Exterior Lighting Policy
and how it impacts your property
Do Dark Skies Matter?
Darkness matters—a lot. Not only does light pollution make it harder to see the beauty of the night sky, but it also has a negative effect on wildlife and ecosystems. Many animals, rely on the natural rhythm of sunlight and darkness for migration patterns and predator-prey relationships. Artificial light can disrupt their natural behaviors, sometimes to a deadly effect. Light pollution also has a detrimental impact on plants, disrupting the circadian rhythm of certain pollinators and leading to reduced plant-pollinator interactions.
Source: Upworthy, Light Pollution and Dark Sky Communities
Urban Area Lighting
Dark skies also mean people can enjoy seeing more stars at night and have a better chance at healthy and active living because they aren’t being exposed to artificial light at night. Research has shown that artificial light also interrupts our circadian clock, ultimately effecting sleep patterns.
Source: International Dark Sky Association, Light Pollution and Human Health
Dark Skies
Update Your Lights by July 1, 2025
Dark skies don't mean no light - it means better light!
When looking for new lights, remember that only the following are permitted:
- Fully shielded, downcast, full opaque fixtures (solid sides) with no portion of bulb visible are permitted.
- White bulbs! Fluorescent fixtures are permitted at fifteen watts (15 W), filtered LEDs at no greater than nine hundred fifty (950) lumens.
- Other white lamp types with energy star rating are permitted.
Full exterior lighting policy can be found here.
Understanding your options
Incandescent Lamps:
Fluorescent Lamps:
LED Lamps:
- Max Wattage: 60 W
- Only building mounted or signage fixtures
- Max Wattage: 15 W
- Color/Hue: White
- Must be Energy Star rated
- Max Lumens: 950 lumens
- Color/Hue: White
All Lamp Types Color Temperature: All light bulbs shall not exceed 3,000 Kelvin in commercial areas and residential areas.
Other Lamp Types: must be energy star rated and shall not exceed 950 emitted lumens (e.g. high pressure and low pressure sodium lamps)
Full exterior lighting policy can be found here.
Residential Lighting Guide
NOT Dark Sky Compliant
Dark Sky Compliant!
Dark Skies Matter!
Do your part to help our community to preserve our night sky. All exterior lighting needs to comply by July 1, 2025.
Questions?
Want to make sure your fixture complies?
Contact the Community Development Department
Town Hall, 150 Ski Hill Road
Office Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Thursday
8 am - Noon Fridays
Phone: 970-453-3153