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Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor Lighting in Boulder City, NV: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Boulder City or are thinking about moving there, outdoor lighting are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Boulder City has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of outdoor lighting, and some of them might surprise you.

Dark Sky Rules

Boulder City has adopted outdoor lighting standards that require full cutoff fixtures and shielded lighting to preserve dark skies near Lake Mead National Recreation Area and reduce light pollution.

Key details: Full Cutoff: Full cutoff shielded fixtures required. Near Lake: Near Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Max 3000k: Max 3000K color temperature typical. Light Directed: Light directed downward to intended surface. Motion Sensors: Motion sensors encouraged for security lighting.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Light Trespass

Boulder City prohibits light trespass onto neighboring properties, requiring shielded fixtures and limiting illuminance at property lines to maintain neighborhood quality and dark sky goals.

Key details: Light Trespass Onto: Light trespass onto neighbor property prohibited. Illuminance At Property: Illuminance at property line typically under 0.5 fc. Shielded Fixtures Required: Shielded fixtures required. Enforced By Code: Enforced by Code Enforcement on complaint. Hoas May Set: HOAs may set stricter standards.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

The Bottom Line

Boulder City's outdoor lighting rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Boulder City is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Boulder City's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.