Cody LDS Temple Residents Report Persistent Light Pollution

Residents of Cody, Wyoming, report that the newly opened Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple has created persistent light pollution, confirming concerns raised during the construction approval process. The building, situated on a bluff overlooking downtown, now operates with exterior lighting that neighbors say interferes with their ability to sleep and view the night sky. While the church considers the facility open for member use, local opposition groups argue the physical structure remains a source of conflict.

The temple opened to the general public for a three-week period in early fall. During this time, 18,572 people visited the 9,950-square-foot building, according to Amy Dansie, the church’s Cody Stake communications director. The site was formally dedicated on October 25 by Elder Clark G. Gilbert, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Since Tuesday, access has been restricted to church members holding a current temple recommend.

Colin Pitet, whose property borders the temple, stated that his initial worries about the 77-foot steeple and bright outdoor lights have materialized. He described the building as sticking out like a sore thumb against the local skyline. Pitet and other members of the Protect Our Cody Neighborhoods group opposed the site selection during the approval phase, arguing the temple should have been built in a commercial district rather than a rural-residential neighborhood. They maintained that their objection targeted the physical edifice and traffic impact, not the religious practices inside.

Sarah Frances McClure, a mother of newborn triplets living near the site, said the lights create a constant physical and emotional battle. She noted that the brightness often prevents her from sleeping in darkness, and the motion-sensor lights in the parking lot are frequently triggered by wind. The illumination from the archway and parking lot keeps her infants awake. The issue was partially addressed when Cody City Manager Tony Tolstedy instructed the temple to delay turning on its lights until 6:15 a.m., a change that has alleviated the early morning disruption for McClure.

Lisa Hullinger, the area relations manager for the LDS Church, previously confirmed that building lights activate 30 minutes before sunset and turn off from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. However, Pitet noted that parking lot lights and the exterior sign remain illuminated 24 hours a day. These constant lights enter his home, which sits at a lower elevation than the temple. He also observed an increase in daily traffic and tourist activity, which he said contradicts the church's earlier promise of no noticeable uptick.

City Council member Don Shreve, who recently won a re-election term, said he heard no complaints about the building while canvassing approximately 1,000 doors this summer. He believes most residents have moved past the controversy and views the church as a good neighbor. Shreve noted that the council has since updated local codes to ensure it has a formal voice in future approvals. Mayor Lee Ann Reiter confirmed the temple's status but offered little additional comment, while Council member Emily Swett declined to respond.

Dansie highlighted the positive reception during the open house, noting that visitors from various faiths expressed appreciation for the tour. She drew a parallel to a similar controversy in Billings, Montana, in 1999, where neighborhood property values later rose following the construction of a local temple. Pitet remains engaged in the issue and hopes for a resolution, though he has not yet formally contacted church officials about the ongoing light and traffic problems.