Frequently asked questions for Bisbee Dark Skies

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1. Q. The City of Bisbee just updated the lighting codes to become Dark Skies compliant. As a homeowner in Bisbee how does this affect me?

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A. These new regulations have very little effect on current homeowners. The new code 7.10.3 says; ” The requirements shall apply to any and all NEW uses and additions to existing land uses, developments, building, or structures.”

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The only way a residential homeowner would be affected by these codes is if they decided to turn their home into an Air B & B ( A commercial operation) then they would have to upgrade to the new code.

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2. Q. If none of these new codes affect residential home owners how does this city become a Dark Skies Community?

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A. At Bisbee Dark Skies our motto is “Lets keep what we have”. 95% of our residences mostly meet the rules for Dark Skies Compliance. These new codes basically affect New Business and future development.

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3. Q. I love the concept of Dark Skies in my community. If these new codes don’t mandate my compliance how can I voluntarily update my lights to achieve Dark Skies at my house?

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A. This is what we are looking for from residential homeowners. Simply replacing older outdoor unshielded lights with down-facing lower wattage shielded (“ shielded “meaning the bulb does not protrude beyond the housing around it) lights usually is enough to achieve Dark Skies compliance. Home Depot already carries a selection of lights that meet these requirements.

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4. Q. The street light outside of my house shines into my windows all night long. Is there anything I can do about this?

 

A. Yes.  APS has a program to install light shields on existing streetlights.  This done by taking a picture of the number on the pole with the streetlight as shown below.  Then contact:

Customer Construction Team
602-371-6140
Construction@APS.com

The cost is currently $75