Cody Temple Operations: Residents Report Persistent Light Disputes

The Cody Wyoming Temple has begun offering ordinances to church members, a development that has intensified local debate over the facility's 100-foot, 11-inch height and exterior lighting. The building, which sits on a bluff overlooking downtown Cody, is now operational for those holding a current temple recommend. Public access ended following a three-week open house in the early fall, during which 18,572 visitors toured the 9,950-square-foot structure.

Colin Pitet, a resident whose property borders the temple site, stated that his concerns regarding the 77-foot-high steeple and bright outdoor lights have been confirmed by the building's current operation. He described the structure as standing out in the local skyline. Pitet was a vocal opponent during the approval process, arguing that the facility should have been located in a commercial district rather than the current rural-residential neighborhood on land donated by a church member.

Sarah Frances McClure, a resident living near the temple, cited the exterior lighting as a primary source of disruption. She noted that she previously purchased her home specifically for the darkness of the nighttime sky. Since the temple opened, she said the lights create a constant physical and emotional battle. She reported that the illumination keeps her newborn triplets awake and that headlights from the parking lot shine directly into her living room at eye level.

McClure pointed to specific mechanical issues, including parking lot lights triggered by motion sensors that activate during gusts of wind. An archway light also contributes to the disturbance. She stated that the early morning lighting disrupted the infants until Cody City Manager Tony Tolstedy informed the temple that lights could not turn on until 6:15 a.m. The exterior building lights now operate from half an hour before sunset until 10 p.m., according to Lisa Hullinger, the area relations manager for the church.

Traffic volumes present another point of contention. Pitet noted that the church representatives had promised no noticeable uptick in traffic during the approval phase. He now observes six to 12 vehicles parked daily, along with tourists taking photographs, which he believes contradicts those earlier assurances. The parking lot lights remain on throughout the night, affecting Pitet's home, which sits at a lower elevation than the temple.

Amy Dansie, the church's Cody Stake communications director, highlighted the open house attendance, which included 15 Christian pastors, Gov. Mark Gordon, and U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman. She emphasized the mutual respect shown during the tours. Dansie noted that similar neighborhood discussions occurred during the construction of the Billings, Montana temple in 1999, where property values eventually rose.

Cody City Council member Don Shreve reported hearing no complaints about the building while canvassing approximately 1,000 doors during his recent re-election campaign. He attributed this silence to residents moving past their initial concerns. Shreve noted that the city has since updated its code to ensure the council has a formal say in future approvals, a change made after the initial controversy. Mayor Lee Ann Reiter confirmed the temple's operational status but offered limited comment. Council member Emily Swett, who represents the district containing the temple, declined to respond to inquiries.

Pitet acknowledged that the landscaping on the property is a positive aspect, noting that newly planted trees may help block some light from reaching his home. He has not yet contacted church officials regarding the lighting and traffic issues. He described the current situation as a daily reminder of the building's presence, contrasting his experience with the general sentiment among other neighbors who have moved on from the dispute.