Lighting Regulations in Parker, Arizona: Preserving Dark Skies Along the Colorado River

Introduction

Nestled along the Colorado River, Parker, Arizona, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1908. Named after General Ely Parker, the first Native American Commissioner of Indian Affairs, this small town embraces its cultural heritage with ties to the Mohave, Navajo, Hopi, and Chemehuevi peoples.

As Parker has developed from a riverside trading post into the community it is today, town leaders have implemented thoughtful lighting regulations that balance modern needs with environmental preservation. These regulations reflect Parker's commitment to protecting its natural desert setting while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

Let's explore Parker's lighting requirements and what they mean for property owners.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements:

• All outdoor lighting must comply with Chapter 14 of the town code
• Fixture height limits: 30 feet maximum for general outdoor lighting; 8 feet for building-mounted fixtures
• Shielding: All outdoor fixtures must be fully shielded and directed downward
• Light trespass prevention: Lighting must not spill beyond property lines
• Preferred light source: Low-pressure sodium is recommended to minimize impact on astronomical observations
• Prohibited lighting: Searchlights, mercury vapor fixtures, dusk-to-dawn lights, unshielded floodlights

General Outdoor Lighting Philosophy

Purpose and Intent

Parker's lighting regulations were created to:

• Protect dark skies and minimize light pollution
• Reduce glare and light trespass
• Conserve energy
• Preserve the low light levels characteristic of the rural desert lifestyle

The town of Parker is designated as an environmental zone E1 as defined by the CIE (International Commission on Illumination) and IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America), indicating its commitment to dark sky preservation.

Basic Requirements

All artificial outdoor illuminating devices (luminaires) must:

• Be installed according to Chapter 14 provisions
• Comply with all other ordinances and building codes
• Follow the most restrictive regulations when conflicts exist between state, federal, or local requirements

Fixture Requirements and Specifications

Shielding Requirements

All outdoor light fixtures must be properly shielded:

• Fully shielded: Required for most fixtures - prevents bulb from being visible when viewed horizontally
• Partially shielded: Allowed only in limited residential applications

Building-Mounted Lighting

When mounting lights on building exteriors:

• Maximum height: 8 feet above finished grade
• Shielding: Must avoid creating concentrated light "hot spots" on structures
• Commercial entries: Commercial buildings must have lighting within a 15-foot radius of entry doors
• Overhangs/canopies: Lighting must be fully recessed

Light Source Preferences

Parker's code specifies requirements for different light sources:

• Low-pressure sodium: Preferred to minimize impact on astronomical observations
• High-pressure sodium: Must be fully shielded
• Metal halide/warm halide: Must be fully shielded and filtered
• Fluorescent: Must be fully shielded and filtered
• Incandescent over 75 watts: Must be fully shielded
• Incandescent 75 watts or less: Must be partially shielded

Prohibited light sources include:

• Mercury vapor fixtures
• Quartz halogen fixtures

Specific Application Requirements

Parking Area Lighting

Parker requires designated parking areas to be lit, with specific requirements:

• Light intensity limits:
• Commercial/industrial: Maximum 2.0 lux (0.20 fc) within parking areas and at property lines
• Near residential zones: Maximum 1.0 lux (0.10 fc) at property line
• Pole height restrictions:
• C-2, I-1, I-2 zones: Maximum 20 feet in interior, 16 feet at perimeter
• OT and C-1 zones: Maximum 16 feet in interior, 12 feet at perimeter
• Multiple residence zones: Maximum 12 feet
• Operation timing: Lights must be turned off 30 minutes after business closure
• Special fixtures: Motion sensor/detector fixtures encouraged under parking shade canopies

Security Lighting

Parker has strict rules for security lighting:

• Residential areas:
• Maximum height: 10 feet
• Maximum lumens: 750
• Timer requirement: 10-minute maximum operation
• Full shielding required
• Commercial/industrial areas:
• Maximum height: 12 feet or 1/3 of building wall height
• Motion sensor/detector fixtures preferred

Canopy Lighting

For gas stations and similar covered areas:

• Maximum intensity under canopy: 2.0 lux (0.2 fc)
• Maximum intensity at property line: 1.0 lux (0.10 fc)
• Installation: Fully recessed within overhang or canopy

Sign Illumination

When illuminating outdoor signs:

• Fixture placement: Must be mounted on top of sign structure
• Direction: Fully shielded and directed downward
• Visibility: Light source must not be visible from streets or adjacent properties (except neon)
• Prohibited: Bottom-mounted fixtures

Special Use Regulations

Medical Marijuana Facilities

Parker has specific lighting requirements for medical marijuana operations:

• Cultivation lighting: Only LEDs, CFLs, or fluorescent lighting permitted
• Prohibited: All HID lighting (mercury-vapor, metal-halide, sodium-vapor, etc.)
• Exterior lighting:
• Must illuminate building exterior, interior, and all entrances/exits
• 5 foot-candles measured at ground level
• Must remain on during all hours between sunset and sunrise

Commercial Centers

Large commercial centers (over 100,000 square feet) must:

• Provide pedestrian shopping design with sidewalks, seating, trees
• Include appropriate lighting and pedestrian-scale signage
• Ensure connectivity to and through parking areas

Other Special Uses

• Excavation sites: Must provide "sufficient light at night" and temporary fencing
• Telecommunications towers: Only lit if required by FAA, with minimal disturbance
• Flagpoles: If illuminated, must be lit from above and directed downward to comply with Arizona dark sky provisions

Supporting Parker's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Parker's commitment to preserving its unique desert environment while ensuring practical lighting solutions for residents and businesses. With roots dating back to 1918, we share Parker's values of balancing modern needs with environmental preservation.

Our expertise in dark sky-compliant lighting solutions aligns perfectly with Parker's designation as an environmental zone E1. We understand the technical requirements for fully shielded fixtures, appropriate light levels, and proper installation that respects Parker's commitment to protecting its dark skies along the Colorado River.

As a manufacturer with deep appreciation for regional architectural styles and environmental concerns, we're committed to helping communities like Parker maintain their distinctive character through proper lighting that enhances safety while minimizing light pollution.

Conclusion

Parker's lighting regulations reflect the town's commitment to preserving its natural desert environment and dark skies while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and functionality. By following these guidelines, property owners can contribute to maintaining Parker's rural character while meeting their practical lighting needs.

Understanding these regulations is essential before undertaking any lighting project in Parker. The town's permit process ensures compliance with these standards, helping to preserve the unique desert environment that makes Parker special.

By balancing modern lighting needs with environmental preservation, Parker continues to honor its historical roots while looking forward to a sustainable future along the Colorado River.