New Plan Reduces Lighting in 150-Space MHS Parking Lot

A new plan for lighting at Malibu High School's new parking lot and other parts of campus includes cuts in the levels of lighting as recommended by the Dark Sky Association. 

The Malibu Planning Commission will consider the new lighting plan, as part of the larger Malibu High School Campus Improvement Project, at its 6:30 p.m. March 18 meeting at Malibu City Hall.

The project was originally approved without lighting in the 150-space parking lot and modifications on a right-hard turn lane, and landscaping in August. Planning commissioners opted to reopen the hearing to allow time for the Santa Monica-Malibu School District to meet with the California Division of the State Architect to discuss lighting requirements for parking lots.

The hearing was then rescheduled several more times to allow for final revisions to the right hand turn lane.

The newest version of the MHS Campus Improvement Project includes a redesigned lighting plan for a new 150-space parking lot near the Boys and Girls Club, the lower lot south of the existing library along Morning View Drive and the lower walkways from the main sports field to the campus, according to a city staff report dated March 7. 

The plan no longer includes lighting along a new access road leading to the new 150-space parking lot. Lighting for the new lot includes LED fixtures, three motion sensitive areas, redesigned pole heights and styles that adhere to the most recent version of the International Dark Sky Association/ Illuminating Engineering Society Model Lighting Ordinance. 

The new lighting plan was completed by an International Dark Sky expert, according to the report. 

City staff is recommending approval of the project, including lighting for the new redesigned 150-space lot. 

The project calls for new classrooms, a library, computer and science labs and an administrative building, totaling 20,274 square feet. The main building would also include "green roofs," which are meant to reduce storm water runoff and provide an outdoor learning space, according to the SMMUSD website.

The project is the result of Measure BB, which voters passed in 2006. Nearly $33.5 million is earmarked for Malibu High School.

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