Lighting Regulations in Payson, Arizona: Preserving the Dark Skies of Rim Country

Introduction

Nestled beneath the dramatic escarpment of the Mogollon Rim, Payson, Arizona—often called the "Heart of Arizona"—has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1882. This charming town of approximately 15,000 residents serves as a gateway to the natural wonders of Rim Country, an area once known as "Zane Grey Country" after the famous Western author who had a cabin nearby.

As stewards of this unique landscape, Payson has developed lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to preserving both its natural beauty and historical heritage. The town's approach to outdoor lighting specifically aims to protect the stunning night skies that have captivated residents and visitors for generations while ensuring safety and functionality.

In this guide, we'll explore Payson's lighting regulations and what they mean for property owners, businesses, and residents.

Quick Reference Guide

• Dark Sky Compliance: Full-cutoff fixtures that shield light sources are required • Temperature Limit: Lighting fixtures must not exceed 3000 Kelvin • Maximum Heights: 25 feet for poles on private property; 15 feet within 30 feet of residential areas • Lumen Limits:

• 100,000 lumens per acre for commercial/industrial/multi-family
• 10,000 lumens per parcel for single-family residential

• Light Trespass: Hard cutoff required at property lines; no visual intrusion onto neighboring properties • Shielding Requirements: All outdoor lighting must be fully shielded to direct light away from streets, neighboring properties, and the sky

Understanding Dark Sky Principles

What Are Dark Sky Principles?

Dark sky principles form the foundation of Payson's lighting regulations. These guidelines aim to reduce light pollution, preserve the natural night environment, and allow residents and visitors to enjoy the spectacular star-filled skies that make Rim Country special.

Full-Cutoff Fixture Requirements

Full-cutoff fixtures are specifically defined in Payson's code as: "Fixtures are shielded in such a manner that light rays emitted by the fixture, either directly from the lamp or indirectly from the fixture, are projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest point on the fixture where light is emitted."

Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Fixtures

The code clearly distinguishes between acceptable and unacceptable lighting fixtures:

• Acceptable fixtures shield the source of illumination from the top and side • Unacceptable fixtures do not obscure the source of illumination, allowing for glare and light trespass • Carriage fixtures may be used if fully shielded (with the bulb located in the upper housing element)

Residential Lighting Requirements

Single-Family Home Guidelines

For homeowners in Payson, lighting regulations focus on minimizing neighborhood impact while allowing for proper illumination:

• Maximum output: 10,000 lumens per parcel • Light trespass: Private external lighting must not create visual intrusion onto neighboring properties • Home occupations: Equipment used in home-based businesses shall not create glare discernible at property lines

Manufactured Home Considerations

The Manufactured Home Overlay District (MH) specifically requires that "All private, external lighting shall be installed and maintained in such a manner so as to mitigate any visual intrusion onto neighboring private or public properties."

Exemptions for Residential Properties

Several residential lighting applications are exempt from certain regulations:

• Motion-activated lighting that remains on for brief periods • Holiday decorations (low voltage) from November 15 to January 15 • Solar-powered lights of 300 lumens or less used for walkways (excluded from total lumen calculations) • Flag lighting when directed away from adjoining properties and roadways

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Standards

General Requirements

Commercial and industrial properties face more comprehensive requirements:

• Maximum output: 100,000 lumens per net acre • Shielding: All outdoor lighting must be hooded or shielded to deflect light away from residential districts • Documentation: Photometric calculations must be submitted with building permit applications • Purpose-driven design: All outdoor lighting must be "of a minimum necessary to serve the purpose intended"

Specific Use Requirements

Mobile Food Units

Mobile food units must have "adequate lighting to ensure customer safety in the vending area" and comply with the lighting provisions in UDC § 154-03-002(H).

Sexually Oriented Businesses

These establishments must maintain minimum illumination of five foot-candles as measured at floor level in all areas accessible to patrons.

Marijuana Facilities

Marijuana facilities must provide "adequate exterior lighting" as a security measure. For indoor cultivation, the code prohibits high-intensity discharge lighting, including mercury-vapor, metal-halide, sodium-vapor, and xenon short-arc lamps. Only LEDs, CFLs, or fluorescent lighting are permitted.

Signage Illumination

Dark-Sky Compliant Signs

All signs in Payson must be dark-sky compliant, with specific requirements governing how signs can be illuminated:

• The source of illumination shall not be visible • Illumination must be oriented or shielded to not be visible from residential zones or public thoroughfares • For internally illuminated signs, construction must use either:

• Opaque background with translucent letters and symbols, OR
• Colored translucent background (not clear, white, cream, off-white, yellow or other light colors) with either translucent or opaque letters and symbols

Electronic Message Centers (EMCs)

Electronic message centers have specific brightness and transition requirements:

• Maximum brightness: No greater than 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light conditions • Dimming: Must utilize automatic dimming feature • Transitions: Must be static or instant change (within one second) • Prohibited effects: Animation, fade, scroll, travel, wipe, dissolve effects are not allowed

Historical District Considerations

Main Street Character

Payson values its historical character, particularly in its Main Street area. Lighting fixtures in these areas "shall appropriately reflect the historic Main Street era" with the code referencing specific examples in an appendix.

Balancing History and Functionality

While preserving historical aesthetics, all lighting must still comply with the technical requirements for shielding and dark-sky compliance, demonstrating Payson's commitment to both heritage preservation and environmental stewardship.

Special Situations and Exemptions

Temporary Lighting

Temporary lighting that doesn't conform to code provisions may be approved by the Zoning Administrator with a permit. This applies to limited-duration uses such as civic events or construction projects.

Emergency Lighting

Lighting used during emergencies by police, fire, medical, or utility personnel is exempt from standard regulations. Emergency lighting that activates only during power failures or alarms is permitted in all lighting zones.

Public Outdoor Lighting

Public facilities have specific requirements:

• Must be turned off by 10:00 p.m. or one hour after the end of play • Sports lighting is exempt from the 3000 Kelvin temperature limitation • New installations only permitted when the Town Manager determines a public safety hazard exists

Supporting Payson's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we share Payson's commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Rim Country while providing functional, compliant illumination solutions. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community values.

Our team appreciates Payson's emphasis on dark-sky compliance and historical character—values that align with our own commitment to responsible lighting practices. We recognize that the dramatic landscapes of the Mogollon Rim and the town's historical heritage create a unique set of lighting requirements.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource on lighting regulations, helping community members understand how to enhance their properties while respecting Payson's commitment to minimizing light pollution. We understand the technical requirements for full-cutoff fixtures, color temperature limits, and proper shielding to prevent light trespass.

Our experience with projects that respect community character makes us a valuable partner for Payson residents looking to navigate lighting regulations while maintaining the town's distinctive atmosphere.

Conclusion

Payson's lighting regulations reflect its dual commitment to preserving the natural night sky and honoring its historical heritage. For property owners, understanding these requirements ensures both compliance and contribution to the town's environmental goals.

The regulations prioritize dark-sky compliance through full-cutoff fixtures, specific color temperature limits, and careful control of light trespass. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses help maintain the spectacular stargazing opportunities that make Rim Country special.

Whether you're installing new exterior lighting, updating signage, or planning a commercial development, these regulations provide a framework for responsible illumination that respects both neighbors and the natural environment.