Outdoor Lighting Information

Moab City Council passed the Outdoor Lighting Code (Moab Municipal Code 17.09.060-17.09.069) in 2019 and updated it in 2023. This code creates standards for lighting that provides visibility where it’s needed and doesn't waste light in the sky. That's why you may have seen this code in the context of "dark skies." Down-facing, neighborly lighting provides many benefits by:

• Improving safety by lighting areas where it is needed and reducing blinding glare.
• Minimizing light trespassing onto neighboring properties.
• Protecting our health by minimizing blue light.
• Reducing sky glow in and around Moab.
• Bringing the beauty of night skies closer to home.
• If it includes switching to LEDs at the same time or removing unwanted lighting, it can even save money.

To support quality of life for residents, all lighting must be compliant by Jan. 1, 2029.

Questions? Email sustainability@moabcity.org.

Get your lighting on the right path by meeting the following standards:

Necessity Light only what you need where you need it.
Amount Use only the amount of light you need. This is usually measured in lumens. Check the lighting facts on the package.
Direction Point light downward where the light is needed. In BUG (backlight, uplight, glare) ratings, this is 0 for the "U," which stands for "uplight."
Time Use light when you need it, and turn it off by 10 PM if it doesn't meet the code standards. For commercial establishments and signage, turn off lights by an hour after closing.
Color Choose a warm color temperature outdoors, 3000 Kelvin or less.

For more information, read Moab Municipal Code 17.09.060 on outdoor lighting and 17.93.075 on illumination for signs.