Revised covenants - do they apply to pre-existing situations?

Our Association has updated our covenants, adding a piece about lighting restrictions to preserve dark skies. One of our property owners has many bright mercury vapor lighting on his home. They have been there for many years, predating the updated covenants. We are in the mountains and it is very dark all around and people appreciate this. Many neighbors are complaining. Several have spoken to the home owner directly but he has done nothing.
Question: can we use the new covenants to enforce a preexisting situation? We have no statement about this in our covenants. Any one have any information about this? Thoughts would be appreciated!

Think outside the box. If people are complaining, offer to replace the lights free of charge.

Michele, I do assume you know the difference between a dark sky and a dark home, correct?

Yes, I do know the difference. I grew up in the country.

I also know quite a bit about country skies vs. city skies, especially as I love to use my telescope.

But, still, there are also many reasons I would want my area (home, yard, general area) well lit. . . in the country.

And as long as they are not violating any local ordinances or the governing documents (which they are not, apparently, since there were no outside-light restrictions prior to their moving in), then it is what it is.

I would still respectfully decline any replacement and respectfully request they mind to their own little acre.

If the lights are actually shining into someone else's home, there may be some local ordinance that addresses that.

But, if not. Well, it's a bummer, but probably not something anyone can do anything about.

You could stop by and ask him for a few minutes if his time. A few of the homeowners and yourself want to make him an offer. You would pay to replace his Mercury Vapor Lights with CFL Yard Lights at no charge which would drastically reduce his electricity bill and be no hassle. In return, you and your neighbors get a darker neighborhood. Its a win, win. The CFL Yard bulbs typically go for $25.

Mercury Vapor Lights = 175w (typically)
CFL Yard Light = 50w

This may be a long shot, but does your local government have anything about excess lighting. We always default to our local ordinances when our covenants don't address something.