Adams County, CO Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Dedicated dark-sky code
- None; operational standard applies
- Fixture type
- Low-level, indirect, diffused
- Max fixture height
- 20 feet above grade
- Shielding
- Must shield rays from neighbors
- Upward lighting
- 90% within structure profile
Summary
Adams County has no formal dark-sky ordinance, but its operational standards require exterior lighting to be shielded, low-level, indirect and diffused, and no taller than 20 feet, positioned so no direct light or glare reflects onto neighboring property or roads.
All lighting fixtures shall be located so as to shield direct rays from adjoining properties. Luminaries shall be of a low level, indirect, diffused type and shall not exceed a height of greater than twenty (20) feet above finished grade.
Full Breakdown
Under the Development Standards and Regulations (Sec. 4-16-01), lighting facilities in every zone district must be arranged so no direct light or reflection creates a nuisance or hazard on adjacent property or a right-of-way, and exterior lighting must be compatible with adjacent properties. All lighting fixtures must be located to shield direct rays from adjoining properties; luminaires must be low-level, indirect, diffused, and no greater than 20 feet above finished grade. Upward architectural or decorative lighting must keep at least 90% of its distribution within the illuminated structure's profile. While not branded a "dark-sky" code, these shielding and downcast requirements serve the same purpose. Incorporated cities set their own lighting codes.
Violations & Fines
Lighting that creates glare or a nuisance on neighboring property can be cited as an operational-standards violation and ordered corrected by the county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Adams County have a dark-sky ordinance?
How tall can outdoor light poles be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Adams County
Compare Adams County to another location·View the Colorado outdoor lighting overview
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