HomeMy WebLinkAboutagenda.apz.20230801AGENDA
ASPEN PLANNING & ZONING
COMMISSION
August 1, 2023
4:30 PM, Pearl Pass Meeting Room
3rd Floor, 427 Rio Grande Pl,
Aspen
I.ROLL CALL
II.COMMENTS
III.MINUTES
III.A Draft Minutes - 6/20/23
IV.DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
V.PUBLIC HEARINGS
VI.OTHER BUSINESS
VI.A Resolution #XX, Series of 2023 - Outdoor Lighting Code Amendment
VII.BOARD REPORTS
VIII.ADJOURN
minutes.p&z.062023_DRAFT.pdf
Outdoor Lighting Regulations_Staff Memo.pdf
Resolution No.XX, Series of 2023 - Outdoor Lighting Code.pdf
Exhibit A - Draft Code Amendment - Outdoor Lighting.pdf
Exhibit B - Aspen Lighting Ordinance Community & Stakeholder Memo.pdf
Exhibit C - Aspen Lighting Ordinance Existing Conditions Memo.pdf
Exhibit D - Draft Map of Proposed Lighting Zones.pdf
Exhibit E - Draft Spreadsheet Tool - Evaluating Conformance with New
Regulations.pdf
TYPICAL PROCEEDING FORMAT FOR ALL PUBLIC HEARINGS
1) Conflicts of Interest (handled at beginning of agenda)
2) Provide proof of legal notice (affidavit of notice for PH)
3) Staff presentation
4) Board questions and clarifications of staff
5) Applicant presentation
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6) Board questions and clarifications of applicant
7) Public comments
8) Board questions and clarifications relating to public comments
9) Close public comment portion of bearing
10) Staff rebuttal/clarification of evidence presented by applicant and public comment
11) Applicant rebuttal/clarification
End of fact finding. Deliberation by the commission commences. No further interaction
between commission and staff, applicant or public
12) Chairperson identified the issues to be discussed among commissioners.
13) Discussion between commissioners*
14) Motion*
*Make sure the discussion and motion includes what criteria are met or not met
Revised January 9, 2021
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Outdoor Lighting Code – P&Z Recommendation
MEMORANDUM
TO: City of Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission
FROM: Haley Hart, Long-Range Planner
Sophie Varga, Planner
THROUGH: Ben Anderson, Deputy Director of Community Development
MEMO DATE: July 27, 2023
MEETING DATE: August 1, 2023
RE: Outdoor Lighting Land Code Amendment
Recommendation from P&Z
REQUEST OF THE COMMISSION: As part of the Land Use Code (LUC) Amendment
process, and prior to the consideration by City Council of an amendment to the Land Use
Code updating Section 26.575.150 - Outdoor lighting, P&Z is asked to review the draft
code and provide recommendation pursuant to 26.310.020.B.
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: Section 26.575.150 - Outdoor lighting, of the LUC
defines the regulations related to outdoor lighting on private or public property within the
City of Aspen. The purpose for updating this code section is in response to difficulties
present in the current code. This section was last comprehensively updated in 2003. The
current code is fully prescriptive, meaning there is little consideration of the performance,
or quality of light generated on the entire property. This makes it extremely difficult for
lighting designers to design in conformance with the City’s code and for the City’s zoning
officers to evaluate development proposals. Additionally, the current code primarily
establishes a single set of standards for lighting across different land use types and areas
of town. For example, most of the lighting standards are the same for residential,
commercial, parks, and publicly owned spaces – all of which are distinct uses that should
have distinct lighting parameters associated with their use.
Changes to lighting technology, updated design trends, and a growing understanding of
the value of the night skies to community character, human health, and the ecological
and environmental health of flora and fauna have raised the need for a full overhaul of
the lighting standards.
It is important to note that the lighting standards in the LUC do not apply to lighting in the
Right-of-Way, including the City’s system of streetlights and lighting related to transit
facilities.
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Since the adoption of Resolution No. 101, Series of 2021, a resolution approving the
contract between the City and Clanton and Associates, staff has worked with the lighting
design consultant to evaluate existing conditions and draft language towards an updated
code. This work included a community and stakeholder visioning session which took
place April 18th-20th, 2022. This time was spent evaluating nighttime lighting conditions
and conducting a preliminary public outreach and engagement survey, culminating in the
creation of the Aspen Lighting Ordinance Community & Stakeholder Memo, included as
Exhibit B and the Aspen Lighting Ordinance Existing Conditions Memo, included as
Exhibit C. Since then, Staff and the consultant have worked towards development of a
draft ordinance and have since taken updated language and concepts to community
stakeholders, those involved in the visioning session, lighting design experts, architects,
the Historic Preservation Commission, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the
Commercial Core and Logging Commission. Staff and the consultant will continue to work
with these stakeholders and the public to gain feedback for first reading at Council.
Proposed Policy:
The code sections anticipated for amendment include:
Primary Section
• 26.575.150 - Outdoor lighting
Secondary Sections
• 26.435 - Development in Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA), and;
• 26.515.080 – Special Review
Innovative concepts to the outdoor lighting policy are proposed for the draft ordinance
and are based on national best practices following guidance from the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), and the
International Dark Sky Association (IDA). Aspen is a unique city situated in a natural
environment and the context of the City’s geographical location and how both human and
the natural ecosystem interact with the nighttime environment will guide what to light, why,
and when. Staff and the consultant understand that some exterior lighting is appropriate
and necessary for the safety of people at night, and the following principals are proposed
as a guide for responsible lighting design:
(1) Useful – All lighting at night should have an intended purpose.
(2) Targeted – Light should be directed only where it is needed.
(3) Low Light Levels – Light should be no brighter than necessary for the task.
(4) Controlled – Lighting should only be used when it is useful.
(5) Spectrum – Lighting shall restrict the range of Correlated Color Temperatures
(CCTs) used outdoors in order to reduce disruptive, shorter wavelengths while
encouraging warm-white light color temperature.
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Outdoor Lighting Code – P&Z Recommendation
Together with the forementioned principles for responsible lighting design, the following
goals are proposed to be the cornerstone of the draft policy:
(1) Use ANSI/IES exterior illuminance recommendations to reduce pedestrian
accidents and promote the health, safety, and welfare of people.
(2) Reduce obtrusive and glaring light that inhibit human vision and detract from
enjoyment.
(3) Curtail light pollution, reduce sky glow metrics, improve the nighttime
environment for residents, visitors, and astronomer enthusiasts.
(4) Prevent inappropriate and poorly designed or installed outdoor lighting.
(5) Protect local and migrating ecological systems from the adverse effects of
artificial light.
(6) Prevent light trespass from unnecessarily disturbing people (and their sleep
patterns) and from unnecessarily restricting access to nighttime darkness as a
natural resource.
New topics and terms based on national best practices are proposed to better serve the
City’s nighttime environment. The central focus will include the following:
• Lighting Zones – a municipal planning tool which creates a hierarchy of planned
lighting and overlays with specific land uses.
• Light Quality –fixtures and lighting design that direct a pleasant and purposeful
quality of light (intensity and color).
• Light Trespass – the measurement and enforcement of how much internal light
is radiated externally beyond the boundary of its intended use, such as a
property line.
• Historic Landmarks – the continuation and recognition that the City’s historic
sites may adopt or have existing lighting approvals to highlight their
architectural significance to the community.
• Holiday/Seasonal Lighting – a proposed policy question at first reading to
Council will direct staff on the duration of holiday lighting and how much will be
allowed per site.
• Prescriptive and Performance-based Guidelines – a blend of both submission
types to evaluate how a building or parcel is illuminated holistically rather than
looking solely at the type of individual lights on the site.
• Parks and Public Spaces – staff and the consultant have worked with the Parks
and Recreation team to create standards that provides flexibility while
preserving homogeneity regarding the type and quality of lighting in the City’s
parks and publicly owned spaces.
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Outdoor Lighting Code – P&Z Recommendation
Although the City will not be pursuing the International Dark Sky Places certification due
to the limited purview that the LUC section is responsible for, the principals, goals, and
topics of focus are analogous with those of dark skies communities and will have a
marked impact on the preservation of the night sky. Staff and the consultant team will
continue to work towards the development of a draft ordinance that includes a framework
for improved coherency and a workable balance between safety, aesthetics, human
health, and ecological and environmental impacts of outdoor lighting.
Proposed Changes
Lighting Zones
Aspen land use patterns reflect a higher intensity of use in the commercial, downtown
core and a decreasing intensity of use as one gradually moves away from the core and
into the more residential parts of town. The application of lighting zones reflects this
pattern. Lighting Zone 1 is applied to most of the residential areas and allows for less
light intensity per parcel. Lighting Zone 2 is applied to the commercial and mixed use
zones in town and allows for a slightly higher intensity of light in recognition of the
needs of pedestrians and commercial uses. While defined and discussed in the code,
Lighting Zones 0 and 3 would have minimal, practical application and will not be
frequently utilized.
Light Quality
The proposed code is designed to encourage fixtures that direct light downward (fully
shielded), discourage, but allow with limited lumens, lights projected upward
(unshielded), and limit the amount of horizontally broadcast light (partially shielded).
Additionally, the code requires that fixtures produce a light quality that is warmer
(yellow/orange) rather than cooler (blue/white) as defined in the amount Correlated
Color Temperature (CCT) allowed.
Differentiating Residential and Commercial
Under the current code, lighting standards are relatively uniform across different types
of uses. This often leads to sub-optimal design outcomes, and difficulty in permit
submission and review. The proposed code provides clearly delineates residential and
non-residential uses.
Maximum lumens per Site
Combined with light quality consideration, a maximum number of lumens per site helps
define light performance. This is the amount of light that is available for all of the
outdoor lighting on the property. The number of lumens changes per fixture and is
measured by the amount of light that a fixture produces. These limits are enumerated
in tables within the residential and non-residential sections.
Light Trespass
Light Trespass is a measure of the total amount of light that a property produces from
both outdoor and indoor sources that crosses the property line. Concerns about light
trespass are a major source of complaints filed with ComDev by neighbors and
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Outdoor Lighting Code – P&Z Recommendation
pedestrians. We currently have no way to respond to these complaints. This proposal
establishes thresholds for compliance and would require ComDev to acquire
sophisticated light measuring tools and evaluate light trespass (on a complaint basis).
It is also important to note that light trespass would only be enforced on for violations
within the curfew hours identified.
Holiday Lighting
This is a topic of significant community interest and a source of numerous complaints
on an annual basis. Aspen is a resort community that celebrates the holidays and the
winter season. It is also a community that values dark skies, the health of our trees,
and works to reduce potential conflicts between neighbors. The proposed code
responds to these issues by giving limitations: 1) length of use; 2) quantity and quality
of lights; and 3) hours of use with an established curfew. Again, this would only apply
to holiday lighting on private property. Holiday lighting in the right-of-way (including the
Pedestrian Malls) are subject to other standards.
Flexibility for City Parks to Respond to Park-specific-needs
Aspen’s parks are distributed across town and often have park-specific use patterns
and needs. The lighting zone system is too limiting to this diverse park system. While
the intent statements and requirements for individual lighting fixtures will apply to all
park properties, the code intentionally grants flexibility to the City Parks Department to
install lighting that is appropriate and necessary in providing safe and enjoyable park
and trail experiences.
Effective Dates for Code Compliance and Response to Complaints
Anytime new code changes are proposed, a consideration of the impacts of creating
new “non-conformities” is part of the process. Non-conformities are things that when
established were legal and consistent with the code at the time, but now following a
change to the rules, are no longer compliant with the new code. The proposed code
would create a 5-year legacy period for existing, nonconforming fixtures. After 5-years,
enforcement of non-conforming fixtures could commence following a formal complaint.
It is important to note that unless it involves a life-safety issue, City staff do not wander
around town looking for problems – staff will enforce only within a complaint driven
system.
It is important to note that the Light Trespass and Holiday Lighting standards would be
enforced immediately (again, based on complaints) upon the effective date of the
Ordinance.
Clarity on Applicability and Submission Requirements and Process
P&Z would only evaluate lighting in two circumstances: 1) A lighting plan within a
Planned Development review; and 2) as proposed in a Special Review – where a
project does not meet some provision of the code and requests a variation. Otherwise,
these requirements are all handled during the building permit review process –
specifically as part of the zoning review. An important aspect of the proposed code is
an improved description of the submission requirements for different kinds of
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Outdoor Lighting Code – P&Z Recommendation
development scenarios – from the replacement of a single fixture to a full, new
development. Additionally, Clanton and Associates has put together a tool (excel
spreadsheet) that allows for an easy depiction of a project’s proposed lighting and
conformance with code requirements. The results of this tool would then be submitted
by an applicant and provides an easy mechanism for staff to evaluate compliance.
Policy Questions:
The draft code as proposed provides answers to these questions – but staff would
appreciate if P&Z would evaluate and provide any thoughts within your comments or in
the formal recommendation.
Policy Questions:
1. Do you agree with the 5-year period as appropriate in providing legacy exemptions
for existing fixtures? Should Light Trespass and Holiday lighting curfews be
effective immediately?
2. Do you agree with the idea of and proposed framework for the regulation of Light
Trespass?
3. Do you agree that holiday lighting should be limited seasonally (allowed from
November to March)?
4. Do you agree with the idea of a curfew (hours of enforcement) for Light Trespass
and allowed hours for holiday lighting? On residential properties the hours are
proposed for 10p to 7a. For non-residential uses – the curfew would allow for an
hour after close and an hour prior to opening.
5. Aspen has long had a provision prohibiting neon and neon appearing lighting.
Do you agree with this continued prohibition?
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends that P&Z consider both the policy level changes that the amendment
proposes – as well as the specific language that defines the new regulations. At the
meeting the commission will be given the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the
merits of the proposed code provisions. Should the Commission agree entirely with the
draft, a recommendation could be made that supports the proposed code as is. If,
however, a majority of the Commission would like to make either general or specific
recommendations for Council consideration, it is advised that the Commission vote on
any proposed recommendations for changes, additions, or deletions. If a majority of the
Commission approves, staff would add those recommendations to the P&Z Resolution
and would convey these sentiments and recommendations to Council during the review
of the eventual Ordinance.
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Outdoor Lighting Code – P&Z Recommendation
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
If the Commission concurs with the draft code, as is: “I move to approve Resolution No.
XX, Series of 2023.”
If the Commission would like to add additional recommendations or make formal
comment to Council on the draft code: “I move to approve Resolution No. XX with the
following additions or changes…”
EXHIBITS:
A – Draft Code Amendment - Outdoor Lighting
B – Aspen Lighting Ordinance Community & Stakeholder Memo
C – Aspen Lighting Ordinance Existing Conditions Memo
D – Draft Map of Proposed Lighting Zones
E – Draft Spreadsheet Tool - Evaluating Conformance with New Regulations
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Resolution #XX, Series of 2023
Outdoor Lighting Code
Page 1 of 3
RESOLUTION #XX
SERIES OF 2023
A RESOLUTION OF THE ASPEN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL BY CITY COUNCIL FOR THE AMENDMENT OF CITY
OF ASPEN LAND USE CODE SECTION 26.575.150 – OUTDOOR LIGHTING AND
OTHER RELATED CODE SECTIONS AS NECESSARY WITHIN THE LAND USE CODE
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 26.575.150 – Outdoor lighting, of the City of Aspen
Municipal Code, the allowance, location, submittal process, and type and quality of outdoor
lighting allowed on property within the City of Aspen is established; and,
WHEREAS, objectives of these code amendments are to update the City’s outdoor
lighting policy based on national best practices and to response to updated lighting technology;
and,
WHEREAS, the City elects to pursue reduction of light levels, light pollution, wasted
energy, and neighborly conflicts arising from excessive or poorly designed light at night; and,
WHEREAS, other amendments will be required within Section 26.435 – Development in
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA), and Section 26.515.080 – Special Review, to ensure
consistency and coordination with the updated outdoor lighting standards within the Land Use Code;
and,
WHEREAS, Community Development has presented and discussed this issue with the
Planning and Zoning Commission; and,
WHEREAS, at a regular meeting on August 1, 2022, the Planning and Zoning
Commission considered the amended code, and reviewed staff’s memo, and by a __ - __ (_-_) vote
approves Resolution #XX, Series of 2023, recommending Council consideration and approval of
amending Section 26.575.150 – Outdoor lighting.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO THAT:
Section 1:
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends the Land Use Code Section 26.575.150. - Outdoor
lighting, be rescinded and readopted as follows in Exhibit A.
Section 2:
Land Use Code Section 26.435.040.B.3.f. – Stream Margin review.
f. All exterior lighting is low and downcast with no light(s) directed toward the river or located
down the slope and shall be in compliance with Section 26.575.150. A lighting plan will be
submitted with all development applications.
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Outdoor Lighting Code
Page 2 of 3
Section 3:
Land Use Code Section 26.430– Special Review shall be rescinded and readopted as follows:
Sec. 26.430.030. - Applicability.
Special review shall apply to all development in the City designated for special review by the
following chapters or sections of this Title:
• Dimensional requirements (Chapter 26.710, Zone Districts)
• Replacement of nonconforming structures (Chapter 26.312)
• Reduction of open space requirements in CC Zone District (Section 26.575.030(b))
• Off-street parking requirements (Section 26.515.040)
• Reductions in the dimensions of utility and delivery service area provisions
• Subdivision standards (Section 26.480.050)
• Accessory Dwelling Unit Design Standards (Chapter 26.520)
• Wireless telecommunications facilities and/or equipment (Section 26.575.130)
• Affordable housing unit standards
• Variations to the Residential Demolition and Redevelopment Standards (Chapter 26.580)
• Outdoor lighting (Chapter 26.575.150)
(l) Outdoor lighting standards. A project may request variations from the requirements of Section
26.575.150 – Outdoor. Whenever a special review is considered by the Planning & Zoning
Commission or the Historic Preservation Commission it shall be reviewed in accordance with the
following standards:
(1) The outdoor lighting plan, luminaire, or installation has:
(a) a demonstrable community benefit; or,
(b) is for the purpose of public safety and health; and,
(2) The proposed lighting plan, luminaire, or installation meets the intent and general
characteristics of the underlying Lighting Zone.
Section 3:
This ordinance shall not affect any existing litigation and shall not operate as an abatement of any
action or proceeding now pending under or by virtue of the resolutions or ordinances repealed or
amended as herein provided, and the same shall be conducted and concluded under such prior
resolutions or ordinances.
Section 4:
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held
invalid or unconstitutional in a court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a
separate, distinct and independent provision and shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions
thereof.
FINALLY, adopted, passed, and approved this 1st day of August 2023.
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Resolution #XX, Series of 2023
Outdoor Lighting Code
Page 3 of 3
Approved as to form: Approved as to content:
______________________________ __________________________________
Katherine Johnson, Assistant City Attorney Christine Benedetti, Vice Chair
Attest:
______________________________
Mike Sear, Deputy City Clerk
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Section 26.575.150. – Outdoor lighting.
26.575.150.010 – Intent and Purpose.
(a) Background. As the global population continues to grow, a larger percentage of people are living in
urban environments, leading to expansion and development. In 2007, the global urban population
exceeded the global rural population for the first time in history. In North America, 82% of people
live in urban areas.
One problem associated with population growth and urban sprawl is the use of artificial light at
night. This issue was first identified in the 1970s, when astronomers detected a degradation of the
night sky. Continued increase in the quantity of high angle and uncontrolled reflected light has
diminished the dark sky. For most of the U.S. population, a clear view of the stars is no longer
possible.
Excessive, poorly designed, or poorly installed lighting at night creates issues that include skyglow,
wasted energy, and unsafe or unpleasant conditions. Irresponsible light at night can also be harmful
to the ecological health of flora, fauna, and humans. The City of Aspen is not excluded from these
impacts. In the City of Aspen, darkness is as much a part of the natural environment as the trees,
animals, and mountains. The dark night sky is currently an endangered resource. Unnecessary
lighting of natural and semi-natural areas impedes our ability to connect to that natural
environment after dark. When we are unable to see the stars, we become estranged from the
wildness that makes the City of Aspen such a special place.
(b) Purpose. As a global citizen, the City of Aspen believes in the human right to access dark skies and
be free from inappropriate lighting distractions at night. When the need for darkness conflicts with
the need for light, good lighting design can find a workable balance between safety, aesthetics,
human health, and the ecological and environmental impacts.
The City of Aspen understands that some exterior lighting is appropriate and necessary for the
safety of people at night. What to light, why, and when, will be a cornerstone of this lighting
ordinance. Because the effects of light pollution can persist as far as 200 kilometers (120 miles)
from the source, local control and regional coordination is encouraged for both dark sky
preservation and ecological protection. The following principles are used as a guide for responsible
lighting design in the City of Aspen:
(1) Useful – All lighting at night should have an intended purpose.
(2) Targeted – Light should be directed only where it is needed.
(3) Low Light Levels – Light should be no brighter than necessary for the task.
(4) Controlled – Lighting should only be used when it is useful.
(5) Spectrum – Lighting shall restrict the range of Correlated Color Temperatures (CCTs) used
outdoors in order to reduce disruptive, shorter wavelengths while encouraging warm-white
light color temperature.
(c) Goals. In addition to the principles of responsible lighting design mentioned above, the following
goals are intended to guide the City of Aspen’s decision makers regarding artificial exterior light at
night:
(1) Use American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)
exterior illuminance recommendations to reduce pedestrian accidents and promote the
health, safety, and welfare of people;
(2) Reduce obtrusive and glaring light that inhibit human vision and detract from enjoyment of
the night sky;
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(3) Curtail light pollution, reduce sky glow metrics, and improve the nighttime environment for
residents, visitors, and astronomer enthusiasts;
(4) Avoid inappropriate and poorly designed or installed outdoor lighting;
(5) Protect local and migrating ecological systems from the adverse effects of artificial light;
(6) Prevent light trespass from unnecessarily disturbing people (and their sleep patterns) and
from unnecessarily restricting access to nighttime darkness as a natural resource.
26.575.150.020 – Lighting Zone Planning and Designations.
(a) Background. Introduced in the late 1990s, lighting zones (LZ) are a municipal planning tool to help
reduce light levels, light pollution, wasted energy, and neighborly conflicts arising from excessive or
poor use of light at night. LZs can achieve these goals because they leverage the adaptation of
human vision in low light levels, enabling lighting solutions based on ambient conditions rather than
brightly lit adjacent properties.
Knowing what to light, or not light, is an important consideration for the nighttime environment.
Having a hierarchy of planned lighting can add context and visual order, improve coherency and
understanding of one’s surroundings, and ultimately give a pedestrian the confidence to engage with
outdoor space at night. Avoiding visual distractions and glare are also key considerations for
improving nighttime vision of residents, pedestrians, and motorists. This ordinance will leverage the
following guidance from the ANSI, the IES, and the International Dark Sky Association (IDA):
(1) ANSI/IES LP-2 Designing Quality Light for Exterior Environments
(2) ANSI/IES RP-43-22 Lighting Exterior Applications
(3) ANSI/IES LP-11-20 Environmental Conditions for Outdoor Lighting
(4) IDA Model Lighting Ordinance, 2011
(b) Definitions. Officially defined within ANSI/IES LP-11-20 Environmental Conditions for Outdoor
Lighting, LZs are briefly defined here:
(1) NDZ – Natural Dark Zones
(2) LZ0 – No Ambient Light
(3) LZ1 – Low Ambient Light
(4) LZ2 – Moderate Ambient Light
(5) LZ3 – Moderately High Ambient Light
(c) Purpose. LZ designations have been adopted by, and are referenced in, major building, energy, and
outdoor lighting code standards. They allow for illuminance recommendations regarding what to light
and at what intensity based on the expected activities. Assigning these designations within the City of
Aspen is essential to reference and use ANSI/IES recommendations for exterior lighting.
(d) Goals. LZ designations should not be based on existing conditions, but rather the type of
environment the municipality seeks to achieve.
(e) Designations. LZs are most effective when they coordinate with, and overlay on, land use zone
districts and their associated tasks. LZ designations will cross reference to the land use codes zone
districts as follows:
(1) Lighting Zone 0 (LZ0): Specific City of Aspen Parks may apply
(2) Lighting Zone 1 (LZ1): All Residential Zone Districts – AH, AH-PD, R-3, R-6, R-15, R-15A, R-15B,
R-30, RR, R/MF, R/MFA
(3) Lighting Zone 2 (LZ2): A, CC, C-1, CL, L, MU, NC, PUB, SCI, SKI,
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(4) Lighting Zone 3 (LZ3): Only available for Temporary Uses, or Special Review (see
26.575.150.030.d
(5) Planned Developments (PDs): PDs with adopted outdoor lighting regulations are not included
in a LZ. All PDs without an adopted outdoor lighting regulation are subject to underlying
zoning and the related LZ. In all circumstances, if a PD is silent on a particular topic related to
outdoor lighting, the provisions of this Title shall apply. For new PDs, lighting requirements
should be evaluated with guidance from underlying zoning and the related LZ.
(6) City of Aspen Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces: Parks, trails, and open spaces managed by the
City of Aspen are distinct use types that have distinct lighting needs based on the location and
intensity of the use. City of Aspen parks, trails, and open spaces have diverse underlying zone
districts based on the distribution of their locations. In most circumstances City of Aspen
parks, trails, and open spaces shall be limited to the standards under NDZ, LZ0, or LZ1 or LZ2.
See Section 26.575.150.090 - Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces, for guidance on outdoor lighting
characteristics found across City of Aspen parks, trails and open spaces.
26.575.150.030 – Applicability.
(a) Applicability: The lighting requirements of this ordinance shall be applicable to all exterior lighting on
private property within the City of Aspen. This includes use of light, hours of operation, and
mitigation of light trespass.
(1) 5-year Legacy Exemption: Existing outdoor lighting fixtures that do not meet the provisions of
this ordinance and require light fixture modification or replacement, shall be considered
nonconforming for five years from the adoption date of this ordinance.
(2) Trespass and curfew are affected immediately upon the passage of this ordinance.
(3) After five years, or unless otherwise specified within this ordinance, all outdoor lighting
luminaires that do not conform to the requirements of this ordinance must be replaced or
retrofitted to meet compliance. The Community Development Director may issue an
Administrative Notice of Violation, Violations shall be corrected within ninety (90) days.
(b) Compliance by development scenario.
(1) Routine Maintenance and one-for-one replacement: In the event an outdoor light fixture is
not working or damaged, the repaired or replaced fixture(s) shall conform with the
requirements of this ordinance. Proposals fall into this category if they do not require a
permit.
(2) Renovations and Modifications:
a. If a renovation or modification to outdoor lighting requires a permit, and the total
lumens of replaced or added fixtures is less than 40% of the total site lumen allowance
listed in Table 2: Residential Uses or Table 4: Non-Residential/Commercial Uses, as
applicable, only the outdoor lighting fixtures replaced or added in the permit shall need
to come into compliance with the requirements of this ordinance.
b. If the replaced applicable fixtures are equal to or more than 40% of the total site lumen
allowance listed in Table 2: Residential Uses or Table 4: Non-Residential/Commercial
Uses, as applicable), the entire property shall meet the requirements of this ordinance.
c. Changes that qualify as an International Existing Building Code (IEBC) Alteration Level 3
on an existing development (e.g., square footage, occupant capacity, parking spaces)
shall cause the entire property to meet the requirements of this ordinance. Any re-
zoning or change of use shall also constitute meeting the requirements of this
ordinance.
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(3) New development and Redevelopment: If new development occurs on a vacant lot or a
property is redeveloped, as defined in Sec. 26.104.100 – Definitions, the entire property shall
meet the requirements of this ordinance.
(c) Exemptions. The following types of lighting installations shall be exempt from the requirements
within this ordinance.
(1) Lawful. Lighting required by federal, state, county, municipal, or other territorial laws or
regulations that conflict with this ordinance will supersede and be exempt.
(2) Flags. When possible, lower and remove flags from sunset to sunrise so illumination is not
needed. For flags displayed at night, nighttime illumination of the United States of America
flag and the Colorado State flag is allowed. Nighttime illumination of other flags is not allowed.
Nighttime illumination of flags shall follow the guidelines below:
a. For an even distribution of light on the flag surface when fully extended, use either top of
pole downward directed light, a maximum of three (3) in-ground uplights, or three (3)
shielded spotlights that are surface mounted at grade. To preserve the night sky, the use
of top of pole downward directed lights is encouraged.
b. In-ground and surface mounted shielded spotlights should be narrow beam (15 degree
maximum), no more than 100 lumens per foot of height (e.g., 2,500 lumens per light for
a 25-foot-tall flag), with point sources of light not to be visible outside of a 15-foot radius.
Surface mounted lights should rotate and tilt and be aimed to hit the flag.
(3) Street, Public Trails, and Roadway. Lighting installed within the public right-of-way or an
easement that is for the benefit of public safety such as emergency, traffic control, or
streetlights is not subject to this ordinance. Lighting installed within the public right-of-way
with a purpose of illuminating outside the public right-of-way is not exempt from the
requirements of this ordinance.
(4) Signage. See Section 26.510 – Signs.
(d) Special Circumstances. If a lighting plan, luminaire, or installation is proposed does not meet the
requirements of this ordinance, but has a demonstrable community benefit, an exemption may be
considered. The applicant shall submit additional information so the benefit to the community can be
evaluated, and the lighting may then be approved by the Community Development Director. Should the
Community Development Directory deny an application of this nature, an applicant may pursue a
Temporary Use review with City Council per 26.450 or a Special Review with Planning & Zoning
Commission or the Historic Preservation Commission per 26.430.
(1) This process shall apply to outdoor art installations involving lighting.
(2) This process may also apply to lighting scenarios not addressed in other sections of this code,
such as a clock tower in a public area.
26.575.150.040 - Submittal Process.
Unless otherwise required by this title, evaluation of lighting shall be made at building permit review. For example,
while Planned Development and Environmentally Sensitive reviews would require a lighting plan during land use
review; the majority of projects will involve evaluation lighting at building permit. Lighting plans for new
development or renovations must be submitted to the Community Development Department for approval. For all
submissions, either method described below is acceptable. Proposals that do not trigger a permit are exempt from
submitting lighting plans and shall conform with the requirements of this ordinance.
(a) Prescriptive Method: For administrative simplicity, a project may be charted using The City of Aspen
Outdoor Lighting Permit Submission Tool containing identification for each luminaire type, quantity,
lumen output, BUG rating for luminaires (if available), the total expected site lumens, and a calculated
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total site lumens compared to the total site lumen allowance listed in Table 2: Residential Uses or Table 4:
Non-Residential/Commercial Uses.
(1) A sub-total is required for the total lumens coming from partially shielded light (e.g. tree, landscape,
sculpture, and some wall or façade light) allowed in Table 2, Total Site Lumens Allowed: Residential
Uses or Table 4, Non-Residential/Commercial Uses, as applicable. The total lumens coming from
partially shielded lights cannot exceed 20% of the allowable lumens.
(2) Supporting data sheets for exact luminaires (model numbers), light distribution plots, fixture BUG
ratings, luminaire locations, mounting heights, and aiming directions should be included to the extent
necessary to show compliance with requirements.
(b) Performance Method: For larger and more complex projects, an outdoor lighting design can be analyzed
using industry standard lighting software. This outdoor lighting plan shall include:
(1) A compliance statement signed and stamped by either an architect or engineer licensed in the State of
Colorado verifying that the outdoor lighting plan meets the requirements of the ordinance.
(2) Luminaire locations, mounting heights, aiming directions, IES photometric data, buildings, and other
physical objects within the site.
(3) The average illuminance (in footcandles or lux) for any one task should not exceed ANSI/IES standards
for the applicable lighting zone, including but not limited to:
• Façade, building entrance, porte cochere, softscape, perimeter barriers.
• Walking paths adjacent to architecture, hardscape, exits, landscape, waterfront,
stairs, and ramps.
• Patios, outdoor dining, decks, terraces, pools, and pool decks.
a. The analysis shall utilize an enclosure comprised of calculation planes with zero reflectance
values around the perimeter of the site including a top plane no less than 33 feet (10 meters)
above the tallest luminaire. The illuminance on the calculation planes must not exceed the limits
of light trespass defined within this ordinance.
b. Prior to Certificate of Occupancy, the applicant shall submit one of the following:
i. An As-Built compliance statement signed and stamped by either an architect or
engineer licensed in the State of Colorado verifying that the outdoor lighting plan meets
the requirements of this ordinance.
ii. An As-Built plan signed and stamped by either an architect or engineer licensed in the
State of Colorado verifying that the outdoor lighting plan meets the requirements of this
ordinance.
(c) Review: Site lighting plans shall be subject to review and approval by City of Aspen Community
Development. Site lighting plans submitted as a part of a building permit application shall be reviewed
administratively by the Community Development Director. The Director shall have the authority to refer
an application to the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Historic Preservation Commission if deemed
appropriate per Special Review, 26.430.
(d) Appeals: An appeal made by an applicant aggrieved by a decision made by the Community Development
Director regarding administration of this Chapter may appeal such decision to the City Council, pursuant
to Chapter 26.316, Appeals. Other administrative remedy may be available pursuant to C.R.S. § 31-23-
209.
(e) Future Amendments to Section 26.575 – Outdoor Lighting: All future amendments of a technical nature to
this Chapter shall be exempt from the requirement of Policy Resolution for code amendments (Section
26.310.020(b)(1), (2)). Future amendments may proceed directly to a First and Second Reading, pursuant
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to Section 26.310.020(b)(3). Necessary amendments that raise policy questions shall follow the normal
procedures for Land Use Code amendments per 26.310.
26.575.150.050 – Light Trespass.
(a) Background. Light trespass refers to measurable light extending beyond the boundary of its intended
usage area. This causes annoyance, loss of privacy, or other nuisances. In the City of Aspen, light
trespass can be a major source of frustration between neighbors. Often light trespass is referring to
outdoor lighting, but light spilling outdoors through windows or other translucent surfaces in a façade
also contributes to light trespass.
(b) Requirements. All outdoor light sources in the City of Aspen shall be located and optically cutoff such
that the point light source shall not be visible from adjacent property or public right of way during
hours of curfew defined in Section 26.575.150.040(d). Additionally, interior point light sources shall
not be visible from the property line during hours of curfew. Unless permitted otherwise by the City
of Aspen, the total maximum illumination of interior and exterior light sources at any point along the
property line shall not exceed the requirements listed in Table 1.
Meeting these requirements will likely require mounting locations 2.5 times the luminaire height
away from any property lines. Additional distance or shielding will likely be required for lighting
installed along ridgelines or hillsides. Methods encouraged for interior and exterior light sources to
meet these light trespass limits may include shielding, dimming, timers, and window shades.
Table 1: Property Line Vertical Light Trespass: Illuminance Limits. Measured in footcandles or lux.
(c) Measurements. To measure vertical light trespass for any property in Aspen, a light meter shall be
placed at 5-feet above grade and aimed perpendicular to the property line, pointed towards the light
source. Multiple readings shall be taken to ensure compliance around the property line. Any location
a measurement is taken along the property line shall meet the criteria in Table 1.
(1) When bordering with public streets, trails, walkways, bikeways, plazas, and parking lots, the
property line can be considered five feet beyond the actual property line.
(d) Enforcement Hours. The Community Development Department may take light trespass readings
within the following hours and enforce upon any light that exceeds the levels outlined in Table 1
above:
(1) Hours of enforceable light trespass for all City of Aspen private property lighting shall be the
following:
a. Residential Uses: Curfew hours shall be 10pm to 7am
b. Non-Residential Uses: Curfew hours of 10pm to 7am shall apply to all businesses unless
their normal operating hours end or begin within the hours of curfew. If so, the curfew
applies until either one hour after closing or one hour before opening. For example, if a
business closes at 11pm, the curfew for that business shall be 12am to 7am. If a
business opens at 6am, the curfew for that business shall be 10pm to 5am.
Property Line Vertical Light Trespass:
Illuminance Limits
LZ0 LZ1 LZ2 LZ3
Footcandles (fc) 0.05 0.1 0.3 0.8
Lux (lx) 0.5 1 3 8
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26.575.150.060 – Requirements for All Outdoor Lighting.
(a) Conformance. All outdoor lighting shall meet the requirements of this ordinance, applicable electrical
and energy codes, and applicable sections of the building code.
(b) Responsible Design Criteria.
(1) Correlated Color Temperature (CCT). In an effort to minimize potentially disruptive and/or
harmful spectrum at night, all exterior lighting subject to this ordinance shall have a standard
CCT of 2700K up to a maximum of 3000K. A CCT of 2200K or lower is allowed for non-
commercial uses provided the Color Rendering Index (CRI) is greater than 65.
(2) Direct Uplight. Unless otherwise allowed in Tables 3 and 5, all light sources shall be fully
shielded or partially shielded. Luminaires that have a U0 rating (produce zero uplight per IES
TM-15) are encouraged, but they are not required. All luminaires must be constructed in such
a manner that all light emitted, either directly from the light source, through a diffusing
element, or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the luminaire is being
projected no higher than the horizontal plane.
Figure 1 (above): Unshielded, Partially Shielded, and Fully Shielded Light Emittance
(3) Poles.
a. Bollard, pathway, or post-top lighting taller than 42 inches from finished grade is
prohibited within residential zones.
b. Pole mounted lighting within multi-family common areas or any parking lot adjacent to a
residential use are allowed up to 12 feet from finished grade. This allowance shall not
exceed light trespass limits.
c. Pole mounted lighting for non-residential parking lots is allowed up to 20 feet tall from
finished grade, provided it is not directly adjacent to a residential property. This
allowance shall not exceed light trespass limits.
(c) Prohibitions. The following types of exterior lighting sources, luminaires and installations, and those
interior lighting sources, luminaires, and installations that can be seen directly from the exterior by
the public or are causing light trespass or direct glare into any public right-of-way or property, shall
be prohibited in the City of Aspen.
(1) Non-shielded and partially shielded light fixtures unless identified as in Tables 3 and 5.
(2) Mercury vapor lighting.
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(3) Inefficient lamps or LED luminaires (those with an efficacy of less than 45 lumens per watt)
shall be prohibited for outdoor use.
(4) Blinking, flashing, moving, revolving, scintillating, flickering, changing intensity and changing
color lights. This prohibition does not apply to Section 26.575.150.110(e) - Seasonal Lighting.
(5) Neon lighting and LED strips simulating the appearance of neon are both prohibited. This
includes its usage for the outlining of buildings and for signage.
(6) Window displays?
(7) Non-shielded floodlights are prohibited. Fully shielded floodlights are limited to 1,260 lumens
maximum (120-watt floodlight).
(8) Lighting directed towards the Roaring Fork River, Maroon Creek, Castle Creek, Hallam Lake, or
any other waterway is prohibited, as the lighting of natural waters at night can damage
freshwater ecosystems and reduce their biodiversity. See Chapter 26.425 – Development in
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA).
(9) No outdoor lighting may be used in any manner that could interfere with the safe movement
of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares. The following is prohibited:
a. Any permanent light source not intended for roadway illumination that still produces
direct light or glare onto a roadway that could be disturbing to the operator of a motor
vehicle (e.g., pedestrian architectural lighting, landscape lighting).
b. Any light that may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device except as
authorized by State, Federal or City government.
(10) Aerial lasers, beacons, and searchlights are prohibited except for emergency use.
26.575.150.070 – Residential Lighting.
(a) Background. Lighting in residential areas provides for safe navigation to and from residences at night,
visual character, and the ability to enjoy outdoor spaces in hours of darkness. Functional lighting of
facades, landscaping, and peripheral boundaries of a residential property allows residents and guests
to stay oriented within a space, which fosters an improved sense of safety and wellbeing. Decorative
or excessive lighting of facades, landscaping and peripheral boundaries of a residential property
contributes to light pollution and degradation of dark sky and natural darkness goals. Any points of
ingress or egress can also benefit from quality lighting for both wayfinding and threat detection.
Vertical illuminance plays a critical role in addressing this need, allowing movement in silhouette or
shadow to be easily detectable.
Effective lighting for these needs should be unobtrusive, avoid creating glare, and avoid excessive
light which can harm the health of people, wildlife, and landscaping. For this reason, maximum limits
on lumens per site, see Table 2, and light trespass limits apply to all residential properties in the City
of Aspen.
(b) Light Output. The upper lumen limits listed below should not be the design goal. The design goal
should be to use the minimum light levels that meet the requirements of the task. The total
allowable site lumens for a residential property are limited to:
Total Site Lumen Allowance: Residential Uses
Gross Lot Area
Square Feet (sf)
LZ1 LZ2
SFR/
Duplex
Multi-
Family
SFR/
Duplex
Multi-Family
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50,000 sf+ 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000
30,000 sf 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500
15,000 sf 7,500 7,500 7,500 7,500
9,000 sf 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000
6,000 sf 4,000 4,000 4,500 4,500
4,500 sf 3,350 3,350 3,700 3,700
< 3,000 sf 2,700 2,700 3,000 3,000
Table 2 – Total Site Lumens Allowed: Residential Uses. Measured in lumens.
(c) Additional Allowances. The following additional lumen allowances apply only to residential properties
with the following:
1) For multi-family units in a mixed use development, each unit shall be allotted 1,000 lumens
per unit above allowances provided in Table 4. Additional lumens are non-tradable.
2) On single-family/duplex residential lots larger than one acre with more than one dwelling unit,
an additional 3,000 lumens for each additional dwelling unit is allowed. Additional lumens are
non-tradable.
3) An additional 300 lumens per parking lot space is allowed for multi-family developments.
Additional lumens are non-tradable.
(d) Light for Orientation and Reassurance. Vertical illuminance plays a critical role in allowing people to
perceive the spatial perimeter and major obstacles in an area, as well as detect movement. This
allows people to feel more confident navigating a space and allows for threat detection at night,
especially in lower-activity residential areas. The design standards for this kind of lighting are detailed
below.
1) Trees, Gardens, and Landscape Lighting.
a. Tree and landscape lighting is only allowed within 25 feet of finished grade.
b. Tree and landscape lighting are subject to curfew hours and must be turned off between
the hours of 10pm and 7am.
2) Walls, Stairs, Fences, and Perimeter Barriers.
a. Perimeter fence lighting is prohibited within residential zones for residential use.
b. Illumination of site and retaining walls shorter than six (6) feet from finished grade and
directly beneath them is allowed within common areas of multi-family developments and
shall meet all the other requirements of this ordinance.
(e) Partially Shielded and Unshielded luminaires are permissible for these uses only if the light
distribution is limited to the targeted element (e.g., façade, sculpture, shrub), and if the total amount
of light does not exceed 20% of the total site lumen allowance or the individual luminaire limits listed
below.
Maximum Unshielded and Partially Shielded Luminaire Lumens
Luminaire Type LZ1 LZ2 LZ3
Low Voltage Luminaire 205 430 430
In-grade Uplight 455 910 910
Shielded Directional Floodlight 630 1,260 1,260
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Table 3 – Maximum Unshielded and Partially Shielded Luminaire Lumens. Measured in lumens.
(f) Light for Wayfinding, Pathways, and Stairs. Changes in grade or terrain are more hazardous when
visibility is poor. Stairways, curbs, raised pavement, potholes, and slippery surfaces are all examples
of possible trip and fall hazards that can require lighting at night to navigate to or from a residence
safely. The design standards for this type of lighting are detailed below:
1) Driveway and Parking. Driveway and parking lot lighting for single-family, duplex, triplex, and
four-plex residential uses shall be fully shielded. Lighting shall be included in total allowable
lumens and meet Table 3 luminaire limit requirements. Luminaires shall be mounted no higher
than 42 inches above finished grade.
2) Address Markers. Are not exempt from lumen allowance.
3) Entrances and Porte Cocheres. Porte cochere and covered porch lighting is allowed.
Luminaires shall be aimed downward and installed such that the bottom of the luminaire or
lens, whichever is lower, is recessed or fully shielded and not producing any light into the night
sky. All light emitted by an under-canopy luminaire shall be substantially confined to the
posts, façades, and ground surface directly beneath the perimeter of the canopy.
4) Pathways, Exterior Stairs, and Steps. Luminaires in these applications shall be no taller than 42
inches from finished grade.
(g) Light for Atmosphere and Enjoyment.
1) Artificial lighting used to illuminate patios, above grade decks, balconies, or gazebos must be fully
shielded with the point light source not visible beyond the property line.
2) Art, monuments, and fountain features may be illuminated if they are within 10 horizontal feet
of the residential structure. Lighting must be turned off between the hours of 10pm to 7am per
Section 26.575.150.050(d).
3) Outdoor televisions may be allowed so long as the screen is directed inwards and is not visible
from any property line. Television screens mounted outdoors shall be turned off during the hours
of curfew defined in Section 26.575.150.050(d). For the use of television screens as signage
please refer to Section 26.510 – Signs.
4) .
26.575.150.080 - Non-Residential Lighting.
(a) Background. Lighting in non-residential areas provides for safe navigation to and from businesses and
activities at night, adds visual character, and allows for shopping and recreation in hours of darkness.
Lighting facades, landscaping, and peripheral boundaries of non-residential spaces allows residents
and visitors to the City of Aspen to stay oriented within a space, fostering an improved sense of safety
and wellbeing. Any points of ingress or egress for non-residential spaces can also benefit from quality
lighting for both wayfinding and threat detection. Vertical illuminance plays a critical role in
addressing this need, allowing movement in silhouette or shadow to be easily detectable. It also
helps to define spatial boundaries in busier non-residential areas and avoid conflicts between users.
Effective lighting for these needs should be unobtrusive, avoid creating glare, and avoid excessive
light which can harm the night sky and the health of people and landscaping. For this reason,
maximum limits on lumens per site and light trespass limits apply to all non-residential properties in
the City of Aspen. Additional guidelines are as follows:
(b) Light Output. The upper lumen limits listed below should not be the design goal. The design goal
should be to use the minimum light levels that meet the requirements of the task. The total
Partially Shielded Decorative 900 1,125 1,600
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allowable site lumens for non-residential property are based on the square footage of the facade and
other elements of the developed structure, landscape buffer, and hardscape. A site shall calculate a
maximum site lumen allowance by choosing a maximum of four (4) of the lighting types as identified
in Table 4. Individual site lumen limits by lighting type are as follows:
Site Lumen Allowances: Non-Residential/Commercial Uses
Lighting Requirement. A maximum of four
allowances are permitted per site.
Unit LZ1 LZ2 LZ3
Building Entrance(s): This allowance is per door.
To use this allowance, luminaires must be within
20 feet of the door.
each 500 1,000 1,500
Building Facades: This allowance is lumens per
unit area of building facade that are illuminated.
To use this allowance, luminaires must be aimed
at the facade and capable of illuminating it
without obstruction.
square foot of
facade
8 16 24
Nighttime Service Loading: This allowance is per
door. To use this allowance, luminaires must be
within 20 feet of the door.
each 2,000 4,000 6,000
Outdoor At-grade Parking Lot: This allowance is
per parking space. To use this allowance,
luminaires must be within a maximum height of 20
feet from the grade of the parking space(s).
space 400 600 800
Gas Station Canopy**: This allowance is lumens
per installed fuel pump. Each side of a two-sided
pump qualifies for an allowance.
pump 4,000 8,000 10,000
Outdoor dining: This allowance is lumen per unit
area for the total illuminated hardscape of
outdoor dining. To use this allowance, luminaires
must be within 6 feet 0.5 mounting heights of the
hardscape area of outdoor dining.
square foot of
outdoor dining
area
1 5 10
Table 1 – Site Lumen Allowances: Non-Residential/Commercial Uses. Measured in lumens.
**Measured illuminance shall not exceed fifty (50) footcandles horizontal on average, measured at grade, under the
canopy.
(c) Light for Orientation and Reassurance. Vertical illuminance plays a critical role in allowing people to
perceive the spatial perimeter and major obstacles in an area, as well as detect movement. This
allows people to feel more confident navigating busier non-residential areas and allows for threat
detection at night. The design standards for this kind of lighting are detailed below.
(1) Façade Lighting.
a. The point light source must not be visible from adjacent properties or create glare in the
right-of-way.
b. Façade lighting for a mixed-use property is shall not be installed above floors with
residential dwelling units.
c. Display window lighting is allowed when it complies with the restrictions in place for
point sources light trespass, and Section 26.510.090.
(2) Trees, Gardens, and Landscape Lighting.
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a. Tree and landscape lighting must be turned off between the hours of 10pm to 7am per
Section 26.575.150.050.d.
(3) Walls, Stairs, Fences, and Perimeter Barrier.
a. Illumination of site/retaining walls shorter than six feet from finished grade and directly
beneath them is allowed within non-residential common areas, provided they are
washed using approved façade or landscape lighting techniques and meet all the other
requirements of this ordinance.
(d) Partially shielded and Unsheilded luminaries for these applications are permissible if the light
distribution is effectively contained by the targeted element (e.g., façade, sculpture, shrub), and if the
total amount of light does not exceed 20% of the total site lumen allowance or the individual luminaire
limits listed below.
Table 2 – Maximum
Unshielded and Partially Shielded Luminaire Lumens Per Fixture. Measured in lumens.
(d) Light for Wayfinding and Pathways. Changes in grade or terrain are more hazardous when visibility is
poor. Stairways, curbs, raised pavement, potholes, and slippery surfaces are all examples of possible
trip and fall hazards that can require lighting at night to navigate around safely in a non-residential
area. The design standards for this kind of lighting are detailed below.
(1) Driveway and Parking. Outdoor lighting used to illuminate parking spaces, driveways, or
maneuvering areas shall be fully shielded and be designed, arranged, and shielded so that the
point light source is not be visible from adjoining property lines or rights-of-way.
(2) Entrances and Porte Cocheres. Porte cochere and covered porch lighting is allowed.
Luminaires shall be aimed downward and installed such that the bottom of the luminaire or
lens, whichever is lower, is recessed or fully shielded and not producing any light above
horizontal. All light emitted by an under-canopy luminaire shall be substantially confined to
the posts, façades, and ground surface directly beneath the perimeter of the canopy.
(3) Pathways, Exterior Stairs, and Steps. Light luminaires in these applications shall be no taller
than forty-two (42) inches from finished grade and fully shielded.
(e) Light for Atmosphere and Enjoyment.
(1) Artificial lighting used to illuminate patios, above grade decks, balconies, or gazebos must be
fully shielded with the point light source not visible beyond the property line.
(2) Art, monuments, and fountain features may be illuminated if they are within 10 horizontal
feet of the residential structure. Lighting must be turned off between the hours of 10pm to
7am per Section 26.575.150.050(d).
(3) Outdoor televisions may be allowed so long as the screen is directed inwards and is not visible
from any property line. Television screens mounted outdoors shall be turned off during the
Maximum Unshielded and Partially Shielded Luminaire Lumens
Per Fixture Luminaire Type LZ1 LZ2 LZ3
Low Voltage Luminaire 205 430 430
In-grade Uplight 455 910 910
Shielded Directional Floodlight 630 1,260 1,260
Partially Shielded Decorative 900 1,125 1,600
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hours of curfew defined in Section 26.575.150.050(d). For the use of television screens as
signage please refer to Section 26.510 – Signs.
26.575.150.090 - Parks, Trails, and Open Space Lighting.
The following designations are informed by best practices and the National Park System regulations (?) and
give guidance to the City of Aspen Park’s Department in determining appropriate outdoor lighting across the
City of Aspen Park system. In no circumstance shall an individual luminaire located within a park, trail or
open space exceed limitations as defined in this Title.
(a) Open Areas. No outdoor lighting is required within undeveloped backcountry, natural wilderness
areas, or areas concerned with migration and habitat for birds and animals, or the preservation of
dark sky. This use should be designated as a NDZ (Natural Dark Zone) on the lighting zone overlay.
This restriction exists for environmental protection and conservation for both public and private land.
(b) Rural Parks. Very little outdoor lighting is required for rural park amenities and terrain safety during
nighttime hours of operation. Elements such as restroom entrances, visitor centers, maintenance
facilities, signage, and curbs, stairs, or other hazardous changes in grade may need
illumination. Illuminance criteria for these applications should follow general requirements
regarding, CCT, uplight, and light trespass within this ordinance, and ANSI/IES illuminance guidance
for tasks within LZ0.
(c) Suburban and Urban Parks. Varied in size, and situated amongst mixed use and non-residential zone
districts, suburban and urban park users at night have expectations of outdoor lighting. Elements
such as signage, restroom entrances, amenity, stages, landscape, artistic features, and curbs, stairs,
or other hazardous changes in grade may need illumination. Illuminance criteria for these
applications should follow general requirements regarding, CCT, uplight, and light trespass within this
ordinance, and ANSI/IES illuminance guidance for tasks within LZ1 or LZ2. Suburban and urban parks
require just enough light for the tasks required, including transitional light levels from adjacent
properties to foster pedestrian reassurance. Recreational Parks. These areas have special
requirements for lighting at night to find a balance between the safety of users and protection of the
environment.
(1) Sport and Recreation Areas. Lighting for sport and recreational areas that do not need to
obtain a Special Event Permit shall confine any illumination to the field, bleacher, track, or
recreational area. Such lighting may sometimes need to exceed lighting zone illumination
standards to meet requirements for play and safety per ANSI/IES RP-6 rules for amateur and
recreational levels of play.
(2) Light trespass limits apply. Shielding and internal louvers will likely be required to prevent light
trespass
(3) Subject to curfew. Lighting shall be extinguished no later than one (1) hour after any scheduled
event ends.
26.575.150.100 - Special Use.
(a) Security. Lights emitting infrared radiation used for security surveillance systems shall be
permitted if they are fully shielded and aimed no higher than 70 degrees from below the horizon.
Special Review by the Planning and Zoning Commission may allow lighting of a greater intensity if the
proposed security surveillance system meets the following criteria:
(1) Multi-Family, Mixed Use, and Commercial common areas with increased density and activity
may require increased illumination at primary points of entrances or exits. Light intensity shall
not exceed five (5) foot-candles average at grade.
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(2) Shielded floodlights controlled by a motion sensor must be limited to motion within the
owner's property lines and turned off no more than five (5) minutes after such motion was
detected.
(3) Security lighting must be properly installed/commissioned so it shall not be oversensitive to
surroundings and be triggered repeatedly in an unreasonable or disruptive manner by
naturally occurring causes (such as wind in foliage).
(b) Lights located at Historic Landmark Sites or within the Historic Districts. Luminaires that have a
specific purpose for the illuminance of their historic area and are consistent with the time period and
character of their historic structure may be exempt from the shielding, uplight, and light trespass
requirements upon request and subsequent approval from the Historic Preservation Officer or
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). All lighting related to historic properties or located in a
historic district shall be otherwise consistent with all other performance standards laid out in this
ordinance.
(1) For historically designated properties, HPC may vary lighting types as appropriate to the
building but may not increase the total site lumen amount for the property.
(2) Historic luminaires that have been previously approved for use in the City of Aspen by the HPC
but do not meet the general lighting or light trespass criteria of this ordinance shall be limited
to 1,000 delivered lumens per luminaire and 10,000 lumens per acre.
(3) If new site lighting is needed to meet pedestrian safety requirements (e.g., stairs and egress),
or an architectural or historical feature requires greater illumination, modern lighting
techniques should not compete with the historic character of the property or convey a false
sense of history (e.g., faux historic lights).
(4) Luminaire design elements, such as shades with translucent, perforated patterns, and
diffusers, may be exempted from the fully shielded requirement provided they are less than
1,000 lumens and otherwise consistent with the provisions within this code and meet all other
requirements of this ordinance and demonstrate a benefit for the community.
26.575.150.110 - Miscellaneous Lighting Types.
(a) Temporary Use.
(1) See Chapter 26.450 - Temporary and Seasonal Uses.
(b) Special Review
(1) See Chapter 26.430 – Special Review.
(c) Special Events.
(1) See Chapter 14.20 - Special Event.
(d) Construction.
(1) See Title 29, Engineering Design Standards.
(e) Pool Lighting.
(1) When approved by permit, underwater pool, spa, and pool deck lighting is allowed. Such
lighting shall not exceed the minimum level needed to meet City of Aspen adopted building
code. This lighting is not part of the total site lumen limit.
(f) Seasonal Lighting. Seasonal lighting of a temporary nature is allowed between (November ## and
March ##?). Seasonal lighting must not create dangerous glare on adjacent streets or properties,
must be maintained in an attractive condition, and must not constitute a fire hazard. Multicolored
lighting is acceptable. When seasonal lighting is white, it shall not exceed a CCT of 4000K.
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(1) When seasonal lighting occurs directly adjacent to (within 10 horizontal feet) an within the
Hallam Lake Bluff or Stream Margin Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA), it shall be subject to
additional restrictions.
a. Seasonal lighting involving an ESA is not exempt from the City’s curfew. Lighting must be
turned off between the hours of 10 pm and 7am per 26.575.150.050.d
b. All of a site’s seasonal lighting must remain within the relevant site lumen limit
allowances shown in Table 2 or Table 4.
(2) Seasonal lighting is not allowed within the Hallam Lake Bluff or Stream Margin
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA). When seasonal lighting is located outside these ESAs,
the following curfews apply
a. Residential: 10pm to 7pm.
b. Non-Residential: Curfew hours of 10pm to 7am shall apply to all businesses unless their
normal operating hours end or begin within the hours of curfew, if so, the curfew applies
until either one hour after closing or one hour before opening.
(3) Seasonal lighting requirements apply to all Planned Developments unless otherwise stated in
the Planned Development approvals.
(g) Festoon Lighting. Also known as bistro or ping-pong lighting. Allowable for outdoor installation when
it isfully shielded or partially shielded and non-frosted appearance. This lighting must not create
dangerous glare on adjacent streets or properties, must be maintained in an attractive condition, and
must not constitute a fire hazard. This is not seasonal lighting and is not intended to allow the use of
other types of seasonal lighting year-round.
(1) Festoon lighting is acceptable for installation over patios, decks, pedestrian plazas, outdoor
dining, and other pedestrian walkways where permanent, decorative lighting would be
beneficial.
(2) Festoon lighting may not be higher than 12-feet from finished grade in any circumstance.
(3) Festoon lighting shall not be used to wrap trees or define architectural features.
(4) Festoon lighting is subject to the curfew requirements.
a. Residential Uses: Curfew hours shall be 10pm to 7am
b. Non-residential Uses: Curfew hours of 10pm to 7am shall apply to all businesses unless
their normal operating hours end or begin within the hours of curfew, if so, the curfew
applies until either one hour after closing or one hour before opening.
(5) Festoon lighting requirements apply to all Planned Developments unless standards were
otherwise stated in the planned development approvals.
26.575.150.120 - Enforcement and Penalty.
(a) Enforcement and Penalty: Any lighting that does not meet the provisions of this ordinance will be
considered a violation. Any alleged violation of this ordinance will be investigated, enforced, and
penalized as allowed in Sec. 2.02.120. - Uniform enforcement of City regulations of the Aspen
Municipal Code.
26.575.150.130 – Definitions.
As used in this Code, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall be defined as follows:
(1) BUG (Backlight, Uplight, Glare) ratings: The IES TM-15 luminaire classification system
describing the amount and location of light being emitted from a luminaire.
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(2) Color Rendering Index (CRI): A quantitative measure, on a scale of 0 to 100, of artificial light’s
ability to render an object’s natural color, with 100 being a good match for natural light.
(3) Correlated Color Temperature (CCT): Measured in degrees Kelvin (K). A specification for the
color appearance of the light emitted by a lamp.
(4) Efficacy: Measured in lumens per watt (lm/w), luminous efficacy is a measure of how well a
light source produces visible light for the amount of energy consumed.
(5) Facade: The square footage of a structure’s vertical and horizontal dimensions as viewed in
the elevation view. Also referred to as the “vertical surface area”.
(6) Festoon lighting: Also referred to as market lighting, bistro lighting, or ping-pong lighting.
String lighting intended for permanent installation and year-round use. Not to be confused
with Seasonal Lighting. All festoon lighting must be fully or partially shielded.
(7) Footcandles: A unit of illumination equal to one (1) lumen per square foot.
(8) Fully shielded luminaire: A fully shielded light fixture has a solid barrier (cap) at the top of the
fixture in which the lamp (bulb) is located. The fixture is angled so the lamp is not visible below
the barrier (no light visible below the horizontal angle).
Examples of fully shielded luminaires:
(9) Glare: The visual sensation created by luminance (or brightness) that is significantly higher
than the surrounding luminance that the eyes are adapted to, causing annoyance (discomfort
glare) or loss in visual performance and visibility (disability glare).
(10) Holiday lighting: See ‘Seasonal Lighting’
(11) Illuminance: Measured in Footcandles (Fc) or lux. The density of light falling onto a surface.
Commonly measured in the horizontal and vertical planes.
(12) Light pollution: Stray and uncontrolled light, directly from a luminaire or reflected from a
surface, which missed its target. A common example is light being emitted upwards,
increasing skyglow.
(13) Light trespass: Measurable light extending past the property line without permission, causing
annoyance, loss of privacy, or other nuisances. Often measured in footcandles. For the
purposes of this chapter, light trespass shall be referred to as Vertical Light Trespass’.
(14) Lumen: The measure of visible light (luminous flux) emitted from a light source.
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(15) Luminaire: Used interchangeably for fixture. A complete electric light unit including light
source, housing, optics, and driver.
(16) Luminaire height: Height of the luminaire shall be the measured vertical distance from
finished grade or from the most adjacent walking surface below the luminaire up to the
centerline of the luminaire.
(17) Lux: A unit used to measure illuminance. One lux is equal to one lumen per square meter
(lm/m2).
(18) Non-shielded or unshielded luminaire: Luminaires with no shielding that would otherwise
specifically prevent light emission above the horizontal. These luminaires are prohibited
except where specifically allowed in Table’s 3 and 5. Frosted glass in a luminaire does not
constitute shielding.
(19) Obtrusive light: Any light that is discerned from beyond the intended target area, and which
by its nature or presence is disturbing to individuals, harmful to the environment, or
contributes to skyglow.
(20) Partially shielded luminaire: Luminaire with opaque top and translucent or perforated sides,
designed to emit most light downwards. These luminaires are discouraged. Guidance for their
use is provided in Table’s 3 and 5.
(21) Point light source: The exact place from which illumination is produced from a luminaire (e.g.
a light bulb filament or LED package) even when located behind a clear lens.
(22) Seasonal lighting: String lighting meant for temporary use and displayed on buildings or
landscaping. May be white or multicolored in appearance.
(23) Security lighting: Security lighting is intended to provide bright illumination during emergency
situations. This lighting should not be used continuously as a general deterrent during hours of
darkness.
(24) Shielded directional floodlight or spotlight: A luminaire that includes an adjustable mounting
device allowing aiming in any direction and contains a shield, louver, or baffle to reduce direct
view of lamp.
(25) Vertical illuminance: The density of light falling onto a vertical surface.
32
ASPEN COMMUNITY &
STAKEHOLDER MEMO
JUNE 14, 2022
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Aspen Community & Stakeholder Engagement Memo
INTRODUCTION
Clanton & Associates (C&A), an award-winning
lighting design and engineering firm based
in Colorado, was hired by the city of Aspen
to evaluate and update the existing outdoor
lighting ordinance, section 26.575.150. Based
on HID lamp technology, the current lighting
ordinance was written prior to the emergence
of LED technology, so obsolescence and gaps
are expected to be found within. For example,
references of wattage are now a misleading
indicator for light output due to the advent of
newer, more efficient, LED technology. It is
anticipated additional advancements regarding
controls, the distribution of light, and the
environmental impact(s) of light at night can be
considered.
The project team from C&A visited Aspen April
18-20, 2022 to evaluate nighttime lighting
conditions, conduct public outreach and
engagement surveys, and host a stakeholder
visioning session to develop guidance for next
steps.
The C&A project team in attendance were:
Brittany Lynch (Senior Designer and Project
Manager), Dane Sanders (President), Debbie
Melton (Lighting Designer), Josie Proulx (Lighting
Designer), and Rick Utting (Brand Ambassador).
In attendance from Aspen were: Robert Sardo
(Lighting Design), Natalie Lopez (Historic
Preservation), Emily Gordon (Lighting Design),
Beth Felds (Architect), Aaron Humphrey
(Lighting Design), Jane (Architect), Michelle (Past
Planner), Mike Tunde (Landscape Architect),
Sandra Dubler (Special Events), Amy Simon (City
Planner).
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An evaluation of Aspen’s current lighting
conditions and a subsequent stakeholder survey
were conducted during the April 18-20, 2022
visit. Results are documented in the separate
“Evaluation of Existing Conditions Memo”.
Additional observations and stakeholder
comments include:
• Current holiday lighting installations are
violating the allowed ordinance timeframe
• The difference between holiday lighting and
some hospitality lighting is not clear
• Some Aspen residents believe more light will
reduce the risk of people/bear encounters
• Over-lit is just as offensive as under-lit within
the commercial downtown district
• Is it possible to address commercial
downtown lighting without addressing the
street lighting
CURRENT STATE
As evaluated by environmental expert Travis
Longcore, Aspen is located in a region where
many areas are relatively free from ecological
and astronomical light pollution.
However, the annual composite of Zenith sky
brightness for Aspen increased in 2021. In fact,
many areas within Aspen, like the intersection of
Main Street and Hunter (the Police Station), have
increased in sky brightness since their low point
in 2017, see Figure 1.
Figure 1: Graph showing radiance data
Figure 2 shows the overall light pollution in
the areas surrounding Aspen. It demonstrates
that the city is surrounded by darkness with
dispersed pockets of brightness, which relate to
the nearby highways. The city appears relatively
dark when compared to the light pollution along
the I-25 corridor from the Denver-metro area to
Colorado Springs.
Figure 3 is a close up showing the lighting
pollution in Aspen and local surrounding areas.
The concentrated light pollution is within the city
limits of Aspen and around the airport district.
The light pollution drops dramatically due to the
rural nature of the surrounding context.
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Aspen Community & Stakeholder Engagement Memo
Image 3: Localized view of Aspen showing a range of mid-level light pollution
Figure 2: Overall light pollution in areas surrounding Aspen
CURRENT STATE
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Aspen Community & Stakeholder Engagement Memo
Attendess voted 74/26 balance favoring risk, an
innovative and progressive approach. Attendees
believe Aspen should address outdoor
lighting conflicts rather than ignore them. It is
understood outdoor lighting can create beauty,
atmosphere, mood, danger, and conflict. Hence,
lighting design itself is inherently risky. There
is a strong belief that if designers are given an
ordinance with current best practice boundaries
to work within, innovative and autonomous
solutions can be implemented within a
harmonious context.
Already considerate of both the natural and built
environments, Aspen wishes to continue finding
balance when making outdoor lighting decisions.
Overall, current stakeholders rank this as a 56/44
balance favoring the natural environment. The
overall balance is derived from an increased
emphasis on the natural environment in
residential areas and more equal balance in the
downtown commercial district. One cited intent
of the existing ordinance is to eliminate the
escalation of nighttime light pollution, this goal
should probably remain. New considerations can
include the evaluation of key migration patterns
to prevent premature death of pollinating insect,
birds, and animals.
VISIONING RESULTS
An Aspen “Visioning Session” was conducted
on April 20, 2022 to discuss, debate, and
weigh the values of city officials, stakeholders
and other influential forces. At the visioning
session, attendees requested the 2022 Aspen
lighting ordinance include clear explanations of
illumination intent along with understandable
metrics so city officials can support enforcement
of the ordinance and make judgment decisions
regarding new and special requests in the years
to come. Results of the visioning session are as
follows:
Natural and Built Environment
Certainty and Risk
Coordinated and Autonomous
With a 57/43 balance favoring autonomous
solutions, Aspen’s goal is not to make everything
look the same, “flattening out the fun”. Rather,
Aspen believes it’s possible to light within a
range of acceptable solutions to avoid the
appearance of pieced together patchwork.
Identified as a current gap, stakeholders
suggest the downtown hospitality area lacks an
understanding of character districts.
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Aspen Community & Stakeholder Engagement Memo
City officials and stakeholders eloquently
described Aspen and being uniquely Aspen, a
modest mountain town with small city character,
and a desire to keep it that way. There is pride
in the people who live here, and a willingness
to give visitors the true Aspen experience.
Looking forward, planners value a subtle
design vocabulary 84/16 over something that
is too expressive. Also of value are Aspen’s
uniqueness 62/38, and timeless elements 57/43
versus universal, and contemporary design
respectively.
There was wide consensus amongst
stakeholders that Aspen visitors come from
around the world and are generally very
sophisticated. While it’s fair to think big and be
inspired by distant influences, remaining true to
Aspen and adjacent influences was preferred
by a 54/46 balance. Additional stakeholder
discussion, and eventual practicality, balanced
theoretical and actual influences at 52/48
respectively. Restated, problem solving and
innovation commonly start in theoretical space
and then shift more towards actual as the project
moves into implementation. The 2022 lighting
ordinance update should reflect the acumen of
these influences.
VISIONING RESULTS
Influences
Design Vocabulary
Resolute/Adaptive Work Style
City officials and stakeholders expressed
multiple frustrations with holiday lighting being
allowed beyond the prescribed time frame.
This was not intended to be an example of the
groups 69/31 balance towards adaptive work
style versus resolute. Taking harmful lighting
options off the table, offering a range for others,
having clear definitions with no gray areas for
city officials, sounds like a very resolute goal.
However, the adaptive ranking is intended for
the 2022 lighting ordinance update so there is
flexibility within the boundaries, making design
solutions adaptive and long lasting.
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OPPORTUNITIES
An updated 2022 Aspen Lighting Ordinance has
the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and
innovation by leveraging the newly published
ANSI/IES LP-11-20 Environmental Considerations
for Outdoor Lighting, ANSI/IES LP-2-20
Designing Quality Lighting for People in Outdoor
Environments and ANSI/IES RP-43-22 Lighting
for People in Outdoor Environments documents.
All three of these publications have been written,
reviewed, and endorsed by leading lighting
design professionals using a narrative that is
easily understood by people without a lighting
design background.
ANSI/IES LP-11-20 will be used to educate
how outdoor lighting at night can have a
profound effect on nature. As discussed with
Dr. Travis Longcore, outdoor lighting at night
can change complex ecosystems in ways that
are not immediately obvious or discernable.
Leveraging LP-11-20, the updated 2022 Aspen
lighting ordinance should/will reflect our latest
understanding of the issues and best practices
to mitigate glare, sky glow, light trespass, or
any other unwanted light that could negatively
impact flora, fauna, or human health. Definitions
of light trespass beyond measurable light at the
property line will be considered.
ANSI/IES LP-2-20 has defined why we use
light at night, a hierarchy of pedestrian needs
in the outdoor nighttime environment, and
the recommended illumination methods that
promote the best vision.
The reason we light at night is for people and
pedestrian safety. As discussed in the April
visioning session, the lighting ordinance process
begins with community planning to layout values,
goals and themes for the city. Land use zones
and tasks should be thoughtful and facilitate the
anticipated character, light level, and transitional
needs happening between spaces with
different tasks. A review of Aspen districts will
be conducted and compared to standard best
practices.
For commercial and hospitality districts,
orientation and wayfinding are at the foundation
of pedestrian needs to gain understanding and
coherency of one’s nighttime surroundings.
When done correctly, nighttime lighting can
convey the relative importance and character
of cityscapes and enhance their information-
giving value. There will be illumination
recommendations for both vertical and horizontal
elements to promote these tasks.
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Aspen Community & Stakeholder Engagement Memo
Next on the hierarchy list of pedestrian needs
is reassurance. Reassurance is a relatively
new term that doesn’t ensure security, but it
does describe a pedestrian’s confidence and
willingness to engage with outdoor space. This
task will apply to all zoning districts, including
residential. Illumination of perimeters, barriers,
points of egress, and possible threats will help
inform the conscious and sub-conscious decision
to navigate. Once a pedestrian is moving,
illumination for physical safety is needed to avoid
and/or traverse hazards such as terrain, moving
objects, and changes in grade like curbs and
stairs.
The final tier of the outdoor lighting hierarchy
is called “Atmosphere and Enjoyment”, a place
where the lighting designer can use their skills
to spark emotion and create mood. An optional
task, it is ironically here, where many non-lighting
practitioners would start their lighting design
process, not understanding it is impossible to
achieve enjoyment without feeling reassured.
Although optional, atmosphere should be
addressed within the Aspen lighting ordinance to
achieve the desired character and theme goals.
Future State:
Although the methods and techniques might
change, all eight goals within the current Aspen
lighting ordinance remain valid.
• Promote safety and security
• Help preserve small town character
• Eliminate the escalation of nighttime light
pollution
• Reduce glare and offensive light sources
• Provide clear guidance to builders and
developers
• Encourage the use of improved technologies
for lighting
• Conserve energy
• Prevent inappropriate and poorly designed or
installed outdoor lighting
What to light, why, and when will be a
cornerstone of the lighting ordinance update.
A community, builder, and developer education
plan should be part of the updated lighting
ordinance implementation to increase
engagement. Additional objectives for the
updated 2022 Aspen lighting ordinance
include a narrative that is easy to read, not
too technical, explaining the intent of lighting
recommendations, and providing understandable
metrics so city officials can support enforcement
of the ordinance to make judgment decisions
regarding new and special requests in the years
to come.
OPPORTUNITIES
40
ASPEN OUTDOOR LIGHTING ORDINANCE
EXISTING LIGHTING CONDITIONS
06/14/2022
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Page 2
EXISTING LIGHTING CONDITIONS
The City of Aspen requested an evaluation of the existing
outdoor lighting conditions to aid in the creation of new outdoor
lighting ordinance. The Outdoor Lighting Ordinance will outline
an intent to provide improved visibility, reduce light trespass,
refine the overall aesthetics of the City of Aspen. The Ordinance
will also provide consistently between other city ordinances.
To gain an understanding of the existing street lighting
equipment and conditions, Clanton and Associates surveyed
seven (7) sites throughout the downtown area in April 2022.
Those sites included:
The selected sites included retail, hospitality, and residential
areas. Both horizontal and vertical illuminance measurements
were taken at each site. Luminance measurements were also
taken to provide an understanding of surrounding surface
brightness and glare from light sources. These measured light
levels were used to compare the existing light levels to the light
level recommendations by the Illuminating Engineering Society
(IES). The existing lighting levels will be compared to IES lighting
criteria and the Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO) to guide the
development of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance.
Representatives from the city attended a visioning session
and participated in the site visit surveys. They offered valuable
insights into the likes, dislikes, and common issues of the
outdoor lighting throughout the downtown area. They also
participated in a Color Demonstration to determine the weight
in on the future Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) that will be
required in the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance.
These surveys provide an overview of existing street
lighting conditions to aid the city in reviewing and prioritizing
recommended improvements to include in their Outdoor
Lighting Ordinance.
EVALUATION OF EXISTING LIGHTING CONDITIONS
The scope of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance focuses on
exterior lighting, not including street lighting. These standards
will outline the following;
Adaptive Lighting Criteria
Curfews
Color Temperature
Maximum lumens for different applications
Backlighting, Uplight, and Glare ratings
Shielding
Light trespass regulations
Sports lighting
LIGHTING SCOPE OF THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING ORDINANCE
The areas surveyed during the site visit showed varying lighting
conditions. The most common type of luminaire is a ‘historical
acorn’ post top pedestrian luminaire, owned by the city. These
luminaires are not historical to Aspen as they were brought from
another city. They have high pressure sodium lamps and are not
full cut off. There is a variety of luminaires within individual retail
and residential sites surveyed.
CURRENT LUMINAIRES
1. E. Cooper Avenue
2. Aspen Lodge Square
3. Eden Gallery
4. Dancing Bear
5. Aspen Sports
6. S. Galena Street
7. Balenciaga
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Page 3
SITE EVALUATIONS
E MAIN
ST
E MAIN
ST
ECOOPE
R
AVESORIGINALSTWAGNE
R
PARK
1
2
34
5
6
7LEGEND
E. Cooper Avenue
Aspen Square Lodge
Eden Gallery
Dancing Bear
Aspen Sports- Pedestrian
Mall
S. Galena Street
Balenciaga
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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Page 4
SITE EVALUATIONS
To gain an understanding of the existing outdoor lighting equipment and conditions in Aspen, CO, Clanton and
Associates conducted a site visit to evaluate the outdoor lighting at various locations throughout the downtown
area. The information and knowledge gained through the site visit will influence the improvement strategies to be
recommended.
Participants were broken into two groups and taken on a nighttime tour of the selected sites and were asked to
complete a survey assessing the lighted environment. The survey was comprised of several subjective questions
regarding the safety and aesthetics of each site. The survey included, but was not limited to, the following questions:
• It would be safe to walk here, alone, during daylight hours.
• It would be safe to walk here, alone, during darkness hours.
• The light is uneven (patchy).
• The light sources are glaring.
• The lighting is poorly matched to the neighborhood.
Participants answered each question with a ranking between Strongly Agree and Strongly Disagree. The answers to
each question were combined to provide an understanding of each site.
SITE OBSERVATIONS
Three “Levels of Acceptability” were determined from an analysis of the site observations and survey results:
Acceptable, Moderately Acceptable, and Poor:
Acceptable is obtained by providing sufficient and appropriate lighting on the roadway, while also providing
adequate vertical illumination to allow for object detection and facial recognition. The lighting in this location will
be relatively uniform, free of direct glare and properly illuminates the roadway and sidewalk. It also limits light
trespass onto nearby residential properties.
Moderately acceptable indicates that the lighting in the area feels comfortable. In some cases, such as
residential areas, the light level might be lower than the IES Recommended Practice but the lack of glare
and shadowing from surrounding landscaping, along with some surrounding surface brightness, creates a
comfortable nighttime environment without light trespass.
Poor acceptability occurs when the luminaires are spaced too far apart to provide adequate light levels and
uniformity or there are no luminaires on the street at all. These sites included residential areas without sufficient
light, large amount of light spilling onto nearby properties, or glare and/or shadowing from the light source.
These levels of acceptability provide an understanding of the nighttime environments found throughout the
city. This allows a variety of lighting improvement options to be developed. These future lighting options will
enhance the nighttime safety and security around the city. Each option will focus on improving light levels,
uniformity, and way finding while reducing glare.
ESTABLISHING LEVELS OF ACCEPTABILITY
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RESIDENTIAL
E. COOPER AVENUE1
Clanton Site Observations:
• Residential pathway lighting across from the City Market
• Different color temperature bulbs
• Overlit, bright light sources
Participant Survey Comments:
• Feel safe during the day and night
• Light is glary and uneven, creates patches
• Dislike the style of light
“I like how the light is contained to the ground”
“Mismatched bulbs,very distracting, very bright”
Bright light sources, overlighting the pathway
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HOSPITALITY
ASPEN SQUARE LODGE2
Clanton Site Observations:
• Balcony luminaires provide good vertical light but are bright and glary
to the observer below
• Parking lot in between building is dark, not enough vertical light for
facial recognition
Participant Survey Comments:
• Feel safe during the day and somewhat safe at night
• Lighting is uncomfortable
• Enough light on adjacent street and sidewalk
• Light sources are glary
• Dislikes the style of lighting
“Balcony lights are glary”
“It’s not terrible but, it’s too dark”
Balcony luminaires are bright but, not enough
light is provided in the parking area
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RETAIL
EDEN GALLERY3
Clanton Site Observations:
• Light sources are set back inside the gallery and aimed outwards
• Large amount of light spill on the sidewalk and street
• Does not appear that the lighting dims during nighttime hours
• Gallery across the street is a good example, with light sources
mounted at the window and aimed into the space
Participant Survey Comments:
• Feels safe during day and night
• Colors can not be determined
• Dislikes the style of lighting
• Can not recognize faces
• Light sources are glary
“The lighting from the gallery is glary and out of
place”
“Way too bright, light sources directed at
Pedestrians”
Large amount of light spill from inside the gallery
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HOSPITALITY
DANCING BEAR4
Clanton Site Observations:
• Festive lighting provides a lot a light or the sidewalk
• Good color temperature
• Red linear luminaire at roof line was not on when the site visit was
conducted
Participant Survey Comments:
• Feels safe during the day, somewhat safe at night
• Lighting is comfortable
• Likes the color of the light sources
• Matches neighborhood
“If the trees had no light on them, it would be much
too dark and dangerous to walk”
“I don’t like the full visibility of the red linear edging”
Red linear luminaire on roof of building can be
seen from the ground.
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RETAIL- PEDESTRIAN MALL
ASPEN SPORTS5
Clanton Site Observations:
• Lighting in store was completely turned off during site visit
• Adjacent pedestrian mall was very dark
Participant Survey Comments:
• Does not feel safe at night
• Lighting is not comfortable
• Not enough light on the street or sidewalk
• Can not recognize faces
• Dislikes the style of lighting
“Weird greenish mall lights”
“I feel like if the lights were on, it would be worse”
Dark pedestrian mall. Lights from store fronts are
completely off during the off-season
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Page 10
MIXED USE- RETAIL/OFFICE SPACE
S. GALENA STREET6
Clanton Site Observations:
• Multiple luminaire types including permanent festive lighting
• Ground level retail window is bright and has a cooler color temperature
than the rest of the building
Participant Survey Comments:
• Feels safe during day and night
• Glaring light sources
• Lighting does not match neighborhood
• Dislikes the style of lighting
“I like the lighting except for the cool glaring light
from the display window”
“The bottom floor commercial space has lighting
that is inconsistent with city values”
Bright retail window and a mix of luminaire types
50
Aspen Outdoor Lighting Standards
Existing Lighting Conditions Aspen, CO 06/14/2021
Page 11
RETAIL
BALENCIAGA7
Clanton Site Observations:
• Large amount of light spill from interior reaching exterior sidewalks
• Light sources are aimed towards the exterior windows
• Glary light sources
• Overlit
• Does not dim during nighttime hours
Participant Survey Comments:
• Feels safe during the day and night
• Uncomfortable
• Glaring light sources
• Dislikes the color of light sources
• Lighting does not match neighborhood
• Dislikes the style of lighting
“Light sources are too cold and directly visible”
“Bright, blinding white light”
Roadway and sidewalk illumination is provided by
retail lighting that spills outwards from windows
51
Aspen Outdoor Lighting Standards
Existing Lighting Conditions Aspen, CO 06/14/2021
Page 12
COLOR TEMPERATURE DEMONSTRATION
Color Temperature Demonstration:
Clanton and Associates conducted a color temperature demonstration with
the same participants from the site survey. The participants observed five (5)
different color temperature and completed a survey on each one. The five (5)
color temperatures were: 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K.
Participant Survey Comments:
• Overwhelmingly prefer 2700K, highest marks for comfort, illumination,
color perception, and color of light
• The second most preferred color temperature was 3000K and the least
prefered color temperature was 4000K.
Color of light preference is often subjective
and regional.
Survey Results:
• 2200K - Can’t perceive color of objects, don’t prefer color of light
• 2700K - Can perceive color of objects, like color of light
• 3000K - Can perceive object color, like color of light
• 3500K - Can perceive object color, don’t prefer color of light
• 4000K - Can’t perceive object color, don’t prefer color of light
52
Aspen Outdoor Lighting Standards
Existing Lighting Conditions Aspen, CO 06/14/2021
Page 13
APPENDIX
SURVEY RESULTS AND LIGHTING MEASUREMENTS
53
Aspen Outdoor Lighting Standards
Existing Lighting Conditions Aspen, CO 06/14/2021
Page 14
E. COOPER AVENUE1
APPENDIX
-1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Safe- day
Safe- night
Comfortable
Too much light-street
Not enough light- street
Too much light- sidewalk
Not enough light- sidewalk
Uneven (patchy)
Glaring
I can recognize faces
I like the color of the light
I can't see colors well
The lighting does not match the neighborhood
I like the style of lighting
E. COOPER AVENUE
Survey Results:
10W, 800lm
bulbs
Light is bouncing
off the pavement
and hitting the
trees
26.500 cd/
m^2
49.4 cd/m^2
54
Aspen Outdoor Lighting Standards
Existing Lighting Conditions Aspen, CO 06/14/2021
Page 15
ASPEN SQUARE LODGE2
APPENDIX
-1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2
Safe- day
Safe- night
Comfortable
Too much light-street
Not enough light- street
Too much light- sidewalk
Not enough light- sidewalk
Uneven (patchy)
Glaring
I can recognize faces
I like the color of the light
I can't see colors well
The lighting does not match the neighborhood
I like the style of lighting
ASPEN SQUARE LODGE
LIGHTING CREATES BRIGHT AND
DARK WEDGES. THIS CHANGES
THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT REACH-
ING THE CURB.
0.6fc
7.6fc vertical
9.20fc @ back
of curb
0.76fc vertical
EDGE OF LIGHT
EDGE OF DARK
Survey Results:
55
Aspen Outdoor Lighting Standards
Existing Lighting Conditions Aspen, CO 06/14/2021
Page 16
EDEN GALLERY3
APPENDIX
-1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Safe- day
Safe- night
Comfortable
Too much light-street
Not enough light- street
Too much light- sidewalk
Not enough light- sidewalk
Uneven (patchy)
Glaring
I can recognize faces
I like the color of the light
I can't see colors well
The lighting does not match the neighborhood
I like the style of lighting
How does the lighting in this area compare with the
lighting of similar areas at night?
EDEN GALLERY
0.7FC VERTICAL @ FRONT OF CURB,
ACROSS THE STREET
3fc VERTICAL
3.2fc vertical
1.8fc @ back
of curb
14.8fc @ GROUND
7FC VERTICAL
Survey Results:
56
Aspen Outdoor Lighting Standards
Existing Lighting Conditions Aspen, CO 06/14/2021
Page 17
DANCING BEAR4
APPENDIX
-0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Safe- day
Safe- night
Comfortable
Too much light-street
Not enough light- street
Too much light- sidewalk
Not enough light- sidewalk
Uneven (patchy)
Glaring
I can recognize faces
I like the color of the light
I can't see colors well
The lighting does not match the neighborhood
I like the style of lighting
DANCING BEAR
0.4fc VERTICAL
0.4fc vertical
0.9fc @
ground
0.14fc @ GROUND
0.25fc vertical
0.5fc @
back of
curb
Survey Results:
57
Aspen Outdoor Lighting Standards
Existing Lighting Conditions Aspen, CO 06/14/2021
Page 18
ASPEN SPORTS5
APPENDIX
-1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
Safe- day
Safe- night
Comfortable
Too much light-street
Not enough light- street
Too much light- sidewalk
Not enough light- sidewalk
Uneven (patchy)
Glaring
I can recognize faces
I like the color of the light
I can't see colors well
The lighting does not match the neighborhood
I like the style of lighting
ASPEN SPORTS PED MALL
green hue
luminaire
No store front
lighting on
Dark Pedestrian
Mall
Survey Results:
58
Aspen Outdoor Lighting Standards
Existing Lighting Conditions Aspen, CO 06/14/2021
Page 19
S. GALENA STREET6
APPENDIX
-1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Safe- day
Safe- night
Comfortable
Too much light-street
Not enough light- street
Too much light- sidewalk
Not enough light- sidewalk
Uneven (patchy)
Glaring
I can recognize faces
I like the color of the light
I can't see colors well
The lighting does not match the neighborhood
I like the style of lighting
S. GALENA STREET
0.7FC VERTICAL @ FRONT OF CURB,
ACROSS THE STREET
1136 cd/m^2
1.8fc @ ground
1889 cd/m^2
2023 cd/m^2
2.1fc @ vertical
0.66fc @ ground
0.9fc @ vertical
Survey Results:
59
Aspen Outdoor Lighting Standards
Existing Lighting Conditions Aspen, CO 06/14/2021
Page 20
BALENCIAGA7
APPENDIX
-2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Safe- day
Safe- night
Comfortable
Too much light-street
Not enough light- street
Too much light- sidewalk
Not enough light- sidewalk
Uneven (patchy)
Glaring
I can recognize faces
I like the color of the light
I can't see colors well
The lighting does not match the neighborhood
I like the style of lighting
BALENCIAGA
5fc @ ground
4fc vertical
4.5fc @
ground
3100 cd/
m^2
5FC VERTICAL
2140 cd/
m^2
6900
cd/m^2
Survey Results:
60
Date: 7/27/2023
Geographic Information Systems
This map/drawing/image is a graphical
representation of the features
depicted and is not a legal representation.
The accuracy may change
depending on the enlargement or reduction.
Copyright 2023 City of Aspen GIS
Legend
0 2,500 5,0001,250
Feet
When printed at 11"x17"
4
Scale: 1:36,112
Draft Lighting Zones -
GIS Map
County of Pitkin & City of Aspen, Bureau of Land Management, Esri,
HERE, Garmin, INCREMENT P, USGS, METI/NASA, EPA, USDA
61
Lighting Zone
Trespass
Limit (fc)
Parking
Lot Lm
per space
Lm per sf
(MLO)
LZ0 0.05 350 0.5
LZ1 0.1 490 1.25
LZ2 0.3 630 2.5
LZ3 0.8 840 5
Luminaire
Mounting
Mounting
Height
Limit (ft)
Bollard 3
Pathway 3
Pedestal 3
Building Mounted
Pole 12
Canopy Mounted
Luminaire Type LZ0 LZ1 LZ2 LZ3
Low Voltage Landsca 0 205 430 N/A 4
Shielded In-Grade U 0 455 910 N/A 4
Partially Shielded Flo 0 630 1260 N/A 4
Fully Shielded Lumin 0 100000 0
Acreage Lot Size (sf)LZ1 Original lm/sf
1 1/4 54450 17500 14000 0.321396
1 43560 15000 12000 0.344353
3/4 32670 11200 9000 0.342822
1/2 21780 7500 6000 0.344353
1/3 14520 5000 4000 0.344353
1/5 8812 3700 3000 0.419882
1/8 5500 2500 2000 0.454545
1/10 4356 2500 2000 0.573921
1/20 2178 1800 1500 0.826446
Dwelling Unit 3000
Parking Lot 300
Application LZ0 LZ1 LZ2 LZ3
EXHIBIT NOTE: This Draft is in Excel format.
62
Building Façade square feet 0 0 8 16
Outdoor Sales Lot square feet 0 4 8 16
Outdoor Dining square feet 0 1 5 10
Gasoline Station
pair of
pumps 0 4000 8000 8000
Base
63
CITY OF ASPEN LIGHTING ORDINANCE COMPLIANCE FORM
Zone District R-3 FAIL
1)Lighting Zone LZ1
2)Maximum Light Trespass 0.10 fc
Adjacent to an
Environmentally Sensitive
Area?
No
Maximum Light Trespass
along ESA shared property
line
Maximum Calculated Light
Trespass 0.1 fc
Maximum Calculated Light
Trespass along ESA shared
property line
fc
Maximum CCT 3000 K
Gross Lot Area (sf)50,000.00 square feet
Dwelling Units 1 Units
Parking Spaces 0 spaces
5)BUG Ratings
6)B U G
Low Voltage Landscape P1 1,000.00 2.00 5 5000 3000 Bollard 2 FAIL Lumens exceed limit
Fully Shielded Luminaire P2 900.00 1.00 1 900 2200 Canopy Mounted 12 0 PASS
Fully Shielded Luminaire 50.00 1.00 FAIL Missing entries
Fully Shielded Luminaire 50.00 1.00 FAIL Missing entries
Low Voltage Landscape 50.00 1.00 FAIL Missing entries
Low Voltage Landscape 50.00 1.00 FAIL Missing entries
Shielded In-Grade Uplight 50.00 1.00 FAIL Missing entries
Low Voltage Landscape 50.00 1.00 FAIL Missing entries
Low Voltage Landscape 50.00 1.00 FAIL Missing entries
Low Voltage Landscape 50.00 1.00 FAIL Missing entries
Total base allowance 17,500.00 lumens
Total lumens 5,900 lumens PASS
Total Lumens 5,900 lumens PASS
Luminaire Type Lumens Quantity Errors
How to use this calculator:
1)
NOTES:
a) Cells with an ORANGE fill are inputs.
b) Cells with a dark BLUE border are required inputs.
c) Cells that are GREY have formulas that are proccessing information from inputs. DO NOT change these cells.
d) If a cell turns RED it does not meet criteria.
e) If a cell turns GREEN it passes criteria.
Mounting
Height (ft)
Specified
CCT
Luminaire
Label PASS/ FAILTotal
Lumens Mounting TypeWattage
64
26.575.150.020 Lighting Zone Planning, Cross-Reference and
Establishment part (e) Designations Passoword Aspen
Zone District Lighting
Context Area Land Use
Hallam Bluff LZ0 Environmentally Sensitive Area
Stream Margin LZ0 Environmentally Sensitive Area
OS LZ0 Open Space
WP LZ0 Wildlife Preservation
PD LZ0
AH LZ1 Affordable Housing
C LZ1 Conservation
R-3 LZ1 High Density Residential
R-30 LZ1 Low Density Residential
R-6 LZ1 Medium Density Residential
R-15 LZ1 Moderate Density Residential
R-15-A LZ1 Moderate Density Residential
R-15B LZ1 Moderate Density Residential
R/MF LZ1 Residential / Multifamily
R/MFA LZ1 Residential / Multifamily
RR LZ1 Rural Residential
C-1 LZ2 Commercial
CC LZ2 Commercial Core
CL LZ2 Commercial Lodge
L LZ2 Lodge
MU LZ2 Mixed Use
NC LZ2 Neighborhood Commercial
SCI LZ2 Service Commercial Industrial
SKI LZ2 Ski Area Base
A Academic
P Park
PUB Public
LZ3 Special Permit LZ3
65