Albany County, Wyoming Lighting Ordinance (2003)

Topics: Environment | Zoning Regulations

On September 2, 2003, the Albany County Board of County Commissioners approved regulations for outdoor lighting. The purpose of the new rules was to reduce light trespass, glare, and light pollution, to reduce energy costs, promote public safety and preserve the county’s pristine night sky. Light trespass is defined as light projected onto a property or roadway from a light source located on a different property Glare is defined as the sensation produced by light that is sufficiently greater than the light to which the eyes are adapted to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance or visibility. Light pollution means light that is emitted into the atmosphere that alters the appearance of the night sky or interferes with astronomical observation. These outdoor lighting regulations apply to all new construction and to the replacement of existing light fixtures. The primary method for compliance with these regulations is shielding outdoor lights so that the direct light from the fixture is directed downward and does not cross property lines. This can be achieved by purchasing lights that are labeled as being “full cutoff,” “cutoff,” or “fully shielded.”

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