Outdoor Lighting in Jefferson County, CO (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Jefferson County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Jeffco Section 12 requires exterior lights to be full cut-off fixtures above set brightness thresholds - all lamps in mountain areas, and lamps over roughly 1,750 lumens (residential) or 2,800 lumens (plains). Pole heights are capped at 14 feet in the mountains and 20 feet in the plains.
Full Cut-Off Lighting Required to Protect Night Sky
Some RestrictionsJefferson County Zoning Resolution Section 12.E.3
Pole heights in mountain areas shall not be greater than 14 feet. In the plains, a pole-mounted luminaire shall not be greater than 20 feet in height.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Jeffco Section 12 requires that luminaires and their supporting structure be wholly confined to the property, and it caps light measured at the property line. Residential/agricultural uses adjacent to similar uses may not exceed 0.2 foot-candles in the mountains or 0.3 in the plains at the property line.
Light Must Stay Confined to Your Own Property
Some RestrictionsJefferson County Zoning Resolution Section 12.E.2
Luminaires and their supporting structure shall be wholly confined to the property.
Outdoor Lighting by City in Jefferson County
2 cities in Jefferson County have their own outdoor lighting rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Jefferson County ordinances
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Jefferson County Ordinance Hub →