Compliance Corner: A Closer Look at Stonebridge Ranch’s Updated Lighting Guidelines

Exterior lighting can make your home feel warm and inviting while enhancing safety and curb appeal. This week’s Compliance Corner takes a closer look at the Board-approved updates to the Stonebridge Ranch Exterior Lighting Guidelines and what they mean for homeowners.

See the most recent Lighting Guidelines HERE (pg. 1).

The updates recognize how much lighting technology has evolved over the years, giving homeowners more flexibility to incorporate modern, energy-efficient lighting while continuing to preserve the beauty of our neighborhoods and minimize impacts on neighboring homes.

Permanent architectural lighting is now permitted

One of the biggest changes is that permanent architectural lighting systems, such as Jellyfish, Oelo, and similar products, are now permitted under the Design Guidelines, provided they comply with the updated Exterior Lighting Guidelines.

If you’re considering installing permanent exterior lighting, here are a few of the key requirements:

• No colored or flashing lights are permitted, except for seasonal or holiday lighting.
• Exterior lighting visible from the front of the home is limited to a combined maximum of 75,000 lumens.
• Traditional flood lights are not permitted on front elevations or street-facing side elevations.
• Light fixtures should be properly shielded and directed downward to reduce glare and light spilling onto neighboring properties.
• Timers, dimmers, and motion sensors are encouraged to help reduce unnecessary nighttime lighting.
• Fixtures should feature finishes that complement your home’s exterior, such as dark bronze, anodized aluminum, or other weather-resistant materials.
• Homeowners are encouraged to turn off non-essential exterior lighting by 11:00 p.m. whenever practical.

What about holiday lighting?

Good news: nothing has changed when it comes to seasonal and holiday lighting.

If you’re already thinking ahead to the holidays (we know they’ll be here before we know it!), the existing seasonal lighting guidelines remain in effect. Holiday lighting may be displayed according to the current Design Guidelines, and the special November 1 start date for December holiday lighting still applies.

As always, if you’re planning a new lighting project and aren’t sure whether it meets the guidelines, we’re happy to help before you get started. Email stoneb@ciramail.com, and our team will be happy to assist with any questions about exterior lighting or the Design Guidelines.

In case you missed it, see the previous communication with the last set of updated guidelines HERE.