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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs City Code section 9.8.201 declares noise from vehicles under 10,000 lbs in excess of 80 dB(A), and from vehicles over 10,000 lbs in excess o...
Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs City Code section 6.7.115 makes it unlawful to own or keep any pet or hoofed animal whose unreasonably loud and persistent barking, howling,...
Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs City Code section 9.8.107 subjects construction projects to the maximum permissible noise levels specified for industrial zones (80 dB(A) da...
Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs City Code section 9.8.104 sets enforceable decibel limits by zone and time of day. In residential zones the cap is 55 dB(A) from 7:00 A.M. t...
Colorado Springs, CO
City Code prohibits parking a recreational vehicle on any public right-of-way (street, alley, or roadway) longer than the time needed to load or unload, city...
Colorado Springs, CO
City Code sets minimum standards for commercial vehicles and restricts parking or storing large commercial vehicles in residential zones, regulates truck rou...
See how Colorado Springs's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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