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
Article 7-1600 requires that outdoor lighting minimize the obtrusive aspects of light use while preserving the nighttime enjoyment of property and reducing skyglow, glare, and wasted energy. For all new uses, buildings, and major additions that need a building permit or site plan review, every outdoor lighting fixture must be fully shielded: any lamp must be shielded so the light projects below the horizontal plane created by the shield, and fixtures must be fully shielded as defined in Article 18. Display and parking-lot light sources may be mounted no more than 12 feet above finished grade. Applicants must submit lighting plans, fixture descriptions, and photometric data with the building permit. Seasonal decorative lighting and public roadway lighting are exempt. The
Installing non-compliant outdoor lighting is a Land Use Code violation; the county may withhold permits or certificates and require fixtures be shielded or replaced, with enforcement and fines under Article 4-1300.
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