The proposed ordinance, originating from the city council, intended to address complaints regarding bright lighting from residential motion detectors and commercial properties. The restrictions aimed to ensure that residential properties do not exceed 1500 lumens—equivalent to a 100-watt bulb—while non-residential properties could reach 5000 lumens, typical for workshops or garages. Enforcement would involve the city’s building department responding to complaints, measuring brightness, and potentially issuing fines of $300 per violation, with the possibility of daily penalties if violations persist.

Board members expressed concerns about the ordinance’s broad language, which they feared could lead to enforcement issues and unnecessary burdens on residents and businesses. Although the ordinance included exemptions for city-owned lighting, athletic fields, and temporary lighting for events, board members highlighted potential conflicts with existing commercial and residential lighting setups, especially in mixed-use areas. They noted that the ordinance could inadvertently impact businesses with outdoor seating or residents using motion lights for security.

The board’s decision to reject the ordinance was unanimous, with members stressing the need for clearer guidelines and more targeted regulations. They suggested further revisions to differentiate between residential and commercial areas and to consider the specific needs of densely populated urban environments like Revere.