Layton Resident Battles City Over Streetlight Disrupting Night Sky

Ryan Andreasen's fight to modify a streetlight outside his home has led him to advocate for Utah's night sky preservation.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Ryan Andreasen, a Layton, Utah resident, has been engaged in a 10-year battle with the city to modify a streetlight installed outside his home that floods his bedroom with light and prevents him from seeing the night sky. Andreasen has appealed to the city's own ordinances prohibiting excessive light pollution, but has faced resistance from city officials. His fight has led him to develop a deep passion for astrophotography and advocating for dark sky preservation in Utah.

Why it matters

Andreasen's case highlights the broader issue of light pollution and its impact on stargazing, wildlife, and the environment. As more cities install streetlights, the battle to preserve natural darkness and the night sky is becoming increasingly important, especially in areas like Utah known for their stunning celestial views.

The details

Andreasen first contacted the city in 2016 after the streetlight was installed, asking them to modify it or install a shield to reduce the light shining into his home. However, the city engineer's response was to suggest Andreasen put a blanket over his window. This set the tone for the next 10 years of Andreasen's fight with the city. Andreasen has observed many of his neighbors also taking matters into their own hands, using duct tape, vinyl, and even spray paint to modify the streetlights themselves. He argues the city is in violation of its own ordinances prohibiting excessive light pollution into private homes.

  • The streetlight was installed outside Andreasen's home in Layton in 2016.
  • Andreasen first contacted the city about the issue in 2016.

The players

Ryan Andreasen

A Layton, Utah resident who has been engaged in a 10-year battle with the city to modify a streetlight outside his home that is disrupting his ability to see the night sky.

Layton City

The city government of Layton, Utah that installed the streetlight outside Andreasen's home and has resisted his efforts to have it modified.

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What they’re saying

“I called the city and said, 'hey is there something you can do about it, put a shield on it, because it's keeping us up at night?'… The engineer's answer was, 'Can you put a blanket in your window?'”

— Ryan Andreasen (KSLNewsRadio)

What’s next

Andreasen is currently getting help from an attorney to pursue legal action against the city to have the streetlight modified. He has also started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the legal costs, with any additional funds going towards Antelope Island State Park's dark sky certification and education efforts.

The takeaway

Andreasen's fight highlights the growing tension between the need for urban lighting and the preservation of natural darkness and the night sky. As more cities install streetlights, finding the right balance between public safety and environmental concerns will be an ongoing challenge that communities like Layton will have to grapple with.