lighting ordinance for new construction.

The Plan Commission recommended approval of the ordinance in January, but the Village Board has yet to act on the document. Village President Patsy Smith said last week that trustees are waiting for it to be reviewed by a professional.

Although the proposed ordinance is 18 pages, it can be summed up in three sentences:

Shine the light where you need it.

Dont use any more light than you need.

Turn off the lights when you dont need them.

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Campton Hills leaders draft a responsible outdoor lighting ordinance