sky glow

Taxpayers for Accountable School Bond Spending v. San Diego Unified School District

Full Case Name
TAXPAYERS FOR ACCOUNTABLE SCHOOL BOND SPENDING, Plaintiff and Appellant, v. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Defendant and Respondent
Description

The Court found no substantial evidence that the School District's proposed field lighting would have a significant effect on the environment due to the limited hours of operation, limited evening events, and low number of residences impacted in excess of 0.8 foot-candles. The Court also found that the lighting would not substantially impact the historic aesthetic of the neighborhood.

Date
03-26-2013
Court
Court of Appeal of the State of California
Jurisdiction
California
Plaintiffs
Defendants
Incident Location
San Diego, CA
Disputed Act

Organization of school spending activists objected to the installation of high school stadium field lighting and other renovations on grounds of waste of funds, violation of zoning laws, and environmental concerns (including light trespass, glare, and sleep disruption). A consultant group stated that the sky glow and glare caused by the project would have a less than significant impact. Trial Court ruled in favor of the school district.

Holding
The Court found no substantial evidence that the School District's proposed field lighting would have a significant effect on the environment due to the limited hours of operation, limited evening events, and low number of residences impacted in excess of 0.8 foot-candles. The Court also found that the lighting would not substantially impact the historic aesthetic of the neighborhood.