Outdoor Lighting in Fort Collins, CO (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Fort Collins, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
New development in Fort Collins had to cap outdoor light color at 3000 Kelvin, use anodized poles to cut glare, and skip mercury vapor lamps entirely under Section 3.2.4 of the Transitional Land Use Code. The rule applied to development applications filed before May 17, 2024, so verify a project's filing date before citing it as current.
Fort Collins Dark-Sky Outdoor Lighting Standards
Some RestrictionsTransitional Land Use Code § 3.2.4(A), (C)(5)-(6), (G)
3.2.4 - Exterior Site Lighting (A)Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to ensure adequate exterior lighting for the safety, security, enjoyment and function of the proposed land use; conserve energy and resources; reduce light trespass, glare, artificial night glow, and obtrusive light; protect the local natural ecosystem from damaging effects of artificial lighting; and encourage quality li...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Fort Collins capped how much light a development could throw across its own lot line, from zero footcandles into natural habitat buffers up to 0.8 footcandles in the densest downtown lighting zone. Section 3.2.4 of the Transitional Land Use Code set the numbers for applications filed before May 17, 2024.
Fort Collins Light Trespass Limits at Lot Lines
Some RestrictionsTransitional Land Use Code § 3.2.4(C)(4), (I)
(4)Demonstrate no light trespass onto Natural Areas, Natural Habitat Buffer Zones or River Landscape Buffers as defined in Section 4.16(E)(5)(b)(1)(a). ... (I)Limits to Off-Site Impacts. ... Light Trespass Limitations. The illuminance levels provided in Table 3.2.4-4 shall be used for enforcement, should concerns of obtrusive lighting or question of compliance arise. Lighting plans shall show h...
Looking for Larimer County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Collins city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Larimer County →