Outdoor Lighting Code Updates

The updated Outdoor Lighting Code (Chapter 26.512) is in effect as of December 15, 2023. All properties subject to the updated code must come into compliance by December 15, 2028. 

If you would like to make a complaint on a violation of the updated lighting code, please submit your complaint via Aspen’s 311 Connect system. If you have questions about coming into compliance, submitting a permit, or feedback on the calculator email the  Planning Permit Review Team.

Updated materials to support the updated code include a Guide to Updated City of Aspen Outdoor Lighting Code, Outdoor Lighting Compliance Statement, and Aspen Outdoor Lighting Compliance Calculator. Please use the list of resources below for these materials.

• Chapter 26.512 - Outdoor Lighting (Website)
• Outdoor Lighting Handout (PDF)
• Guide to Outdoor Lighting Code (PDF)
• Aspen Outdoor Lighting Compliance Calculator v.2.1 (XLSX)
• Outdoor Lighting Compliance Statement (PDF)
• Ordinance #12, Series of 2023 – Outdoor Lighting (PDF)

The updated Outdoor Lighting chapter is based on national and international dark skies best practices. Street and pedestrian lighting play a key role in how people experience communities at night. Lighting can create a sense of place and identity throughout a city. It can also adversely affect people and wildlife habitats with glare and light trespass. When designed with purpose and clear intent, our light can enhance the aesthetic character of Aspen, as well as improve visibility, visual comfort, wayfinding, public safety, and security. If poorly designed, lighting may create undesirable effects such as glare, light trespass, and light pollution. 

Updated policies focus on key areas including:

• Reduce pedestrian accidents and promote the health, safety and welfare of people;
• Reduce obtrusive and glaring light that inhibit human vision and detract from enjoyment;
• Curtail light pollution and improve nighttime environment for residents, visitors and astronomer enthusiasts;
• Protect local and migrating ecological systems from the adverse effect of artificial light; 
• Minimize light trespass across property lines so as to avoid disturbing neighbors and restricting access to nighttime darkness as a shared natural resource; 
• Bring clarity for applicants and City review staff in evaluating lighting performance standards during the development review process;
• Differentiate residential and commercial lighting needs.

Seasonal Lighting

Additionally, seasonal lighting is deemed temporary between Nov. 15 and March 1, as stated in the code. Seasonal lighting illumination is permitted between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. during this time period. Seasonal lights contribute to light pollution, attract wildlife, increase unnecessary energy usage, and when wrapped around trees, constrict their ability to grow. 

Continued illumination of seasonal lighting after March 1, 2026, is a violation of the Land Use Code and could result in fines. 

Contact Sarah Sandifer with questions: Sarah.sandifer@aspen.gov.