Loveland regulates outdoor lighting through Title 18 Unified Development Code, Division 18.09.02 (Lighting), within Chapter 18.09 (Environmental Quality). The UDC standards apply to new and redeveloped non-residential and multi-family projects through the development-review process and address shielding, intensity, and light trespass for site lighting. Loveland has not adopted a stand-alone International Dark-Sky Association ordinance. Colorado state law C.R.S. 24-82-901 et seq. addresses outdoor lighting fixtures on state-funded property only and does not directly regulate private fixtures in Loveland. Single-family residential exterior lighting is reviewed for nuisance complaints rather than by foot-candle standard.
Outdoor lighting in Loveland is regulated by Title 18 Unified Development Code, Division 18.09.02 (Lighting), which sits within Chapter 18.09 (Environmental Quality) of the UDC. Title 18 was adopted by Ordinance 6248 on November 6, 2018 and replaced the prior zoning code. The Division 18.09.02 standards apply through the site plan and development review process to new non-residential, multi-family, and large-development projects and address fixture shielding, maximum illumination at property lines (light trespass), uplight, and source intensity for parking lots, drive-throughs, fueling areas, and outdoor service areas. The Loveland Development Services Department (970-962-2505) administers the code. Loveland has not adopted a separate International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) model ordinance and has not been designated an IDA-certified dark-sky community. Colorado state law on outdoor lighting (C.R.S. 24-82-901 to -902, 'Outdoor Lighting Fixtures' Part 9 of the State Property article) defines 'light pollution,' 'light trespass,' 'outdoor lighting fixture,' and 'luminaire' but applies only to fixtures installed on state-funded property; it does not directly govern private residential or commercial fixtures within Loveland. Single-family residential exterior lighting (porch lights, yard lights) is generally not subject to the UDC's commercial foot-candle and shielding requirements; nuisance light trespass complaints are reviewed by Code Enforcement. Specific Division 18.09.02 subsection language should be verified via the online code viewer or by contacting Development Services.
Outdoor lighting violations are enforced through Development Services (970-962-2505) at plan-review/inspection and Code Enforcement for nuisance complaints. New commercial and multi-family lighting must be approved at site plan and building permit stage under UDC Division 18.09.02. Non-conforming commercial lighting installed after adoption of Title 18 may be ordered modified or replaced at owner expense.
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