Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Coconino County

Coconino County, AZ Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

First Dark Sky City
Flagstaff, 2001
Commercial cap
25,000 to 50,000 lumens/acre
Single-family cap
10,000 lumens/parcel
Fixtures
Fully shielded, amber
Protects
Lowell + Naval Observatory

Summary

Flagstaff was named the world's first International Dark Sky City in 2001. Its Zoning Code and the Coconino County lighting ordinance cap outdoor light output, require full shielding, and mandate amber-toned lamps to protect Lowell Observatory and Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Coconino County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The City was recognized as the world's first International Dark Sky City on October 24, 2001 for its pioneering work in the development and implementation of lighting codes that balance the need to preserve Flagstaff's dark sky resource with the need for safe lighting practices.

Source: Arizona Revised StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Coconino County runs the strictest dark-sky regime in the country. Flagstaff's Zoning Code Division 10-50.70 caps total outdoor light output - 25,000 lumens per net acre in the darker Lighting Zone 1, rising to 50,000 in Zone 2 for commercial sites, and 10,000 lumens per single-family parcel - requires fully shielded fixtures, and prefers Low-Pressure Sodium or narrow-spectrum amber LEDs over white light. The Coconino County lighting ordinance applies parallel full-shielding and lumen limits across unincorporated land. Both exist to protect Lowell Observatory and the U.S. Naval Observatory's Flagstaff Station. Sedona is a separate International Dark Sky Community with its own code.

Violations & Fines

Non-compliant fixtures draw a correction notice, then escalating fines and possible permit or certificate-of-occupancy holds. New construction must pass an outdoor-lighting plan review before permits issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is lighting so strict here?
Flagstaff and Coconino County protect the dark skies that Lowell Observatory and the U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station depend on. Flagstaff became the world's first International Dark Sky City in 2001.
What lights can I install?
Fully shielded fixtures aimed downward, using low-color-temperature amber or low-pressure sodium lamps, within the lumen caps. Check the Flagstaff or Coconino County lighting code before buying.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Coconino County

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsLight Trespass & ShieldingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Coconino County rules

Compare Coconino County to another location·View the Arizona outdoor lighting overview

Get notified when Dark Sky Rules in Coconino County, AZ changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.