Lighting Regulations in Tusayan, Arizona: Preserving Dark Skies at the Gateway to the Grand Canyon

Quick Reference Guide

• All outdoor lighting must be fully shielded with the bottom edge of the shield below the light source
• Light trespass prevention: All lighting must be aimed or shielded to confine illumination to property boundaries
• Curfew: Class 1 and Class 3 lighting must be extinguished by 11:00 PM or within 30 minutes after business closes
• Preferred lighting: Low-pressure sodium (LPS) and narrow-spectrum amber LED
• Prohibited: Searchlights, mercury vapor fixtures, upward-directed floodlighting
• Lumen caps: Commercial/industrial: 50,000 lumens per acre (5,000 non-LPS/amber LED); Residential: 10,000 lumens per residence
• Color temperature: White light sources must have CCT of 3,200K or less
• Permits required for all non-residential outdoor lighting installations

Introduction: Why Lighting Matters in Tusayan

As a gateway community to the Grand Canyon National Park, Tusayan plays a critical role in preserving the natural beauty that draws millions of visitors each year. Located just one mile from one of the world's most magnificent natural wonders, Tusayan's lighting regulations reflect a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and dark sky preservation.

The town's comprehensive lighting code aims to minimize light pollution, conserve energy, and protect the awe-inspiring night sky views that have captivated visitors for generations. These regulations balance the practical lighting needs of a tourism-centered community with the preservation of the natural darkness that makes stargazing at the Grand Canyon such a memorable experience.

Historical Context: Tusayan's Special Relationship with the Night Sky

Tusayan's origins trace back to 1928 when Rudolph "Chick" Kirby established a store and campground on forest service land. As the community developed over the decades, it maintained a close relationship with its natural surroundings.

The town serves as the southern gateway to the Grand Canyon, welcoming tourists from around the world. This unique position has shaped Tusayan's approach to development, including how it manages outdoor lighting. By protecting the night sky from excessive artificial light, Tusayan preserves not only an environmental resource but also an important element of the visitor experience.

General Lighting Requirements

Shielding Requirements

All outdoor lighting in Tusayan must be properly shielded to minimize light pollution:

• Fully-shielded fixtures are required for most applications
• Light fixtures must be constructed so that all light is projected below the horizontal
• A practical test: if the lamp, tube, or lens is visible when viewed from above or from the side, the fixture is not fully shielded

Property Boundary Limitations

To prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties:

• All light fixtures (except street lamps) must be aimed or shielded to confine illumination to the property boundaries
• Fixtures must be installed so that direct illumination does not fall onto any public or private street

Curfew Requirements

Tusayan enforces lighting curfews to protect the night sky:

• Class 1 and Class 3 lighting must be extinguished by 11:00 PM or within 30 minutes after business closes
• Class 2 lighting located 75+ feet from buildings or outdoor sales areas must follow the same curfew
• Sign illumination must conform to these curfew times with automatic shut-off timers

Understanding Lighting Classifications

Tusayan's code categorizes lighting into three classes with specific requirements for each:

Class 1 Lighting

• Used for outdoor sales areas, entry areas, and applications where color rendition is important
• Permitted sources: LPS or narrow-spectrum amber LED (fully shielded)
• Other sources above 2,000 lumens: Allowed if fully shielded
• Other sources below 2,000 lumens: Allowed if fully shielded

Class 2 Lighting

• Used for walkways, roadways, parking lots, and security where general illumination is the primary concern
• Permitted sources: LPS or narrow-spectrum amber LED (fully shielded)
• Other sources are generally prohibited

Class 3 Lighting

• Used for decorative effects including architectural illumination and landscape lighting
• Permitted sources: LPS or narrow-spectrum amber LED (fully shielded)
• Other sources below 2,000 lumens: Allowed if fully shielded
• Other sources above 2,000 lumens: Prohibited

Technical Specifications

Total Outdoor Light Output Limits

Tusayan strictly limits the amount of light allowed per property:

• Commercial, industrial and multi-family properties:
• Total light output: 50,000 lumens per net acre
• Non-LPS/narrow-spectrum amber LED: 5,000 lumens per net acre
• Unshielded lighting: 0 lumens (not permitted)
• Single-family residential properties:
• Total light output: 10,000 lumens per residence
• Unshielded lighting: 0 lumens (not permitted)

Light Source Requirements

• CCT requirement: Metal halide, fluorescent, LED or other white light sources must have a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 3,200K or less
• Examples of light sources below 2,000 lumens:
• 100-watt standard incandescent and less
• 100-watt tungsten-halogen (quartz) and less
• 25-watt fluorescent and less
• 26-watt compact fluorescent and less

Prohibited Lighting Types

• Mercury vapor light fixtures or lamps (installation and sales prohibited)
• Searchlights, laser source lights or any similar high-intensity light
• Bottom-mounted outdoor advertising sign lighting
• Ornamental luminaries with exposed light sources
• Upward-directed floodlighting

Special Applications

Service Station Canopies

Service stations have specific requirements for canopy lighting:

• All luminaires must be fully shielded with flat lenses
• Total light output cannot exceed 40 lumens per square foot of canopy
• This includes lighting within signage or illuminated panels over pumps

Outdoor Recreational Facilities

Sports fields and similar facilities have modified requirements:

• Field/track/arena lighting is designated as Class 1 lighting
• These areas are exempt from the standard lumens-per-acre caps
• All fixtures must still be fully shielded
• Illumination must end at curfew except to conclude events in progress

Signs and Advertising

• External sign illumination must use top-mounted, downward-directed floodlights
• Neon signs are treated as internally illuminated signs
• Sign curfews: All illuminated signs must follow the same curfew as Class 1 lighting
• Searchlights for advertising are explicitly prohibited

Permitting and Compliance

Non-Residential Lighting Permits

All non-residential properties must obtain an outdoor lighting permit before installation:

• Applications must include a site plan showing all existing and proposed fixtures
• Detailed descriptions of each illuminating device, fixture, lamp, support, and shield
• Manufacturer's catalog cuts, drawings, and lamp specifications

Residential Lighting Requirements

• Single-family and two-family residential lighting is reviewed on-site
• Compliance is verified before the certificate of occupancy is issued
• A separate lighting permit is not required beyond the building permit

Temporary Lighting Permits

The Town Manager may grant permits for temporary lighting that:

• Will not extend beyond 30 days
• Minimizes light pollution as much as feasible
• Complies with the general intent of the lighting code
• Serves the public interest

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Outdoor Lighting

When designing your lighting system in Tusayan:

• Choose compliant fixtures that are fully shielded
• Select preferred light sources (LPS or narrow-spectrum amber LED) when possible
• Calculate your lumen budget based on property type and size
• Install timers or controls to comply with curfew requirements
• Keep documentation of all lighting specifications for permit applications

Existing Lighting

• Lighting installed before the code was enacted is generally grandfathered
• However, no modifications or replacements can be made unless the new fixtures conform to current regulations
• Mercury vapor fixtures must be phased out regardless of when they were installed

Conclusion

Tusayan's comprehensive lighting regulations demonstrate the town's commitment to preserving the dark sky experience that makes the Grand Canyon region so special. By carefully controlling outdoor lighting, Tusayan balances the needs of residents and businesses with environmental protection and the visitor experience.

Property owners and businesses play a crucial role in maintaining the unique character of this gateway community through thoughtful lighting choices. By understanding and following these regulations, everyone contributes to preserving the natural wonder of the night sky at the edge of one of America's most treasured national parks.