Alamosa council advances less-strict ‘dark-sky’ lighting code, sets Nov. 6 hearing

Alamosa City Council voted unanimously Oct. 16 to advance a locally tailored version of a proposed dark-sky lighting ordinance and set a public hearing for Nov. 6.

City staff presented two options: a less-strict local ordinance intended to be easier for businesses and staff to enforce, and a stricter version drawn from Dark Sky International (DSI) requirements. Staff said the DSI language would better match the Sangre de Cristo dark-sky reserve standards but raised questions about enforcement capacity, technical measurement tools and impacts to signage and first responders.

Rachel, a city staff member who led the presentation, said the proposals would reduce glare, require shielded fixtures and limit most fixtures to no more than 500 lumens (the city’s current code allows up to 1,500 lumens). The DSI version would additionally require sign curfews and stricter brightness caps for electronic message centers; the local version narrows some of those requirements to ease compliance and enforcement.

Supporters from the public urged adoption. Dani Robin of San Luis Valley Great Outdoors told the council the ordinance would protect wildlife, improve safety and boost sustainable tourism. Councilors Liz Hensley and Dawn Krebs said the less-strict version was an appropriate first step that balances business concerns with night-sky protection.

The motion to approve version A and set the Nov. 6 public hearing carried unanimously. Staff said the Nov. 6 meeting will include a public hearing and the council’s second reading before any final adoption.

What happens next: The council will hold a public hearing Nov. 6 on the chosen draft; if adopted, the ordinance will be incorporated into the Unified Development Code and staff will begin implementation steps, including guidance for building permit reviewers and sign applicants.