MedSkyTour – Interreg Euro-MED – Co-funded by the European Union
Good practice Italy · Lazio Partner: Regione Lazio Regional law, guidance and enforcement

Regional framework against light pollution, Lazio (L.R. 23/2000)

Lazio combines a regional law, technical rules, co-funding and a clear enforcement workflow – municipalities inspect, ARPA measures, observatories monitor – to prevent light pollution across the region.

Since 2000

Regional Law 23/2000; implementing regulation 8/2005

−30%

minimum dimming after 23:00 (24:00 in summer time)

≤3000 K

2700 K preferred in sensitive and heritage areas

up to 50%

regional co-funding for municipal lighting retrofits

The challenge

Reduce sky glow, glare and light trespass and cut energy use, while protecting astronomical research, the landscape and nocturnal wildlife.

What they did

The Region set legal limits and backs them with guidance, funding and a monitoring system.

  • Photometric limits by fixture type; upward beams and uncontrolled decorative lighting banned
  • Full cut-off luminaires (flat glass, 0° tilt); asymmetric optics and glare shields for floodlights
  • Protected zones around regional observatories (e.g. DGR 455/2022)
  • Signs lit from above, luminance ≤10 cd/m²; non-essential signs switched off
  • Complaints routed to municipalities and ARPA; observatories provide technical sheets that lead to formal notices

Results

Less glare and light trespass, better skies near observatories and sensitive areas, lower pressure on nocturnal wildlife and more awareness thanks to regional guidance.

Lessons learned

  1. 1Pair legal requirements with practical technical guidance (templates, technical sheets).
  2. 2Train municipal staff.
  3. 3Prefer asymmetric optics and shielding over tilting floodlights.
  4. 4Enforce curfews consistently – including signs and decorative lighting – and keep an active reporting channel with citizens and observatories.

Can you do it too?

Transferable wherever these elements can be put in place:

  • Clear technical limits
  • Warm-light public procurement
  • Curfews and dimming
  • Defined roles: region, municipalities, technical agency, observatories

Why it matters for astrotourism

Better sky quality around observatories and natural areas strengthens guided observations, events and astrotourism itineraries.

Photos

[Photo 1 – to be provided by Regione Lazio]
[Photo 2 – to be provided by Regione Lazio]
[Photo 3 – to be provided by Regione Lazio]

Find out more

  • Regional Law 23/2000 and Implementing Regulation 8/2005
  • Regional resolutions on observatory protection zones (e.g. DGR 455/2022)
  • Regional light-pollution guidelines and sports-lighting guidance (OACC Campo Catino)

Contact

Regione Lazio – Area Qualità dell’Ambiente, with technical support from OACC Campo Catino

Regione Lazio project team

[contact email]

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