New lighting regulations go into effect January 2008

Example of a "Sternberg" light located all around the city.

New regulations to help eliminate unnecessary glare and light spillover will go into effect in January, 2008. The new outdoor lighting requirements will help preserve the nighttime environment by reducing light pollution, glare, and light trespass onto neighboring property. The ordinance was adopted by city council January 7, 2003, and allowed a five-year period for all commercial, industrial and residential properties to conform to the new code. That five-year period comes to a close in just nine months. At the time the regulation was adopted, commercial property owners were mailed a copy of the ordinance. Articles also appeared in the Littleton Report. All new development since 2003 complies with the regulations. The main points are:

1. Fully-shielded fixtures are required for all uses when a lamp, rated at more than 2,000 lumens initial output, is used. These fixtures reduce light projecting above the horizontal plane into the night sky and onto neighboring property. This requirement also reduces glare commonly associated with fixtures that are not fully shielded. All single-family, duplex and tri-plex properties are allowed 6,000 lumens per lot, and should not be affected by these regulations. Light bulbs have different lumen output which is included on the packaging for the bulb. Four floodlights at 1,500 lumens would equal the allowed 6,000 lumens. At 1,500 lumens, the floodlight does not need to be fully shielded.
2. There is a maximum amount of lumens allowed on commercial, industrial and multi-family (with four or more units) properties. This allows enough lumens to meet industry standards for safety, while providing a cut-off point to prevent excess lighting.
3. Car dealerships and gas station canopies within the city are included. Car dealerships can define 30 percent of their site as display area and illuminate that area up to 35 foot-candles (maximum) while limiting light trespass and using fully shielded fixtures. Gas station canopies are specifically addressed by requiring fully shielded (flat lens) fixtures and placing a maximum illumination level allowed underneath the canopy.
4. The ordinance has an exemption for decorative light fixtures similar to the "Sternberg" lights located around the city. The ordinance allows decorative fixtures with a maximum lamp output of 6,000 lumens.
5. There are some exemptions from the lighting regulations, including lighting for flagpoles, monuments and outdoor recreation facilities, such as ball fields.

For more information, contact Kevin Wrede, senior planner, at 303-795-3748 or download the lighting summaries below:

• Commerical and Industrial Lighting Summary (124k)
• Multi-Family Lighting Summary (107k)
• Single Family Lighting Summary (112k)