Denver, CO Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Fixture type required
- Full cutoff (shielded) fixtures
- Banned light sources
- Low-pressure sodium, mercury vapor, searchlights
- Governing code
- Denver Zoning Code Div. 10.7
- Applies to
- All new/substantially enlarged development
- Enforced by
- Denver Zoning Administrator
Summary
Denver's zoning code requires all outdoor light sources to be concealed in full cutoff fixtures that direct light downward, and bans mercury vapor, low-pressure sodium, and searchlight sources citywide to cut glare and light spill into the night sky.
All outdoor lighting shall have light sources that are concealed by a full cutoff lighting fixture so that the light source is not visible from any street right-of-way or adjacent properties. In order to direct light downward and minimize the amount of light spill into the night sky and onto adjacent properties, all lighting fixtures shall be Full Cutoff Lighting Fixtures.
Full Breakdown
Under the Denver Zoning Code, every outdoor light source on new or substantially enlarged development must be concealed by a Full Cutoff Lighting Fixture so it isn't visible from the street or adjacent property, directing light down instead of into the sky. Low-pressure sodium and mercury vapor lamps, dished cobra-head fixtures, and searchlights are banned outright; allowed sources are limited to incandescent, fluorescent, metal halide, color-corrected high-pressure sodium, LED, and magnetic induction lamps. Fixtures must be oriented to avoid glare onto streets or residential zone districts. Holiday lighting displays are exempt from the light-source ban.
Violations & Fines
The Denver Zoning Administrator reviews outdoor lighting plans during development and building permit approval; noncompliant fixtures or prohibited light sources must be corrected before a permit or certificate of occupancy is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Denver require dark-sky-friendly outdoor lighting?
Are holiday lights exempt from Denver's lighting rules?
Does Denver's lighting rule apply to existing buildings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
Compare Denver to another location·View the Colorado outdoor lighting overview
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