Idaho Falls, ID Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Idaho Falls is not currently an International Dark Sky Community and has no standalone dark-sky ordinance, but its Title 11 Comprehensive Zoning code contains baseline outdoor lighting controls that function like light-pollution rules. The zoning regulations require all exterior illumination to be shielded and directed downward so as not to produce direct glare on adjacent properties. For commercial uses, the code limits spillover onto homes: no commercial use may cause a level of illumination exceeding one-half (0.5) foot-candle on any part of a contiguous residential area. Facilities involving lights must be sited and the lights designed and located so that glare is minimized. There is local momentum to strengthen these rules: the Idaho Falls Astronomical Society and the Southeast Idaho Dark Sky Alliance have pursued making Idaho Falls an official dark-sky community and have sought ordinance changes to restrict the color temperature of lights and add limitations on sign lighting. Those changes were proposals at the time of reporting, so the shielding requirement and the 0.5 foot-candle commercial limit remain the operative city standards. Property owners installing exterior lighting should shield fixtures and aim them downward to stay compliant; confirm current requirements with Community Development Services.