Statute Tile 49, Chapter 7 Light Pollution, regulates outdoor lighting fixtures in an effort
to minimize light pollution across the state by:
Requiring the shielding of outdoor light fixtures;
Regulating the times, specifically during nighttime that nonconforming light
fixtures can operate;
Disallowing the new use of mercury vapor lighting devices; and
Allowing local jurisdictions to regulate outdoor lighting more stringently than
state requirements.
Chapter 2.195 of the Pinal County Zoning Code provides regulations for outdoor lighting.
In general, the Code regulates outdoor lighting by:
Establishes Lighting Zones for high / medium / low lighting areas to limit light
pollution based on land use.
Regulates operating hours to encourage outdoor lighting has limited use after
10:00 P.M.
Regulates lighting fixture types (e.g. no new mercury vapor) light fixture
shielding to direct lighting downward.
Establishes allowable levels for trespass light that goes beyond property lines.
Regulates commercial lighting using a matrix table to specify lighting criteria to
minimize excess light pollution.
Requires review and permitting of development / construction plans where
outdoor lighting is to be used.
Arizona and Pinal County regulations on outdoor lighting do not specifically address
military operations and potential incompatibly from light pollution. The Town of Florence
zoning ordinance does include provisions to control outdoor lighting. The stated intent
of the ordinance is to minimize light pollution and prevent degradation of the nighttime
sky visual environment while maintaining safety and security for the community. The
lighting regulations do not specifically address military compatibility.
In the future, as the Superstition Vistas region is developed, the application of state and
local outdoor lighting requirements would help ensure minimization of light pollution
from the built‐up areas. Coordination with the AZARNG would also be beneficial to
ensure the development is compatible with nearby military operations from a light and
glare perspective.
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Compatibility Assessment