Lighting Regulations in Star Valley, Arizona: Preserving Dark Skies in the Mogollon Rim

Introduction

Nestled between the majestic Mogollon Rim and the Sonoran Desert, Star Valley, Arizona stands as a testament to the region's rich natural heritage. With roots dating back thousands of years and a more recent history that includes its incorporation in 2006, this town of approximately 2,484 residents has established thoughtful lighting regulations that reflect its unique geographical setting and community values.

Star Valley's proximity to the Tonto National Forest and its abundance of magnificent Ponderosa pines and wildlife have shaped its approach to lighting. These regulations aren't just bureaucratic requirements—they represent the community's commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the night sky while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Essential requirements for property owners in Star Valley:

• Shielding Requirement: Most outdoor fixtures must be fully shielded with light directed below horizontal
• Recreational Lighting: Must be turned off by 11:00 PM
• Permits Required: Applications must include detailed lighting plans and specifications
• Prohibited Lighting: Searchlights for advertising, mercury vapor fixtures
• Special Rule for Incandescent: Fixtures under 100W exempt from shielding requirements
• Tree Maintenance: Must prune trees that block streetlight illumination

Understanding Star Valley's Dark Sky Focus

Astronomical Heritage

Star Valley's lighting regulations specifically aim to restrict outdoor artificial illumination that emits undesirable light into the night sky. This focus stems from the region's historical connection to astronomical observation and the exceptional visibility conditions in this part of Arizona.

Environmental Consciousness

The town's close relationship with its natural surroundings—from the Mogollon Rim to the diverse wildlife—has fostered a community-wide appreciation for minimizing light pollution and preserving the natural darkness of night skies.

Community Character

With its modest population and emphasis on natural preservation, Star Valley's lighting regulations help maintain the town's distinctive character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Technical Requirements for Outdoor Lighting

Shielding Specifications

Most outdoor fixtures must be "fully shielded", meaning light rays emitted by the fixture are projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest point where light is emitted. This applies to both direct light from the lamp and indirect light from the fixture.

Light Source Requirements

Different light sources have specific requirements:

• Fluorescent:
• Fully shielded
• Must be filtered
• Warm white and natural lamps preferred
• High Pressure Sodium:
• Fully shielded
• No filtering required
• Incandescent:
• 100W or less: No shielding or filtering required
• Greater than 100W: Fully shielded, no filtering required
• Mercury Vapor:
• Fully shielded
• Must be filtered
• Important: Installation prohibited 90 days after ordinance adoption
• Metal Halide:
• Fully shielded
• Must be filtered
• Must be in enclosed luminaries
• Quartz:
• Fully shielded
• No filtering required
• Not considered an incandescent light source under regulations

Filtering Requirements

When filtering is required, fixtures must have glass, acrylic, or translucent enclosures. It's specifically noted that quartz does not meet this filtering requirement.

Permit and Application Process

When Permits Are Required

Anyone installing outdoor lighting fixtures in Star Valley must obtain proper permission by submitting detailed plans to the community development director.

What to Include in Your Application

Your lighting permit application must contain:

• Plans showing the location of all illuminating devices, fixtures, and supports
• Detailed descriptions of the fixtures, including manufacturer's catalog cuts and drawings
• For building permits, evidence that the proposed work will comply with lighting regulations

Utility Companies Exception

Utility companies that enter into approved contracts with the town agreeing to comply with lighting regulations are exempt from permit requirements for outdoor fixtures, including residential security lighting.

Prohibited Lighting Practices

Searchlights and Beacon Lights

• Operation of searchlights for advertising purposes is strictly prohibited
• Searchlights, beacon lights capable of projecting light into the sky for distances over half a mile require town council permission
• Emergency searchlights operated under public authority are exempt

Mercury Vapor Installation

The installation of mercury vapor fixtures is prohibited effective 90 days after the adoption date of the ordinance.

Unshielded Outdoor Illumination

Unshielded outdoor illumination of buildings, landscaping, signage, or other purposes is prohibited except with incandescent fixtures of 100W or less.

Special Conditions and Requirements

Recreational Facility Lighting

No outdoor recreational facility, whether public or private, can be illuminated after 11:00 PM, except to conclude a specific event that began before 11:00 PM.

Tree Maintenance for Lighting Efficiency

• Property owners must prune branches of trees overhanging streets so they don't obstruct light from streetlamps
• The town has the right to prune trees or shrubs on private property that interfere with street lighting

Street Lighting Requirements

• Street lights are required in high-density commercial or residential areas
• Developers are responsible for providing additional street lights for public streets adjacent to their sites to ensure acceptable lighting levels

Exemptions to Lighting Regulations

Permanent Exemptions

• Pre-existing Fixtures: Outdoor light fixtures fully installed before the ordinance effective date may remain as "nonconforming" fixtures indefinitely (unless changed or replaced)
• Fossil Fuel Light: Illumination produced directly or indirectly by natural gas or utility-type fossil fuels
• Government Facilities: U.S. federal government and State of Arizona facilities and lands are legally exempt, though voluntary compliance is encouraged

Temporary Exemptions

• Can be requested from the community development director
• Valid for 30 days or more at the director's discretion
• Application must include specific information about:
• Type and use of exterior light
• Duration of requested exemption
• Type of lamp and calculated lumens
• Total wattage
• Proposed location
• Physical size and type of shielding

Supporting Star Valley's Lighting Vision

As a manufacturer with deep roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the importance of preserving community character while providing appropriate illumination solutions. We share Star Valley's commitment to dark sky preservation and appreciate the delicate balance between modern lighting needs and environmental consciousness.

Star Valley's regulations reflect the community's profound connection to its natural surroundings and astronomical heritage. Our expertise in developing lighting solutions that complement regional architectural styles while respecting local regulations makes us a valuable partner for residents and businesses navigating these requirements.

We're committed to supporting communities like Star Valley through education about lighting regulations and sustainable practices. Our understanding of the unique character of towns situated in environmentally sensitive areas guides our approach to providing resources that help maintain community identity while ensuring functionality and compliance.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Ahead Saves Time and Money

Understanding Star Valley's lighting requirements before starting a project can prevent costly mistakes and rework. Be sure to include lighting specifications in your initial building or renovation plans.

Maintenance Matters

Regular maintenance of your lighting fixtures and surrounding landscaping ensures continued compliance and optimal performance. Remember that tree branches must not obstruct streetlights.

When in Doubt, Ask

The community development director can provide guidance on compliance and consider alternative approaches that meet the intent of the regulations. Special exemptions may be available for extreme geographic or geometric conditions.

Conclusion

Star Valley's lighting regulations reflect the community's thoughtful approach to preserving its natural beauty while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. By understanding and following these requirements, property owners contribute to maintaining the town's distinctive character and protecting its magnificent night skies.

From the prohibition of unnecessarily bright or skyward-directed lighting to the specific technical requirements for different light sources, these regulations serve the dual purpose of meeting practical needs while preserving the environmental and astronomical assets that make Star Valley special.