WHEREAS full cut-off lighting reduces light pollution and glare; AND WHEREAS light pollution may have a negative impact on quality of life, contribute to adverse health effects and pose potentially harmful consequences to the natural environment by disrupting ecosystems: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Building and Safety Standards Branch of the Ministry of Energy and Mines be requested to amend the BC Building Code to allow, facilitate and empower local governments to require exterior full cut-off light fixtures as part of their permitting and inspection process for all new construction and major renovations.
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas and Minister Responsible for Housing The BC Building Code does not currently have an objective related to limiting light pollution and glare. As a result, the BC Building Code does not address the selection of light fixtures to be installed in or serving a building. Regulation of light fixture selection is not within the current scope of the BC Building Code. Local governments may wish to consult with legal counsel regarding the creation of bylaws that are not restricted by the Community Charters concurrent authority provision.