Lighting the Way: What Breckenridge Homeowners Need to Know About the New Exterior Lighting Code

Breckenridge, Colorado, is known not only for its stunning mountain scenery and small-town charm but also for its forward-thinking approach to sustainability and preserving natural beauty. As part of that ongoing commitment, the Town of Breckenridge has adopted updates to its Exterior Lighting Code—a change that directly impacts homeowners, especially those considering selling in the near future.

Embracing the Dark Sky Initiative

In February 2024, Breckenridge took a significant step by aligning with the Dark Sky Community Certification program. This initiative is designed to reduce light pollution, protect natural nightscapes, and promote a healthier environment for both wildlife and humans.

Among the key components of this effort is the transition to compliant exterior lighting, with a compliance deadline set for July 1, 2025. These updates will improve visibility of the stars, reduce energy use, and preserve the peaceful ambiance that draws so many to our mountain town.

What Homeowners Need to Know

Whether you live in Breckenridge full-time or just visit a few times each year, these changes matter. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do to ensure your property is compliant:

1. Determine Your Lighting Zone

The town is divided into three lighting zones, each with its own specific requirements. Use the official Lighting Zone Map to determine which zone your property falls into.

2. Update Your Fixtures

New standards include:

• Color Temperature: Fixtures must emit light at or below 3,000 Kelvin to maintain a natural, warm glow.

• Lumens: Each LED fixture must not exceed 950 lumens.

• Shielding: All fixtures must be fully shielded and directed downward to minimize glare and light trespass.

3. Know When You Need a Permit

If you are relocating, adding, or removing lighting fixtures, you’ll need an electrical permit and a Class D Minor permit. However, if you’re simply replacing a fixture in the same location, no permit is required.

Holiday and Bistro Lighting Guidelines

Seasonal lighting is still allowed, but there are limitations:

• Holiday Lighting is permitted from November 1 through April 1, must be LED, and must avoid blinking or rotating patterns.

• Bistro Lighting can be used from May 1 through October 31, but it must be limited to 150 square feet over decks or patios, use warm LEDs (2,800 K or less), and be fully shielded and directed downward.

Resources and Assistance

To help property owners with the transition, the town offers:

• A searchable Lighting Database of compliant products.

• Staff support and site visits available by contacting lighting@townofbreckenridge.com or calling 970-453-3153.

Want to Make Sure Your Home Shines—Literally and Financially?

If you're planning to sell your Breckenridge home, lighting compliance isn’t just about regulations—it’s also about curb appeal, buyer interest, and long-term value. That’s where I can help.

I’m Kimberly Obert, one of the few A.I. Certified Real Estate Agents in the world—and the only one in Summit County. That means I use cutting-edge marketing strategies traditional agents don’t even know exist. From targeted advertising to intelligent pricing tools and staging insights powered by advanced data, I bring a whole new level of exposure to your listing.

See what A.I. can do for your home sale.

Let’s talk about how these lighting updates impact your property—and how we can turn them into an opportunity to attract the right buyers.

Contact Kimberly Obert:

• Phone: (970) 390-3711

• Email: kim@kimobert.com

• Website: kimobert.com