Council restricts high‑intensity seasonal lighting, approves first reading on exterior‑lighting code changes

Castle Rock Town Council adopted first reading of an ordinance revising the town’s exterior‑lighting code to limit high‑intensity lighting in temporary holiday displays.

Town attorney Michael Hyman and staff described the change as a targeted update to a 2003 code that previously exempted temporary holiday displays. After a December display drew complaints to the police department — including allegations that the display intentionally antagonized neighbors and generated social‑media attention — staff proposed narrowing the exemption. Hyman said the amendment "limits that exemption for holiday lighting to the use of typical unshielded low intensity lamps" and adds a prohibition on lasers, strobes and flashing high‑intensity source lights.

The code will continue to exempt reasonable security lighting and allow emergency responders to use lighting during emergency operations. Hyman said the change mirrors language used in other Colorado cities and is intended to give enforcement tools to the police without banning routine holiday lighting.

Council approved the first reading unanimously. Staff said second reading and final adoption are planned at a future meeting.

Why it matters: The change clarifies when seasonal decorative lighting is exempt from the town code and gives staff and police a clearer standard for addressing disruptive high‑intensity displays while preserving ordinary holiday decorations and legitimate security or emergency lighting.

Next steps: Staff will return a final ordinance for second reading; enforcement will follow the code change once adopted.