Mesa County, CO Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LDC § 8.07(F), Nighttime Light Pollution
- Max mounting height
- 35 feet above ground
- Cutoff fixture window
- 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Facade floodlight ban
- 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Exemption
- Agricultural uses
Summary
Unincorporated Mesa County caps outdoor light sources at 35 feet in height and requires full cutoff fixtures on pole, building, and tree-mounted lights over streets, sidewalks, and parking lots between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. under Land Development Code Section 8.07(F). Building facade floodlighting is banned during those same overnight hours, though agricultural uses are exempt.
All light sources that are located outside of a building shall conform to the standards set forth below; however, all agricultural uses are exempt from these standards: 1. Floodlights shall not be used to light all or any portion of any building facade between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. 2. No outdoor light sources shall be mounted more than thirty-five (35) feet above the ground. 3. All outdoor light sources mounted on poles, buildings, or trees to illuminate streets, sidewalks, parking lots, or other outdoor areas between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. shall use full cutoff light fixtures.
Full Breakdown
07(F), Nighttime Light Pollution, applies to every light source located outside a building anywhere in unincorporated Mesa County, with agricultural uses carved out entirely. Three standards apply together. , cutting off the classic uplit-wall look overnight. Second, no outdoor light source, regardless of use, may be mounted more than 35 feet above the ground, capping how high parking-lot and area lighting poles can reach. window. 07, General Site Planning Standards, a chapter of mandatory development standards that apply unless compliance would block construction of any permanent structure or would force a conflict with another Land Development Code requirement.
The rule is reviewed as part of the County's development application process rather than through a standalone lighting permit, so compliance is checked when a site plan, subdivision, or building permit is submitted to the Community Development Department for a project with new exterior lighting.
Violations & Fines
Because Section 8.07(F) sits within the LDC's general development standards, an installation that ignores the mounting-height cap or skips full cutoff fixtures is an LDC violation subject to Section 11.04: the County can withhold or revoke permits on the property until the fixtures are corrected, order work stopped, and seek injunctive relief or Colorado-law penalties for a refusal to comply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can an outdoor light pole be in unincorporated Mesa County?
Do parking lot lights need special fixtures at night?
Can a business floodlight its building sign at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mesa County
Compare Mesa County to another location·View the Colorado outdoor lighting overview
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