Longmont, CO Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Outdoor lighting in Longmont is regulated by Title 15 (Land Development Code), Chapter 15.05 (Development Standards). The City Council considered amendments to the outdoor lighting standards on September 22, 2014 to address fueling areas, drive-up windows, ATMs, car wash bays, and business loading/service areas; the existing code at that time restricted outdoor lighting intensity to an average of 5 foot-candles. The standards are part of Chapter 15.05's broader catalog covering dimensional, landscaping, fences/walls, building design, outdoor storage, outdoor lighting, and adequate-public-facilities standards. Longmont Power & Communications (the city utility) operates an outdoor lighting rebate program requiring fixtures to be ENERGY STAR certified, fully-shielded, and 3000 Kelvin or less for eligibility - signaling the city's policy preference for dark-sky-friendly lighting. Unlike the City of Boulder, which has a stand-alone outdoor lighting ordinance with explicit dark-sky shielding mandates, Longmont's standards are embedded in the Land Development Code and apply primarily to new and redeveloped non-residential and multi-family projects through the development-review process. Single-family residential exterior lights are generally not subject to the foot-candle and shielding requirements but remain subject to nuisance complaint review. Specific section text (15.05 subsections) should be confirmed by contacting Planning & Development Services at 303-651-8330 or longmont.planning@longmontcolorado.gov.