Lighting Regulations in Haxtun, Colorado: Guidelines for Specialized Businesses

Introduction

Nestled in Phillips County along Highway 6, the small statutory town of Haxtun, Colorado boasts a population of just under 1,000 residents. Incorporated in July 1909, Haxtun's origins trace back to the Strohm Family's settlement between 1885 and 1887. Though Miss Strohm originally intended to name the town Lillydale, it was ultimately named Haxtun after a town in New York on the Hudson River.

Today, Haxtun maintains strong connections to its agricultural roots. Many family farms have remained operational for over a century, demonstrating the town's commitment to preservation and continuity. This small agricultural community values its rural aesthetic and minimizes unnecessary light pollution that could disrupt farming activities and the town's charming character.

While Haxtun's building codes contain relatively few lighting-specific regulations, the town does maintain certain standards for specialized businesses. Let's explore these regulations to ensure compliance and support the town's unique character.

Quick Reference Guide

Based on available information from Haxtun's building codes, here are the key lighting regulations:

• Marijuana Cultivation:
• Permitted lighting: LED, CFL, or fluorescent lighting only
• Prohibited lighting: All HID lighting including Mercury-vapor, Metal-halide, Sodium-vapor, and other types
• Sexually-Oriented Businesses:
• Minimum interior illumination: 5 foot candles measured at floor level
• Screening requirements: Walls or vegetative screening required to protect residents from lighting impacts
• Conditional permit considerations: Arrangement of lights to prevent nuisance

Marijuana Cultivation Lighting Requirements

Approved Lighting Technologies

Haxtun's building code contains specific provisions regarding lighting used for indoor marijuana cultivation. These regulations aim to ensure energy efficiency while minimizing potential impacts on the surrounding community.

Only the following lighting types are permitted:

• Light Emitting Diodes (LED)
• Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL)
• Fluorescent lighting

Prohibited Lighting Systems

The following High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting systems are explicitly prohibited:

• Mercury-vapor lamps
• Metal-halide (MH) lamps
• Ceramic MH lamps
• Sodium-vapor lamps
• High-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps
• Xenon short-arc lamps

Rationale Behind Restrictions

These lighting restrictions likely reflect Haxtun's commitment to energy efficiency and minimizing light pollution. LED and fluorescent technologies generally consume less energy than HID alternatives, aligning with the town's practical, conservation-minded approach to development.

Lighting Requirements for Sexually-Oriented Businesses

Interior Lighting Standards

Haxtun's code includes specific illumination requirements for sexually-oriented businesses:

• Minimum illumination level: 5 foot candles as measured at the floor level
• Coverage area: Every place with patron access, including peep booths
• Maintenance requirement: Licensees and employees must ensure proper illumination whenever patrons are present

Exterior Screening Requirements

To protect residential areas from potential impacts, sexually-oriented businesses must implement appropriate screening measures:

• Walls or vegetative screening must be provided along the perimeter where needed
• Screening should specifically protect residents from undesirable lighting, views, noise, or other inconsistent land use characteristics

Conditional Use Permit Considerations

When evaluating conditional use permits for sexually-oriented businesses, Haxtun's governing bodies pay specific attention to lighting:

• The Board of Trustees considers "the arrangement of signs and lights" to prevent nuisance conditions
• Both the Board of Zoning and Adjustment and Board of Trustees may impose modifications regarding signs and lighting to ensure compliance with permit criteria

What Property Owners Should Know

Limited Scope of Current Regulations

Based on available information, Haxtun's specific lighting regulations primarily focus on specialized businesses rather than general property lighting. Property owners should:

• Stay informed about any updates to the town's lighting regulations
• Consider community context when installing exterior lighting
• Respect neighbors by avoiding excessive light trespass onto adjacent properties

Agricultural Considerations

Given Haxtun's strong agricultural heritage, property owners should be mindful of how their lighting choices might impact nearby farming operations. Excessive nighttime lighting can potentially:

• Disrupt natural cycles for livestock
• Affect natural pollinator behavior
• Create unnecessary light pollution in Haxtun's rural setting

Supporting Haxtun's Community Character

Bock Lighting's Commitment to Rural Communities

At Bock Lighting, we recognize the unique character of small agricultural communities like Haxtun. With roots dating back to 1918, we understand the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with preserving the authentic character of rural communities.

Understanding Agricultural Community Needs

Our experience working with communities similar to Haxtun has given us insight into the specific lighting considerations for agricultural areas. We appreciate Haxtun's balance of practical functionality and preservation of rural aesthetics.

Resources for Compliance and Education

While Haxtun's lighting regulations are currently limited in scope, we remain committed to helping property owners understand best practices for responsible lighting. Our team can serve as a resource for information about energy-efficient lighting solutions that respect the town's agricultural heritage and rural character.

Community-Minded Approach

We share Haxtun's values of preservation and continuity. Our approach emphasizes lighting solutions that enhance community safety and functionality while respecting the town's traditional aesthetic and agricultural lifestyle.

Conclusion

Haxtun's lighting regulations primarily focus on specialized businesses, including marijuana cultivation facilities and sexually-oriented businesses. These targeted regulations reflect the town's practical approach to governance while protecting its rural character and agricultural heritage.

As Haxtun continues to balance preservation with development, property owners should remain aware of both explicit regulations and community expectations regarding lighting. By respecting these standards, residents and businesses contribute to maintaining Haxtun's distinctive small-town charm while supporting its ongoing evolution.

For questions about specific lighting requirements or interpretations of Haxtun's building code, property owners should contact town officials directly to ensure complete compliance with current regulations.