Outdoor Lighting in Boulder County, CO (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Boulder County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Boulder County has strong dark-sky lighting rules in Article 7-1600 of the Land Use Code. All outdoor lighting on new or permitted development must be fully shielded so light projects below the horizontal, with fixtures generally mounted no more than 12 feet high. Lighting plans must be submitted with building-permit
Dark-Sky Outdoor Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsBCLUC 7-1600(C)(1) & (D)(1)(a)
Any lamp installed must be shielded such that the light is projected below the horizontal plane created by the shield. Lighting sources shall be mounted no more than 12 feet above finished grade. Fully shielded lighting is required.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Boulder County's Land Use Code (Article 7-1600) requires all outdoor light fixtures to be located, aimed, or shielded to minimize stray light trespassing across property boundaries. Beyond full shielding, this light-trespass standard is enforced through the building-permit lighting review for new and permitted development in the unincorporated county.
Light Trespass Onto Neighboring Property
Some RestrictionsBCLUC 7-1600(C)(3)
Light Trespass Standard. Beyond the shielding requirements of Section C.1, all light fixtures shall be located, aimed or shielded so as to minimize stray light trespassing across property boundaries.
Outdoor Lighting by City in Boulder County
2 cities in Boulder County have their own outdoor lighting rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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