All You Need to Know About the Volusia County Lighting Ordinance
Indian River’s Compliance With the Volusia County Lighting Ordinance
Sea turtles are a beautiful part of nature and an iconic beach creature. While their lifespan can top 100 years, these marine animals need constant protection to thrive. All species in American waters are listed as threatened or endangered. Thus, under the US Endangered Species Act of 1973, they’re protected.
The risk of plastic in the ocean is common knowledge, but certain types of artificial lighting are detrimental to turtles’ as well. Turtles rely on cues from light for orientation and to estimate the time of day. Properties with improperly placed lights can confuse the turtles (particularly hatchlings) and cause them to go in the wrong direction. The Volusia County Lighting Ordinance regulates the use of excessive or ocean-facing light in certain areas. Indian River Glass cares about the welfare of our beautiful sea turtles and recommends that all beachfront homeowners take steps – particularly during nesting and hatching season – to make the animals more comfortable:
- View your property from the beach. It’s easier to identify problem areas if you look at things from the turtles’ point of view.
- Replace fixtures that don’t let you control the direction of the light. Swiveling lamps can allow you to redirect the bulbs away from the beach.
- Use red or amber LED bulbs. These provide a less disruptive wavelength, but you should still aim them away from the water.
- Restrict light usage. Turn them on only to maintain safety and refrain from activating decorative lights during these seasons.
- If security is your concern, use motion-activated lights. These provide the visibility you need but don’t interfere as much, since they remain dark most of the time.
- Tint your Indian River windows or use heavy curtains. Blocking the interior light from your home is simple and can help you avoid disrupting the turtles.
All Indian River Glass can tint its doors and windows easily to comply with the ordinance and protect these incredible creatures. If you have any questions about altering your windows or doors, feel free to contact us.