Colorado Springs has adopted outdoor lighting standards in the Unified Development Code to reduce light pollution and protect dark skies. The city requires full-cutoff or shielded fixtures for commercial and multi-family development to prevent upward light emissions. Colorado Springs is near several military installations (Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base) and the U.S. Air Force Academy where excessive lighting can interfere with operations. El Paso County has also promoted dark sky practices, and nearby communities like Woodland Park have stricter dark sky ordinances.
Colorado Springs enforces outdoor lighting standards through building codes and zoning regulations. New exterior lighting must use fully shielded (full-cutoff) fixtures that direct light downward. Maximum wattage and lumen limits may apply in residential zones. Motion-sensor lighting encouraged for security. Commercial lighting must not spill onto adjacent residential properties. Parking lot lighting has specific pole height and coverage requirements. Some jurisdictions adopt International Dark-Sky Association recommendations. LED lighting must meet color temperature guidelines, typically 3000K or below to reduce blue light emissions.
Non-compliant fixtures: notice to correct within 30 days. Failure to comply: fines $100 to $500. Commercial violations: permit revocation possible. Repeat offenders: daily fines.
Colorado Springs, CO
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Colorado Springs, CO
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Colorado Springs, CO
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See how Colorado Springs's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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