The updated Outdoor Lighting Code (Chapter 16A) is in effect as of September 17, 2025.

If you would like to make a complaint on a violation of the updated lighting code, please submit your complaint in writing to snester@snowmass.gov. If you have questions about the lighting code adoption or coming into compliance, email Sara Nester.   

Updated materials to support the updated code include a Guide to Updated Town of Snowmass Village Outdoor Lighting Code, and the Outdoor Lighting Zone Map. Please use the list of resources below for these materials. 

The updated Outdoor Lighting chapter is based on national and international lighting best practices. Lighting can create a sense of place and identity throughout a city. It can also adversely affect people and wildlife habitats with glare and light trespass. When designed with purpose and clear intent, our light can enhance the aesthetic character of Snowmass Village, as well as improve visibility, visual comfort, wayfinding, public safety, and security. If poorly designed, lighting may create undesirable effects such as glare, light trespass, and light pollution.  

Updated policies focus on key areas, including:

• Reduce obtrusive and glaring light that inhibit human vision and detract from enjoyment; 
• Curtail light pollution and improve nighttime environment for residents, visitors and astronomer enthusiasts; 
• Protect local and migrating ecological systems from the adverse effect of artificial light;  
• Minimize light trespass across property lines so as to avoid disturbing neighbors and restricting access to nighttime darkness as a shared natural resource;  
• Bring clarity for applicants and Town review staff in evaluating lighting performance standards during the development review process; 
• Differentiate residential and commercial lighting needs. 

Additionally, seasonal lighting is deemed temporary between November 15 and January 31 in residential areas, and November 15 and March 1 in commercial areas, as stated in the code. Seasonal lights contribute to light pollution, attract wildlife, increase unnecessary energy usage, and when wrapped around trees, constrict their ability to grow.    

Continued illumination of seasonal lighting after January 31 in residential areas, and March 31 in commercial areas, is a violation of the Land Use Code and could result in being summoned to Municipal Court.