Moab Dark Skies

Arches Dark Skies 1-for web croppedThe dark skies of Moab and the surrounding region are a valuable and rare resource. To protect our dark skies and support a high quality of life for residents, the City of Moab and Grand County have updated outdoor lighting standards for residences and businesses in order to encourage responsible lighting that protects our health and safety, and bring the beauty of night skies closer to home and accessible to visitors.

Both the City and County lighting code were researched and rewritten to encourage lighting practices that will minimize light pollution, glare, light overflow, and sky glow in Moab and the region without compromising your safety and the safety of others.

Residents and businesses have 5 years from the adoption of these standards to come into compliance. The City of Moab’s lighting ordinance was adopted on Aug.13, 2019 and   Lighting Ordinance (Ord 588) in Grand County was adopted on April 2, 2019, and can be found below and in Section 6.6 of the Grand County Land Use Code. The standards will take effect on April 2, 2024.

The Dark Skies Working Group is a collaboration between Moab City, Grand County, Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks, and interested citizens who have dedicated their time and expertise to preserving our high-quality night skies.

A Lighting Assistance program has been established, providing code-compliant lighting fixtures at low to no cost for community members who need them. To apply, complete the application (also available under "Resources" on this page) and submit to Crystal White.

The Dark Skies Working Group would like to recognize businesses that are in compliance with the guidelines with a window sticker and feature on the Grand County website and in the Moab Happenings. For more information, see the Friends of the Milky Way flyer.

If you have any questions, please contact your City or County representative, or the Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks. We will be happy to answer any questions you have on what Moab is doing to keep our night skies protected, and how you can help.