Los Alamos Outdoor Lighting Code
Project Type
Dark Sky, Policy
Location
Los Alamos, NM
Year
2024
Team
Dekker
Tailored Solutions for Diverse Lighting Needs.
Clanton & Associates collaborated with DPS (now Dekker) to update the outdoor lighting code for Los Alamos County, addressing the unique and sometimes conflicting needs of its key stakeholders. These included the Los Alamos National Laboratory, residential communities, and advocates for preserving the region’s celebrated dark skies. The goal was to create a lighting code that harmonizes the requirements of a high-tech research facility, the safety and comfort of residents, and the protection of the natural nighttime environment.
To achieve this balance, Clanton & Associates introduced lighting zones into the updated code. These zones consider the unique characteristics and lighting needs of different areas within the county, such as commercial districts, residential neighborhoods, the laboratory, and adjacent natural landscapes. The zones also facilitate smoother transitions in light levels between these spaces, reducing glare and light spill while preserving the county's dark skies. This zoning approach ensures that lighting is thoughtfully tailored to each area’s specific requirements, enhancing functionality, safety, and environmental protection.
By addressing diverse stakeholder concerns through innovative design and careful planning, Clanton & Associates helped establish a framework that supports the community's varied needs while prioritizing sustainability and the preservation of Los Alamos’s natural beauty.
