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Alamosa adopts dark‑sky lighting rules intended to protect Sangre de Cristo skies
Summary
Council approved on second reading an amendment to the Unified Development Code that imposes lighting regulations to protect dark skies and position Alamosa for an international dark‑sky reserve; the ordinance passed unanimously.
The Alamosa City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 27‑2024 on Nov. 6, adopting new lighting regulations to protect local night skies and to facilitate the Sangre de Cristo dark‑sky reserve review process.
City planning staff described a lengthy community outreach process and multiple staff and stakeholder work sessions that shaped a version of the code described as balanced between international dark‑sky standards and local business and homeowner concerns. "It protects our dark skies," planning staff said, adding the rules were intended to be reasonable and enforceable.
Local supporters joined remotely. Aaron Lemberger, speaking by Zoom, told council he supported the effort and commended staff and partners, saying the policy advances city goals on environmental quality and outdoor recreation.
Council adopted the less‑strict version of the ordinance that staff and council approved at first reading, with the council discussion focused on enforceability and fairness to local businesses.
The ordinance changes the Unified Development Code’s lighting rules; staff said the rules offer a path for the Sangre de Cristo dark‑sky reserve to move forward while respecting local stakeholders.
