Site Plan Review - Boulder County Land Use Department Page 23
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24Outdoor Lighting Requirements
Outdoor Lighting Requirements
This informational publication is intended to help explain the importance
This informational publication is intended to help explain the importance
of effective, quality lighting with regards to the Boulder County Outdoor
of effective, quality lighting with regards to the Boulder County Outdoor
Lighting Requirements. The Boulder County Land Use Department hopes to
Lighting Requirements. The Boulder County Land Use Department hopes to
better convey why the County has adopted these regulations, and to offer
better convey why the County has adopted these regulations, and to offer
examples of acceptable lighting fixtures designed to minimize light pollution
examples of acceptable lighting fixtures designed to minimize light pollution
while preserving the safety, security, nighttime use, and enjoyment of
while preserving the safety, security, nighttime use, and enjoyment of
property ownership.
property ownership.
What is Light Pollution?
Light pollution is light that is obtrusive and wasteful. Examples of light pollution include
skyglow, light trespass, and glare.
Skyglow
The night sky has been a resource and part of the quality of life in Boulder County since
Boulder County
this area was first settled. However, over the years the night sky has slowly diminished
Land Use Department
due to unnecessary light and glare from inappropriate lighting. The importance of the
sky in any rural area, and particularly in a place as beautiful as Boulder County,
Publications
is immeasurable. Skyglow is the wasted light shining skywards and reflecting out into
the atmosphere. Skyglow decreases the ability to see stars and other astronomical
elements. It can even reduce the ability to see the mountains. Full cut off shields over the
light source directs light to where it is needed and reduces this wasted uplight.
Light Trespass
Light trespass is light that is distributed onto areas where the illumination is not wanted.
Light intruding into neighboring homes and properties can keep people awake at
Outdoor
night and destroy the sense of privacy. Complaints against "security" floodlights have
increased dramatically over the years. Effective, quality lighting includes appropriate
Lighting
amounts in the appropriate place at the appropriate times.
Glare
Requirements
Overly bright and poorly aimed lights cause glare, which is the most safety-related
aspect of light pollution. Many people assume that a bright light (the brighter, the
better) attached to an outside wall will deter criminals. However, the brighter the lights,
the more difficult it is for the eye to adjust properly thus limiting the ability to detect
possible intruders as quickly. Bright but unevenly distributed lighting often creates deep
shadows where, due to the striking contrast, such intruders can hide. Shielded, evenly-
distributed lighting reduces glare, harsh brightness, and deep shadows and can provide
a safer environment.
Bad Lighting
Contributes to skyglow with upward
direction of light, reducing enjoyment
of the night sky.
Causes glare, light trespass, and harsh
illumination.
Land Use Department
Wastes Energy
Courthouse Annex Building
2045 13th Street
Good Lighting
Example of Bad Lighting.
PO Box 471
Boulder, CO 80302
Directs light down and to the sides
as needed; light control.
Planning Division:
Phone: 303.441.3930
Reduces glare; more even illumination.
Fax: 303.441.4856
Does not trespass onto neighboring
Email:
Website:
property.
Helps preserve the dark night sky.
O ce Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost Efficient.
Closed Tuesdays 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Example of Good Lighting.
Form: P/09 • Rev. 03.26.12 • g:/publications/planning/P09OutdoorLighting.pdf
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Parent category: Life