INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY COMMUNITIES

~ a town, city, municipality, or other legally organized community that has shown exceptional dedication to the preservation of the night sky through the implementation and enforcement of quality lighting codes, dark sky education, and citizen support of dark skies.

An International Dark Sky Community excels in its efforts to achieve a community-wide lighting code, promote responsible lighting, dark sky stewardship, and exist as an example to surrounding communities on the possibilities available with the proper lighting. Each community shown below has gone above and beyond the requirements as stated in our International Dark Sky Community Guidelines.

The IDSC was conceived in 2001 to recognize communities that had taken extraordinary steps in preserving the natural night.

The IDSC designees must adhere to stringent standards that protect the natural night sky through outdoor lighting plans and ensure the continuation of this protection through planning and zoning directives.

The International Dark-Sky Association continues to accept applications from communities wishing to join in the ranks of communities working for towards the highest standards in lighting.

If you are interested in applying please see the bottom of this page for more information. After reviewing this page and the International Dark Sky Community guidelines please email program manager, Amee Hennig at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  to alert IDA of your intent to apply. 

Download information on becoming an IDSCommunity.

Learn more about Applying!

Homer Glen, Illinois Established: 2011 Homer Glen Lighting Ordinance Statewide Resolution to Control Outdoor Lighting
Village 'founding father' Debra Briggs poses with one of 184 drop lens streetlights replaced under the Homer Glen lighting ordinance.	IDA Press Release Visit the Illinois Coalition for Responsible Outdoor Lighting website
Isle of Sark, Channel Islands   Established: 2011 Application Master Lighting Plan
Photo Credit: Sark, by Peter Capper, used under Creative Commons license
Borrego Springs, California Established: 2009 Application 2011 -2012 Annual Report
Photo Credit: Dennis Mammana	Photo Credit: Dennis Mammana
Flagstaff, Arizona Established: 2001
Canopy lighting in Flagstaff, Arizona USA The World's first IDSC Courtesy of Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition	A Protected Night Sky Over Flagstaff Astronomy Picture of the Day: 2008 April 16 Credit and Copyright: Dan & Cindy Duriscoe,  Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, Lowell Observatory, & USNO

Applying for International Dark Sky Community Status

A community considering applying must first have these objectives:

1. To identify communities with exceptional commitment to and success in implementing the ideals of dark sky preservation and restoration, and their promotion of quality outdoor lighting;
2. To provide local, national, and international recognition for such communities;
3. To promote the ideals of the International Dark-Sky Association by encouraging communities to identify dark skies as a valuable community asset and goal.

To be eligible to apply the community must ensure that

1. A quality comprehensive lighting code
2. Community commitment to dark skies and quality lighting
3. Broad support for Dark Skies from a wide range of community organizations
4. Success in light pollution control

To learn more about applying or if you intend to apply please email program manager, Amee Hennig at   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Applying for IDSC status is an interactive process that requires the community's communication with IDA throughout the application. 

Download information on becoming an IDSPCommunity.