Lighting Regulations in Creede, Colorado: Preserving Night Skies in a Historic Mining Town

Introduction

Nestled in the picturesque San Juan Mountains, Creede, Colorado is a town rich in history and natural beauty. Founded during the silver mining boom of 1892, this charming community has carefully preserved its historical character while adapting to modern needs. With a population of around 2,000, Creede balances development with preservation, focusing on sustainable growth that respects its rich heritage and stunning natural surroundings.

The town's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to preservation. By controlling light pollution, Creede protects its spectacular night skies – a natural resource as valuable as the silver that first put this mining town on the map. These regulations serve multiple purposes: enhancing safety, preserving the town's historic aesthetic, and allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the brilliant tapestry of stars that grace Creede's mountain setting.

Quick Reference Guide

The most important lighting regulations in Creede include:

• Color Temperature Limit: Maximum 3,000 Kelvins for all outdoor lighting
• Shielding Requirements: Fixtures with output ≥500 initial lamp lumens must be fully shielded
• Height Restrictions: 16-foot maximum in residential areas, 25-foot maximum in non-residential
• Hours of Operation: Security lighting must be extinguished within 1 hour after business closes
• Recreation Lighting: Must be turned off by 11:00 PM
• Light Trespass: Light must not extend beyond property boundaries
• Prohibited Fixtures: Mercury vapor fixtures/lamps banned in new construction
• Illumination Levels: 30 foot-candles at service building mirrors, 5 foot-candles for general areas

Purpose and Applicability

Why These Regulations Exist

Creede's lighting ordinances serve multiple important purposes:

• Protection against light pollution
• Promotion of night sky awareness
• Ensuring safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists
• Providing guidance for residents updating lighting fixtures
• Promoting energy efficiency

Who Must Comply

These regulations apply to all new exterior lighting installed within Creede city limits. Lighting installed before the adoption of these regulations is considered legally non-conforming, though property owners are encouraged to update non-compliant fixtures when possible.

Grandfathered Lighting

If your property has older lighting that doesn't meet current standards, you're not required to replace it immediately. However, the city encourages voluntary compliance "as time, budget, and maintenance allows."

Technical Specifications

Light Source Requirements

• Color Temperature: CCT must not exceed 3,000 Kelvins
• Prohibited Types: Mercury vapor fixtures/lamps banned in new construction
• Permitted Types: Only high-pressure sodium, low-pressure sodium, LED, or incandescent fixtures allowed in commercial and multifamily parking areas
• Special Requirements: Metal halide and fluorescent fixtures must have glass, acrylic, or translucent lamp enclosures

Shielding and Cutoff Requirements

• Large Fixtures: All lighting with output ≥500 initial lamp lumens must be full cutoff and fully shielded
• Small Fixtures: Lighting with output <500 initial lamp lumens may remain unshielded
• Exceptions:
• Partially shielded luminaires if lamp isn't visible and fixture has opaque top
• Floodlights with external shielding angled no more than 25° above vertical

Illumination Standards

• Service Areas: 30 foot-candles at lavatory mirrors and laundry work areas
• Entrances: 5 foot-candles at service building entrance areas
• General Tasks: 5 foot-candles for general seeing tasks

Property-Specific Requirements

Residential Properties

• Maximum Height: Light fixtures cannot exceed 16 feet from ground
• Building-Mounted: Cannot exceed height of the building
• Bollard Lighting: Must be between 3-4 feet high
• Home Occupations: Must not produce glare noticeable outside the dwelling

Commercial Properties

• Maximum Height: Light fixtures cannot exceed 25 feet from ground
• Canopy Lights: Must be fully recessed or shielded to prevent glare on roads
• Parking Areas: Only high-pressure sodium, low-pressure sodium, LED, or incandescent fixtures permitted
• Hours: Lights must be extinguished within one hour after business closes

Industrial Districts

• Fixture Type: Must be hooded
• Maximum Height: Cannot exceed 25 feet above ground level
• Orientation: Must not shine into residential areas

Recreational Facilities

• Curfew: Exterior lighting for ball diamonds, playing fields, tennis courts, and similar uses must be extinguished by 11:00 PM
• Partial Lighting: If only a portion of a parking lot is used after dark, only that portion should be illuminated

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning a New Installation

When installing new exterior lighting, ensure your fixtures:

• Use lamps with CCT below 3,000 Kelvins
• Are properly shielded if over 500 lumens
• Don't cast light beyond your property boundary
• Meet height restrictions for your zone
• Use approved fixture types for your application

Energy-Saving Recommendations

• Timers and Sensors: The city encourages sensor-activated lights for security purposes
• After-Hours: Turn off nonessential exterior lighting when not in use
• Partial Lighting: Only light areas that are actively being used

Aesthetic Considerations

• Light fixtures should be consistent with the architectural style of your property
• Signage illumination should be compatible with building architecture
• All area lights must use full cutoff fixtures

Supporting Creede's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate the unique character of historic communities like Creede. Since our founding in 1918, we've worked with towns across America that balance preservation with practical lighting needs.

We share Creede's commitment to dark sky preservation while maintaining safety and functionality. Our expertise in lighting solutions that meet local regulations can help property owners navigate compliance while enhancing the beauty of this mountain community.

Bock Lighting appreciates Creede's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that protect both its historic mining town aesthetic and its spectacular night skies. We're committed to providing educational resources about lighting regulations and best practices for communities valuing their unique character and natural resources.

Conclusion

Creede's lighting regulations demonstrate how a community can preserve its natural and historical character while meeting modern needs. By limiting light pollution, the town protects its stunning night skies – allowing residents and visitors to experience the same starry canopy that watched over miners more than a century ago.

Property owners in Creede should approach lighting with an understanding of both technical requirements and community values. With thoughtful implementation, these regulations ensure safety and functionality while preserving Creede's unique mountain town atmosphere.

By working together to implement these thoughtful lighting standards, Creede continues its tradition of balancing preservation with progress – maintaining a community that honors its silver mining past while creating a sustainable future.