This article addresses the problem of light pollution as a significant challenge for contemporary architecture and urban planning. In the Polish context, despite growing awareness of its negative impact on the quality of the urban nightscape, this phenomenon has not been formally defined or regulated, whereas in other developed economies it is subject to detailed legal provisions. The lack of appropriate regulations within the national system results in the paralysis of mechanisms for protecting the nocturnal environment. A legislative gap at the central level is identified, which blocks effective measures to counteract the degradation of the nightscape at both national and local levels. The article references scientific literature and expert reports, from which a paradox emerges: despite the absence of systemic legal support, local actions undertaken are sometimes successful, as demonstrated by the analysed case study. The conducted study highlights the negative effects of anthropogenic light emissions, outlines an assessment of existing institutional barriers, and presents the results of bottom-up initiatives. Therefore, the hypothesis is put forward that local planning achievements could significantly contribute to breaking the regulatory stagnation and raising awareness of the issue of light pollution.