Air & Light Pollution

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Wild Fire

CLEAN AIR

Policies & Programs 
Spare the Air in the Bay Area
Wood Burning Regulation - on July 9, in order to protect residents from the public health impacts of fine particulate matter, the Air District passed a regulation that makes it illegal to burn wood or firelogs in household fireplaces and woodstoves when the Air District issues a wintertime Spare the Air health advisory. Regulation 6, Rule 3 also bans the sale and installation of non-EPA-certified wood-burning devices in new construction or re-models, among other stipulations.

Agencies & Organizations
Recycle Your Old Car - two programs that offer money for polluting cars

Education
The Clean Air Primer illustrates the causes and consequences of air pollution and shows what we can do about it.

Resources 

 

DARK SKY

Excessive lighting on an individual site can create a glow that tends to obscure the night sky and stars, and results in a community that is more urban and less rural. In order to maintain the rural, tranquil character of Portola Valley, a minimal approach should be taken to outside lighting.

The Town has adopted an Outdoor Lighting Ordinance to provide clear regulations regarding allowable outdoor lighting while maintaining the Town's rural character. In addition, the Design Guidelines provide insight and guidance into appropriate plans for exterior lighting of a structure and/or property, and the Town's "Conservation Guide for Portola Valley Residents" has a section on Night Skies. The Conservation Guide is available in print at Town Hall and online.

What the Town Does:
  • Prohibits use of street lighting along Town roads
  • Regulates level of lighting for outdoor use through ordinances and Architectural and Site Control Commission review

How You Can Help:

  • Use minimal outdoor lighting, controlled by manual switches, photo-cells, timers and/or motion-sensors
  • Shielded fixtures that direct light downward
  • Avoid use of lights to accent outdoor architectural features
Policies/Ordinance
Design Guidelines
Lighting Ordinance