The City Council adopted Ordinance 2021-05-01, which amended Article VIII – Outdoor Lighting to the Alpine Code of Ordinances. This update allowed our area to establish one of the largest international dark sky reserves in the world. The enforcement of the ordinance provided a 5-year timeframe for the community to become compliant with the requirements. 

General Guidelines:

The City Council adopted Ordinance 2021-05-01, which amended Article VIII – Outdoor Lighting to the Alpine Code of Ordinances. This update allowed our area to establish one of the largest international dark sky reserves in the world. The enforcement of the ordinance provided a 5-year timeframe for the community to become compliant with the requirements

1. Fully Shielded – All outdoor light sources shall be installed such that all of the light emitted from the light fixture is projected below the horizontal plane passing through the lowest light-emitting part of the fixture.
2. Maximum color temperature of 2,700 degrees Kelvin.
3. Lumens Cap – No more than 50,000 lumens per acre for non-residential developments; 25,00 for residences.
4. Light Trespass – Shield and aim fixture as necessary to prevent light source (bulb) from being visible from off-site or off-property.

Helpful Information:

Dark Skies Initiative
McDonald Observatory: Dark Skies Initiative
Dark Skies Outdoor Lighting Ordinance Workshops