Lighting Regulations in Tombstone, Arizona: Preserving the Old West Night Sky

Introduction: Balancing History and Modern Illumination

Tombstone, Arizona – the legendary "Town Too Tough to Die" – rose from the desert in 1879 after Ed Schieffelin's silver discovery transformed the area into a bustling boomtown. Today, this small community of around 1,300 residents maintains its distinctive historical character through careful preservation efforts.

The town's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to both historical authenticity and modern needs. Tombstone's designation as a National Historic Landmark district brings special considerations for lighting, particularly to maintain the town's historic ambiance while also protecting the spectacular desert night skies that have captivated residents and visitors alike for generations.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a quick overview of Tombstone's key lighting regulations:

• Primary Purpose: Restrict outdoor artificial illumination that affects astronomical observations
• Preferred Lamp Type: Low pressure sodium (partially shielded)
• Shielding Requirements: Most fixtures must be fully or partially shielded
• Street Light Spacing: Not more than 300 feet apart
• Street Light Height: Between 20-30 feet on front streets
• Historic District: Light fixture changes require a certificate of appropriateness
• Prohibited: Mercury vapor fixtures, searchlights for advertising
• Curfew: Recreational facility lighting restricted after 11:00 P.M.

Understanding Shielding and Fixture Requirements

Shielding Definitions

Tombstone's code provides specific definitions for different levels of shielding:

• Fully Shielded: Fixtures where light rays are projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest point of light emission
• Partially Shielded: Fixtures with shielding where the bottom edge of the shield is below the plane centerline of the light source, minimizing light above the horizontal

Lamp Type Requirements

The regulations specify different requirements based on lamp type:

| Lamp Type | Shielding Required | Filtering Required | Notes | |---------------|------------------------|------------------------|-----------| | Low pressure sodium | Partially | None | Preferred light source for minimizing impact on astronomical observations | | High pressure sodium | Fully | None | | | Metal halide | Fully | None | Cannot be used for security lighting after 11:00 P.M. unless fully shielded | | Fluorescent | Fully | Yes | Warm white and natural lamps preferred | | Quartz | Fully | None | Not considered incandescent | | Incandescent >150W | Fully | None | | | Incandescent ≤150W | None | None | | | Mercury vapor | Fully | Yes | Installation prohibited 90 days after code adoption | | Fossil fuel | None | None | Exempt | | Neon, Argon, Krypton tubes | None | None | |

Filtration Requirements

Some lamps require special filtering:

• Fixtures requiring filters must be equipped with filters transmitting less than 5% total emergent flux at wavelengths less than 3,900 angstroms
• Most glass, acrylic, or translucent enclosures satisfy filtration requirements

Historic District Special Considerations

Certificate of Appropriateness Requirement

The historical character of Tombstone is particularly important to its identity. Within designated historic districts:

• No material changes to light fixtures visible from public streets or alleys without first obtaining a certificate of appropriateness
• Signs or displays may be lit by electric lighting, but such lighting must be indirect with the light source hidden from public view
• Exterior architectural appearance includes light fixtures among its defining elements

Compliance Timeline

• Signs, lighting, repainting, and minor rehabilitation must be completed within 90 days of approval by the Historic Preservation Commission

Street Lighting Standards

Tombstone's code contains specific requirements for street lighting:

• Spacing: Light standards must be no more than 300 feet apart
• Height: Standards on front streets must be between 20-30 feet high
• Approval: Must be of a type specified or approved by the common council or their delegate
• Compliance: All street lighting shall conform to Department of Public Works requirements

Prohibited Lighting Practices

The code explicitly prohibits certain lighting practices:

Prohibited Fixtures and Uses

• Mercury vapor fixtures: Installation prohibited 90 days after code adoption
• Searchlights: Operation for advertising purposes prohibited
• Unnecessary lighting: No unnecessarily focusing or throwing lights from automobiles or flashlights upon any campsite or assemblage
• Blinking lights: Prohibited on real estate office sites
• Unshielded outdoor illumination: Building, landscaping, or other illumination prohibited except with incandescent fixtures less than 150 watts

Time Restrictions

• Recreational facility lighting: Cannot use nonconforming lighting after 11:00 P.M., except to conclude events that began before 11:00 P.M.
• Metal halide display lighting: Cannot be used for security lighting after 11:00 P.M. unless fully shielded

Exemptions and Special Provisions

Several exemptions exist within the lighting code:

Exempt Lighting

• Pre-existing fixtures: Outdoor light fixtures installed prior to the code's effective date may remain nonconforming
• Fossil fuel light: Light produced by natural gas or other utility-type fossil fuels
• Federal and state facilities: Lands owned, operated, and protected by U.S. federal government or Arizona state

Temporary Exemptions

The building inspector may grant temporary exemptions. Requests must include:

• Type of lamp and calculated lumens
• Total wattage
• Proposed location
• Physical size and type of shielding

What Property Owners Should Know

Application Requirements

When applying for permits involving outdoor lighting, you'll need to provide:

• Plans showing location and type of illuminating devices, fixtures, and supports
• Descriptions of illuminating devices, which may include manufacturer catalog cuts and drawings
• Documentation that demonstrates compliance with the lighting code

Specific Use Considerations

Different property types have specific requirements:

• Parking areas: Lights used to illuminate parking spaces must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining residential lots
• Medical marijuana facilities: Exterior lighting with reference to adjacent properties is a factor in permit approval
• Temporary real estate offices: Must conform to the town's lighting code and have no blinking lights on site

Understanding Light Trespass

The code aims to prevent light from affecting neighboring properties:

• Fixtures must be designed to direct light downward and minimize spillover
• Proper shielding helps reduce glare and light trespass
• Consider how your lighting might impact your neighbors and astronomical observations

Supporting Tombstone's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting shares Tombstone's commitment to preserving historic character while meeting modern lighting needs. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the importance of balancing safety, functionality, and historical aesthetics.

Tombstone's lighting regulations reflect its unique identity as both a historic landmark and a living community. Our experience with projects that respect community character and local regulations allows us to appreciate Tombstone's efforts to preserve its distinctive Old West atmosphere.

We believe in sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Tombstone's vision, particularly its focus on protecting the night sky for astronomical observations. Our commitment to education about lighting regulations stems from our understanding that informed property owners make better decisions for their communities.

With an appreciation for regional architectural styles and lighting needs, we recognize that Tombstone's balance of safety and historical preservation sets an example for other historic communities throughout Arizona and beyond.

Conclusion

Tombstone's lighting regulations reflect its dual commitment to preserving its historic character and protecting the night sky. The emphasis on proper shielding, appropriate lamp types, and careful consideration of lighting placement demonstrates the town's thoughtful approach to illumination.

Property owners and businesses in Tombstone should familiarize themselves with these requirements before making any lighting changes, particularly in the historic district. By following these guidelines, community members contribute to maintaining the authentic atmosphere that makes Tombstone a unique destination while ensuring practical lighting needs are met.

The "Town Too Tough to Die" continues to balance its rich history with modern necessities, proving that with careful planning and appropriate regulations, the past and present can coexist harmoniously under the same starry sky.