Adams County, CO Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- No direct light onto adjacent property
- Reflection/glare
- May not create nuisance or hazard
- Shielding
- Fixtures shield rays from neighbors
- Applies to
- All zone districts
- Glare rule
- Sec. 4-16-06 at property boundary
Summary
Exterior lighting in unincorporated Adams County must be arranged and positioned so no direct light or reflection creates a nuisance or hazard on any adjacent property or right-of-way. Fixtures must shield direct rays from adjoining properties.
Lighting facilities shall be arranged and positioned so no direct light or reflection creates a nuisance or hazard on any adjacent property or right-of-way. Exterior lighting shall be compatible with that of adjacent properties.
Full Breakdown
Adams County addresses light trespass through its operational lighting standard (Development Standards and Regulations Sec. 4-16-01). Lighting facilities must be arranged and positioned so no direct light or reflection creates a nuisance or hazard on any adjacent property or right-of-way, and exterior lighting must be compatible with that of adjacent properties. Fixtures must be located to shield direct rays from adjoining properties, and no lighting may impair pilots' vision near an aviation facility. The separate glare provision (Sec. 4-16-06) bars any use that emits an offensive or annoying amount of glare at a property boundary. These rules apply in all zone districts. Incorporated cities enforce their own light-trespass standards.
Violations & Fines
A light that shines onto a neighbor's property or into traffic can be cited as a nuisance/operational-standards violation; the county can require shielding, redirection, or removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
My neighbor's floodlight shines into my yard. Is that allowed?
Is there a glare rule beyond lighting fixtures?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Adams County
Compare Adams County to another location·View the Colorado outdoor lighting overview
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