Weld County, CO Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Fixtures must be
- Shielded from adjacent lots
- Sign light spillover cap
- 0.3 footcandles over ambient
- Governing sections
- § 23-3-70(F), § 23-4-70(B)
- Fallback remedy
- Common-law private nuisance
- First step
- Contact neighbor, then county
Summary
Weld County addresses light trespass through its zoning code: outdoor light sources must be shielded so beams do not shine directly onto adjacent properties, and sign lighting may not spill more than 0.3 footcandles above ambient light onto any adjoining lot or right-of-way.
Light sources shall be directed and shielded such that SIGNS do not create light spillover of greater than three-tenths (0.3) footcandles in excess of ambient lighting conditions onto any adjoining LOT or RIGHT-OF-WAY.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Charter and County Code: Supplement 95).
Full Breakdown
Weld County Code Chapter 23 gives residents two enforceable handles on light trespass. Section 23-3-70(F) requires outdoor light sources to be shielded so beams or rays do not shine directly onto adjacent properties and do not create a road hazard. For illuminated signs, Section 23-4-70(B) requires light sources to be directed and shielded so signs do not create spillover greater than three-tenths (0.3) footcandles above ambient conditions onto any adjoining lot or right-of-way. These apply to unincorporated land. Where no specific standard fits, a homeowner's fallback for severe, persistent light intrusion is a common-law private-nuisance claim under Colorado law. Cities of Greeley and Evans have their own lighting standards; start by contacting the neighbor, then Weld County Planning Services.
Violations & Fines
Sign or fixture lighting that spills onto a neighbor's lot beyond code limits is enforced by Weld County Code Compliance under Chapter 23, with orders to shield or redirect; severe cases may support a private-nuisance action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do about a neighbor's light shining onto my property?
Is there a limit on how bright a sign's light can be at my lot line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Weld County
Compare Weld County to another location·View the Colorado outdoor lighting overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.