Preserving the Dark Sky: Dollar General in Borrego Springs
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Committed to Following Light Pollution Standards
The construction of a new Dollar General store in Borrego Springs has been a topic of interest for many residents in the area. One question that has been raised is how the store will impact the surrounding environment, specifically in terms of outdoor lighting and the preservation of the area’s dark sky.
Lot location : Third lot west of the intersection of DiGiorgio Road and Palm Canyon Dr.
Fortunately, the developers of the project have taken these concerns into account and have made a commitment to follow the Dark Sky lighting standards. The proposed project will use outdoor lighting and is located within Zone B as identified by the San Diego County Light Pollution Code. However, it will not adversely affect nighttime views or astronomical observations, because the project will conform to the Light Pollution Code (Section 51.201-51.209) , including the Zone B lamp type and shielding requirements per fixture and hours of operation limitations for outdoor lighting and searchlights.
- “Zone A” means the area within a 15 mile radius of the center of the Palomar Observatory and the area within a 15 mile radius of the center of Mount Laguna Observatory.
- “Zone B” means all areas within the unincorporated area of the County not included in Zone A.
The Light Pollution Code was developed by the San Diego County Planning & Development Services and Department of Public Works in cooperation with lighting engineers, astronomers, land use planners from San Diego Gas and Electric, Palomar and Mount Laguna observatories, and local community planning and sponsor groups to effectively address and minimize the impact of new sources of light pollution on nighttime views. These standards have been established to ensure that new lighting installations do not contribute to a significant cumulative impact on day or nighttime views.
Compliance with the Light Pollution Code is required prior to the issuance of any building permit for any project. This mandatory compliance for all new building permits ensures that this project, in combination with all past, present, and future projects, will not contribute to a cumulatively considerable impact. Therefore, compliance with the Code ensures that the project will not create a significant new source of substantial light or glare, which would adversely affect daytime or nighttime views in the area, on a project or cumulative level.
In conclusion, the construction of the Dollar General store in Borrego Springs will have to follow the Dark Sky lighting standards and comply with the San Diego County Light Pollution Code. This commitment to preserving the area’s dark sky and minimizing the impact of new sources of light pollution on nighttime views is a positive step forward for the community and ensures that the project will not have any significant adverse effects on the environment.
