Fairfield allows 80-foot light poles for school sports fields

The Town Plan and Zoning Commission in Fairfield, Connecticut, voted to amend local zoning rules on Tuesday.

The change permits athletic field lighting poles up to 80 feet tall at colleges, universities, and schools.

Attorney Chris Russo requested the amendment on behalf of Sacred Heart University.

The regulation modifies Section 25.11.7 of the town's zoning code.

It allows the commission to review applications for poles of that height through a special exception process.

The vote took place after a lengthy debate regarding the impact on nearby residential neighborhoods.

Two commissioners voted against the measure, while the rest supported the new flexibility for athletic facilities.

The discussion focused on whether the height allowance should apply to all public and private schools in the town.

Commissioner Kathryn Braun argued that the Board of Education and Parks and Recreation Department had not shown a specific need for taller poles.

Braun estimated the regulation could affect 22 schools, including elementary and middle schools in residential areas.

She proposed limiting the rule to colleges, universities, and affiliated high schools like Fairfield Prep and Notre Dame Prep.

Braun also suggested a maximum pole height of 60 feet instead of 80 feet during the meeting in Fairfield, CT, on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, relative to the article date of October 28, 2026, the vote occurred the previous day as implied by the 'Tuesday' reference in a Tuesday-dated source, wait, source date is Oct 28 which is a Wednesday. Let's re-read. Source date 2026-10-28. Headline says 'voted Tuesday'. So the vote was Tuesday, Oct 27. The article is published Wed, Oct 28. Okay. The timeline is: The request was made by Russo. The debate occurred at the Tuesday meeting. The vote was taken. Next steps: Individual applications will be reviewed by the commission on a case-by-case basis. Schools or other facilities seeking lighting will submit special exception applications. The commission will evaluate these proposals individually, looking at technical specifications such as illumination at property boundaries to reduce light trespass. The regulation does not automatically authorize 80-foot poles at every location, but sets a maximum height limit for review. Commissioners will continue to oversee the process, with future applicants required to demonstrate compliance with the updated zoning standards. The amendment stands as of the Tuesday vote, replacing the previous height restrictions for these specific institutional categories. Only Commissioners Braun and Monahan voted against the final approval of the original amendment text. The town's Plan of Conservation and Development aligns with the new allowance, according to supporting commissioners. The regulation is now in effect for future applications seeking special exceptions for athletic field lighting in Fairfield.