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Outdoor Lighting

Centennial's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles outdoor lighting a little differently. In Centennial, Colorado, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Dark Sky Rules

Centennial's Land Development Code sets outdoor lighting standards city-wide to curb glare and light pollution, requiring shielded fixtures, illuminance caps, and dimming tied to the property's Lighting Zone.

Key details: Stated purpose: curb glare, light pollution. Lighting Zones: 5 zones, LZ0 through LZ4. Shielding trigger: fixtures over 480 lumens. Grandfathered lighting: installed before Sept 17, 2011.

LDC lighting violations are minor offenses; the Director can issue cease-and-desist or stop-work orders, and municipal court may fine up to $2,650 per day of noncompliance (§§ 12-15-201, 12-15-302, 1-4-10).

Light Trespass & Shielding

Centennial limits how much light can spill from one property onto its neighbor, capping illuminance at the shared property line from 0.1 to 1.5 foot-candles by Lighting Zone.

Key details: LZ0 cap: 0.1 footcandles at property line. LZ4 cap: 1.5 footcandles at property line. Measured at: receiving property's line. Applies to: new development, substantial changes.

LDC lighting violations are minor offenses; the City may issue cease-and-desist orders, and municipal court can fine up to $2,650 per day of continued noncompliance (§§ 12-15-201, 12-15-302, 1-4-10).

The Bottom Line

Centennial'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 Centennial is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Centennial'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.