Snowmass Sets New Outdoor Lighting Rules to Protect Night Skies
Snowmass Village introduced a new Outdoor Lighting Code on September 17, establishing clear guidelines for outdoor light usage across residential and commercial properties. The changes include curfews, brightness caps, seasonal lighting limits, and stricter enforcement policies, all designed to preserve the mountain community’s naturally dark skies.
Nighttime curfew requires non-essential outdoor lights off between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Seasonal lighting permitted Nov. 15–Jan. 31 (residential) and Nov. 15–Mar. 1 (commercial).
Residential unshielded lights capped at 850 lumens with a maximum of two per dwelling.
Commercial festoon lighting allowed year-round but limited to 50 lumens per lamp and 25 lumens per foot.
By modernizing its lighting standards, Snowmass continues to prioritize the health of its environment and the experience of its community. The initiative reflects a growing trend among mountain towns to protect star-filled skies.
By: Skyler Stark-Ragsdale | The Aspen Times | Sep 28, 2025