Pitkin County Lighting Ordinance
Project Type
Dark Sky, Policy
Location
Pitkin County, CO
Year
2024
Team
Pitkin County
Guiding Light for Sustainable Tourism and Rural Community Character
Nestled in the scenic mountains of Colorado, Pitkin County faces a unique challenge: maintaining its rural ambiance and star-studded night skies while supporting vibrant ski resorts and tourism. Clanton & Associates partnered with Pitkin County to create an updated lighting ordinance that strikes a balance between community needs and environmental stewardship. This ordinance is designed to safeguard the county’s dark skies and enhance its natural beauty, all while supporting the county’s tourism economy.
Clanton & Associates collaborated closely with Pitkin County planners, conducting in-depth interviews with county staff to understand the strengths and limitations of the existing ordinance. Through this process, the team identified the county’s top priorities: reducing light pollution, preventing sky glow, and ensuring a nighttime environment conducive to astronomy and sensitive wildlife habitats. The ordinance focuses on minimizing light trespass, curbing obtrusive light, and mitigating nuisance glare, ultimately helping to preserve the rural character that defines the county.
The new ordinance introduces lighting zones that consider the specific needs of different areas and applications across the county. Using the Backlight, Uplight, and Glare (BUG) rating system, Clanton provided guidelines for selecting appropriate lighting levels and fixture types for each zone, from bustling resort areas to quiet residential neighborhoods. To empower Pitkin County staff and facilitate independent management, Clanton equipped them with comprehensive resources, removing the need for specialized lighting software and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the ordinance’s implementation.
