Parker, CO Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Light trespass is measured at the property line itself, in lumens per square foot, and the Town of Parker sets two different thresholds depending on what is on the other side of the line. Under Section 13.08.110(e)(4)a.1, a property line next to a single-family detached, single-family attached, or duplex dwelling cannot receive more than one-half lumen per square foot from an adjacent parcel's lighting. Under Subsection (e)(4)a.2, the threshold doubles to one lumen per square foot where the adjoining property line serves a multifamily dwelling or a nonresidential use.

Both thresholds carry the same carve-out: a property line that runs along a public or private street, or a shared parking area or access drive or aisle, is not subject to the trespass limit at all, since those edges are expected to carry ambient roadway and parking-lot light. The trespass standard works together with the shielding rule in Section 13.08.110(e)(3), which requires every fixture to be directed and shielded to avoid glare and overspill in the first place, and with the general glare prohibition in Section 13.08.130(b)(1), which bars direct or reflected glare of any kind from being visible past the property line.

A property that cannot meet the trespass limit with standard fixtures typically needs additional shielding, lower-output lamps, or repositioned poles rather than a waiver, since Section 13.08.110 does not authorize the Planning Director to excuse the trespass thresholds themselves.