Outdoor Lighting for Cave Creek's Quality of Life

The Town of Cave Creek recognizes our connection to the Sonoran Desert and the peacefulness and tranquility that our unique natural environment provides to our quality of life.  A core principle affecting the quality of life is tied to the earliest Zoning Ordinance of our Town, specifically regulating outdoor lighting.  Cave Creek has some of the best stargazing opportunities in the state, and for many, our dark skies make Cave Creek one of the many reasons we have chosen to call it “home.”  Please take a moment to review the following information to help us all be good neighbors. We are all in this amazing place together. 

Night time photograph of the full moon with a of a cactus by Thomas McGuire
Light fixture graphic showing the types of lighting fixtures allowed per code

The Do's and Don'ts of Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor Lighting shall be fully shielded and cast downward so that the light source (bulb) is not visible to an adjacent street or property. Clear glass light fixtures aka coach lights are not permitted unless the glass is frosted/fogged to obscure the light bulb. *The litmus test for Town Officials is if the light bulb can be seen through the fixture cover in the daytime it will not be compliant at nighttime. Home improvement stores carry a frosting spray that can coat the clear glass to obscure the light bulb. If you are planning to replace older light fixtures there are many manufacturers that carry a “Dark-Sky” fixture variation.

Security Lighting

The maximum mounting height for building or wall mounted outdoor lighting fixtures is ten (10’) feet. This includes security lighting. *Motion sensor/detector light fixtures that are fully shielded and cast downward are the only permitted type of security lighting allowed. As lighting technology continues to advance, recessed LED security lighting options are more accessible.

Dusk-to-dawn lights are prohibited. 

*Please remember to turn off your outdoor light fixtures when you no longer need lights on outside. If you have landscape lighting elements that are clock operated, make sure they are set to turn off as well.

Questions or more information about lighting?

Call 480-488-6600