To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Michael J. Hyman, Town Attorney
Title
Ordinance Amending Chapter 17.58 of the Castle Rock Municipal Code Regarding Exterior Lighting (Second Reading - Approved on First Reading on April 1, 2025, by a vote 7-0)
Body
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Executive Summary
The proposed changes to the provisions of Chapter 17.58 of the Castle Rock Municipal Code regarding exterior lighting arise out of concerns brought to the attention of our office by District 6 Councilmember Tim Dietz.
History of Past Town Council, Boards & Commissions, or Other Discussions
The Town Council first adopted a code regulating exterior lighting in 2003. See Town Ordinance No. 2003-34. The provisions of that code have remained unchanged since that time.
Discussion
Last Christmas, a holiday display in a District 6 neighborhood generated numerous complaints to the Castle Rock Police Department, primarily because of the use of high-intensity lighting (e.g., laser, strobe, flashing source lighting). The use of such lighting appears to have been an intentional effort by the family displaying the lights to antagonize their neighbor, all for the purpose of generating social media attention. Because Chapter 17.58 contains a broad exemption for temporary holiday displays, there was nothing that our officers could do in response.
The stated purpose of Chapter 17.58 is to protect the health, safety and welfare of Town residents by regulating the luminaire shielding, maximum lighting levels within and on the property line, and lighting controls on exterior lighting, as well as reducing light pollution, light trespass, glare and other forms of obtrusive light. Our office is recommending that Chapter 17.58 be updated to ensure that individual homeowners are protected against unsafe and unwarranted intrusions of light into their residences from their neighbors.
Using the Colorado Springs Municipal Code as an example, our office is suggesting that the Town Council consider two changes to Chapter 17.58. First, the exemption for holiday lighting should be limited to the use of typical unshielded low-intensity lamps. Second, the use of lasers, strobes, flashing source light or similar high-intensity lights should be generally prohibited. Exceptions will remain in place for reasonable security lighting, as well as lighting used by police, firefighting, and emergency medical personnel during emergency situations.
Budget Impact
None.
Staff Recommendation
The Town Attorney’s Office and the Development Services Department recommend approval of the proposed ordinance
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the ordinance as introduced by title.”
Alternative Motions
I move to approve the ordinance as introduced by title, with the following conditions: __________________.
I move to continue the ordinance to the Town Council meeting on __________.
Attachments
Attachment A - Ordinance Amending Chapter 17