Parkites can start lighting like Clark Griswold Nov. 1, but with some rules

Photo: Seasonal Lights by Thalia Ruiz via Unsplash

PARK CITY, Utah — As we continue through fall, some readers may already have plans for festive light schemes that will brighten their streets this winter. As of January 21, 2021, the Park City Council changed its outdoor lighting code in city Ordinance No. 2021-05 to include various specifications for what lights are allowed on houses and when.

Low-lumen seasonal lights that “do not cause light trespass or interfere with the reasonable use and enjoyment of property” are permitted from November 1 through March 1, a relatively generous window, provided they are turned off by 11 p.m. Commercial seasonal lights are permitted to be on until midnight unless they are on Main Street, Swede Alley, or in the General Commercial Zoning District. If in these locations, lights are permitted year-round, provided they are turned off by 2:30 a.m.

The overall lumen max for seasonal lights’ brightness is 2,500 lumens or no more than 100,000 lumens per acre. Park City has provided this handy guide for those who may be concerned that their lighting setup might be too festive as per city law.