Lighting Regulations in Colorado City, Arizona: Preserving Dark Skies in a Unique Desert Community

Introduction

Located along the Arizona-Utah border, Colorado City traces its roots back to 1913 when it was established by members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This community of approximately 4,900 residents embraces values of simplicity, modesty, and strong community bonds—principles that extend to how the town approaches exterior lighting.

Colorado City's lighting regulations reflect both practical safety concerns and a deeper commitment to preserving the extraordinary desert night sky that has been part of the community's natural heritage. The town's approach to lighting balances necessary illumination with respect for the community's architectural character and natural surroundings.

Quick Reference Guide to Colorado City Lighting Regulations

• Maximum Height: Light fixtures cannot exceed 20 feet in height • Shielding: All outdoor lights must be fully shielded and directed downward • Color Temperature: Light sources must not exceed 3,000K CCT • Residential Lighting: Limited to 1,600 lumens per fixture unless filtered/shielded • Searchlights: Restricted to specific hours (6am-11pm May-Oct; 7am-10pm Nov-Apr) • EMC Signs: Subject to specific illumination limitations and dimming requirements • Lighting Plans: Must be prepared by technically competent lighting professionals

Understanding Fixture Requirements

Shielding and Direction

Colorado City places significant emphasis on properly shielding outdoor lighting. The regulations specify that:

• All lighting sources must be hooded or shielded so they are not visible from adjacent properties • Lights shall not direct light, either directly or through reflecting devices, upon nearby properties • Fixtures must be fully shielded, meaning no light rays are emitted above the horizontal plane • All lights mounted on poles eight feet or greater in height must be directed downward

Color Temperature Requirements

To prevent the formation of an "urban light cloud" and preserve the natural night sky:

• The rated correlated color temperature (CCT) of light sources shall not exceed 3,000K • Manufacturers may have a specified color stability variation of no more than +/- 200K in CCT • When replacing lamps in non-conforming fixtures, the replacement must not exceed 3000K CCT

Residential Lighting Standards

For homeowners in Colorado City, the regulations provide clear guidelines:

• All exterior residential lighting must be limited to 1,600 lumens per fixture unless filtered, shielded or screened • Lighting must be designed to minimize light impact onto adjoining property • While residential properties have more flexibility, all lighting must still adhere to the general principles of minimizing light pollution

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Recreational Facility Lighting

Recreational facilities have specific requirements:

• All metal halide/quartz fixtures must be filtered by glass, acrylic, or translucent enclosures • No lighting of 2,250 lumens or greater shall be used after 11:00 p.m. without a temporary use permit

Searchlight Restrictions

Colorado City has seasonal restrictions on searchlights:

• May through October: Operation allowed only between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. • November through April: Operation allowed only between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. • Searchlights cannot be operated on residentially zoned properties except for grand openings or new developments

Sign Illumination

Sign lighting must follow these guidelines:

• Sign lighting must be of low intensity with provisions to minimize spillover beyond the sign face • Permissible methods include cut-off style fixtures, down-light fixtures, and muted internal illumination • Prohibited forms include spillover into adjoining properties, roadways, and airspace • EMC signs have specific illumination limits: daylight operations not to exceed 3.85-watt wedge base lamps; nighttime operation not to exceed 1.925-watt base wedge lamps

Compliance and Documentation

Required Lighting Plans

Before obtaining building permits, property owners must provide:

• A dimensioned final lighting plan submitted with other site improvement plans • Plans prepared by a technically competent lighting professional • Documentation showing compliance with all applicable standards • Plans drawn on 24 inches by 36 inches format, prepared to scale

Non-Conforming Lighting

The town has provisions for existing non-conforming lighting:

• Lighting legally installed before May 13, 2020 that doesn't conform is considered non-conforming • If use is discontinued for six months or repairs are needed, replacement must comply with current regulations • Significant maintenance, upgrades, or expansions require bringing all non-conforming luminaires into compliance • Change of property use requires all outdoor lighting to be reviewed and brought into compliance

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Guidelines for Compliance

When planning exterior lighting for your Colorado City property, keep these practical points in mind:

• Start with a plan: Work with a qualified lighting professional to develop a comprehensive lighting plan • Choose appropriate fixtures: Select fully shielded fixtures that direct light downward • Mind the temperature: Ensure all lighting is 3000K CCT or lower • Consider context: The desert environment and community values favor subtle, minimal lighting approaches • Respect neighbors: Position lights to avoid spillover onto neighboring properties

Common Compliance Challenges

Property owners often face challenges with:

• Finding compliant fixtures: Look for fixtures specifically labeled as "fully shielded" and with appropriate CCT ratings • Balancing security and compliance: Security lighting can be effective while still being shielded and directed downward • Retrofitting existing lighting: Consider shields or replacements for non-compliant fixtures

Supporting Colorado City's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Colorado City's commitment to thoughtful, appropriate lighting that respects community character. As a manufacturer with deep experience in lighting design, we understand the balance required between functional illumination and preserving the unique qualities of communities like Colorado City.

Our team appreciates Colorado City's emphasis on preserving dark skies in the desert environment. This reflects a growing awareness nationwide about the importance of responsible lighting practices. Bock's expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a resource for communities seeking to maintain their distinctive character while meeting contemporary lighting requirements.

We believe that lighting should enhance rather than detract from a community's sense of place. Colorado City's regulations demonstrate a commitment to this principle that aligns with our own approach to lighting design and manufacturing.

Conclusion

Colorado City's lighting regulations reflect the community's values of simplicity and respect for the natural environment. By requiring shielded fixtures, limiting light color temperature, and establishing clear standards for different applications, these regulations help preserve the area's dark skies and community character.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to Colorado City's distinctive sense of place while ensuring their lighting serves its practical purposes. Whether you're planning new construction or upgrading existing lighting, these guidelines provide a clear framework for responsible illumination that respects both neighbors and the exceptional desert night sky.