PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
The Season for Holiday Lights Is Over
Contact: Bob Narracci, Zoning Administrator, Community Development, City of Aspen, Bob.Narracci@CityOfAspen.com, 970-429-2754
Aspen, Colorado – April 16, 2021 – Now that the holiday season has ended, it is time to stow holiday decorations and lights. The City of Aspen has specific regulations about exterior lighting in Aspen City limits allowing holiday lighting, but not past March 1.
According to the City of Aspen’s Land Use Code, all exterior lighting in Aspen must be fully shielded so that rays are not directly emitted. The City has one exception to this rule: holiday lighting. However, holiday lighting is only permitted between November 15 and March 1 and if it does not create a “dangerous glare on adjacent streets or properties, is maintained in an attractive condition, and does not constitute a fire hazard,” (Aspen Colorado, Land Use Code § 26.575.150). Beyond this timeframe, holiday lighting is not allowed.
Holiday lights contribute to light pollution, attract wildlife, increase unnecessary energy usage, and when wrapped around trees, constrict their ability to grow. Continued illumination of holiday lighting after March 1, 2021 is a violation of the Land Use Code and is considered a criminal offense.
For more information, see the City of Aspen’s Municipal Code at cityofaspen.com/191/Municipal-Code. Questions can be directed to the zoning division within Community Development at ComDevZoning@CityOfAspen.com.
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