Beverly Shores is different by design.
Nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan, Beverly Shores, IN, began as a resort town. The goal was always to have a relaxing and nature forward place to live. Because Beverly Shores is surrounded by a National Park, there are guidelines that must be followed. Before “light pollution” became a widely used term, residents here recognized that excessive outdoor lighting threatened the dunes, the wildlife, and the quiet sense of place that makes this stretch of Indiana shoreline so special.
That commitment earned Beverly Shores international recognition in 2014 as one of the world’s first International Dark Sky Communities. It's an important distinction and homeowners here need to know how you can lighting their property responsibly without compromising safety or curb appeal?
Why Beverly Shores’ Dark Sky Status Matters
Beverly Shores' approach to outdoor lighting has always been intentional and key to the atmosphere of the area. Because the resort town was built amongst the Indiana Dunes, lighting began to be regulated in the early 1980s. Excessive lighting can affect the surrounding nature.
Home to migratory birds, nocturnal wildlife, and sensitive plant systems, Beverly Shores has been called the birthplace of ecology. When light is poorly directed it can disrupt the patterns of the ecosystem, especially as the community is bordered by protected land and shoreline.
The sky here is so dark and open, it shapes everyday life. On clear nights, residents can still see the Milky way from their yards. Responsible outdoor lighting helps preserve that benefit while reinforcing what makes Beverly Shores distinct.
What “Dark Sky Compliant” Actually Means
Dark sky compliance is about direction and restraint in lighting. You don't have to turn all your lights off, just follow the guidelines to reduce disrupting the natural surroundings. DarkSky International has set forward five principles for responsible outdoor lighting: lights should be useful, targeted, low-level, controlled, and warm in color.
That means fixtures need to be fully shielded so light is directed downward, not outward or upward. Brightness is moderate, so it's useful, but still low. One aspect you might not be familiar with is the temperature of your lights. Temperature should stay warm, less than 3000k, to reduce glare. Harsh shadows or light reaching unintended areas are often signs a fixture isn’t properly controlled, regardless of brightness. Dark sky compliance is about designing light with intention.
Yes, You Can Still Have Beautiful Landscape Lighting
Dark sky–friendly lighting doesn't have to be bland. At OLP we consider it the opposite. Because our designers have guidelines set forth by DarkSky Intl, we can guide the layout to meet the needs of their principles, but also meet your needs. We want to be selective about where light is used and how it's aimed.
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Chicago designs systems that stay within dark sky guidelines while still making outdoor spaces usable after sunset.
We do this by utilizing some or all of the following:
- Pathway lighting that uses hooded or shielded fixtures so paths are safe, but light doesn't spill out into surrounding areas
- Deck and patio lighting that focuses light downward, creating usable outdoor spaces without affecting neighboring properties
- Warm LED technology, which is a great way to balance visual comfort and energy efficiency
Used this way, lighting tends to feel quieter and more balanced. Instead of washing the property in light, it adds definition and allows the surrounding landscape to stay dark.
Common Lighting Mistakes Made in Beverly Shores
Even well-intentioned homeowners can run into compliance issues without realizing it. There are common mistakes that you might make when installing outdoor lighting in Beverly Shores, but we can help you avoid those. Uplighting, typically on trees or architecture, can cause too much light, especially when visible from the beach or dunes. Porch and entry lights that are unshielded can be an issue as well. People might assume that lowering brightness alone makes a fixture compliant, but that isn't the case.
How Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Can Help
Our team understands that lighting in Beverly Shores requires a higher level of care. We routinely work within communities that have strict lighting guidelines and understand how to
Here are just some of the services we can offer:
- Assessments of existing outdoor lighting systems for dark sky compliance
- Custom lighting designs that illuminate your home without compromising the night sky
- LED lighting that meets proper color temperature and other standards
- Knowledge of local lighting ordinances and best practices
Be Part of What Makes Beverly Shores Special
Beverly Shores’ dark skies didn’t happen by accident. They exist because residents, planners, and homeowners chose to protect something rare.
If you’re considering new outdoor lighting or want to ensure your current system aligns with Beverly Shores’ dark sky standards, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Chicago offers complimentary consultations to help you light your home, but protect nature.