I am thrilled to announce that the City of Moab is now an International Dark Sky Community, as designated by DarkSky International. This designation is the culmination of years of efforts from residents, businesses, elected officials, and city staff to promote safe lighting below and uninterrupted views above. As the newest Dark Sky Community, Moab invites residents and visitors to join in the celebration. Events include the Arts & Ag Market on June 7, 5-8 pm. in Swanny Park. Participants can enjoy crafts and information on dark skies and AstroFest viewing opportunities throughout the weekend. Skate Moab’s June 15 skate night will also be dark-sky themed. Participants can join in the fun from 6 to 8 p.m, next to Star Hall in Sun Court.

In the previous article, “Let’s Shed Light on the Importance of Dark Sky Lighting,” I emphasized the significance of conserving Dark Skies. This month, I will illustrate and discuss how to identify outdoor light fixtures that meet the requirements of Moab City code.

1. Necessity: Is the light a bright idea, or could you reflect on another solution? Before you install or replace a fixture, assess if you need the light. Sometimes, you can save money by using reflective tape or signage. However, stairs or frequently used entrances and exits may be wise to illuminate for safety.

2. Amount: Is it low-level lighting or high-level brightness? In the City of Moab, outdoor light output for single-family homes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) varies based on parcel size and zoning area. Properties one-half acre or larger are allowed to have outdoor lighting with a maximum of 10,000 lumens. For smaller properties, less than one-half acre, the maximum allowed is 5,000 lumens. Lumens are a measure of brightness. They represent the amount of light that is visible to the human eye. These specifications aim to balance sufficient lighting while minimizing light pollution in residential neighborhoods.

3. Direction: Is it hitting the target? Outdoor lighting must be directed downward and shielded to keep the focus on the ground, not the sky. Unshielded lighting creates glare. Glare reduces the visibility to see objects in the distance. Check out the images below. Camouflaged under the glare, you can hardly see the trespasser in the photo on the left. However, when the glare is blocked by a hand, acting like a shielded light, the trespasser becomes visible in the picture on the right. Reducing glare improves the visibility of the surroundings and reduces light trespass.

4. Time: Is your lighting working overtime? Ideally, keep your lights on only when necessary. Per Moab City code, non-compliant lighting, lights that do not meet the requirements, must be off by 10 pm. Compliant lighting is allowed throughout the night, but it’s recommended to use timers and motion sensors. Controlled lighting is only activated when needed, helps protect wildlife, and promotes a neighborly environment by reducing disruptive lighting.

5. Color: Is it embracing the warmth or chasing the glow? Opt for amber-toned lighting for a cozy ambiance, which also travels shorter distances and is gentler on the eyes, making it a healthier choice for all. Moab City code specifies that outdoor lighting must use light bulbs with a color temperature of 3000 Kelvin (3000K) or less. Kelvins measure the color temperature of a light bulb, and 3000 K is on the warmer end of the spectrum, emitting less blue light.

Those are five principles for outdoor lighting: necessity, amount, direction, time, and color. I hope this information will be helpful to you when you decide to replace or install outdoor lighting fixtures. All non-compliant outdoor light fixtures and bulbs must be replaced or brought into compliance by January 1, 2029. Finally, the Moab City code is the definitive source of information and your best resource for following the code. Thank you for reading!