On June 13, 2023, the City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2025 Work Plan outlining key projects aligned with their Strategic Priorities. One of the City-led priorities is the development and adoption of a Dark Sky Ordinance to establish objective lighting standards that help reduce light pollution, protect local wildlife, and preserve views of the night sky. This ordinance will provide clear guidance for lighting levels, fixture specifications, and operational standards for private development throughout the City.

The project is being led by the City’s Community Development Department. The ordinance will be shaped by best practices from other Bay Area jurisdictions and tailored to Mountain View’s unique community and environmental context. 

Project Objectives

• Promote sustainable and efficient outdoor lighting
• Minimize skyglow and light trespass, particularly near natural and residential areas
• Support nighttime safety while preserving nighttime ambiance
• Provide objective lighting standards for new and existing development
  
  

Timeline

The project began in June 2025 and will tentatively conclude in Q2 2026, with milestones including:

• Stakeholder meetings and online engagement: Q4 2025
• Draft ordinance development: Q1  2026
• Public hearings and adoption: Q2 2026

 Public Meetings

This project will be heard at the following public meeting:

•  None scheduled at this time. 

Meeting agenda, staff report and materials will be posted at  mountainview.legistar.com the Friday prior to the public hearing date and will include information on meeting location, format, and how to participate. 

Notifications

For questions, please contact Jeffrey Tsumura, Senior Planner, by phone at (650) 903-6306 or email at Jeffrey.Tsumura@mountainview.gov.

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