Dark Skies
Washoe County is updating zoning regulations to improve requirements related to lighting and dark skies, in alignment with the Envision Washoe 2040 master plan. View this webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Code Update Workshops
You are invited to attend three virtual or in-person workshops to discuss the Washoe County Dark Skies project, which focuses on updating Washoe County Code relating to outdoor lighting. All workshops will be the same, so join us for whichever works for you. The workshops will focus on reporting the results of the community dark sky survey and discussing potential updates to lighting regulations.
In Person: Monday, October 5, 5:30 p.m.
- Sparks Library Meeting Room
- 1125 12th Street, Sparks, NV, 89431
Virtual: Wednesday, October 7, 5:30 p.m.
- Zoom Link: https://washoecounty-gov.zoom.us/j/92074217852
- Phone one-tap: +17193594580
In Person: Wednesday, October 14, 6:30 p.m.
- South Valleys Library Courtside and Diamond Rooms
- 15650 Wedge Parkway, Reno, NV, 89511
Project Overview
Purpose
- Update the Washoe County Development Code to better protect dark night skies and minimize light pollution in unincorporated Washoe County.
- Establish lighting standards that balance environmental stewardship, public safety, and responsible development.
Background
Dark sky preservation is a key priority identified in Envision Washoe 2040, the County's master plan adopted in 2023.
Maintaining dark night skies is included as a priority policy in 9 of the 12 Truckee Meadows planning areas:
- Cold Springs
- Forest
- High Desert
- North Valleys
- Southeast Truckee Meadows
- Spanish Springs
- Sun Valley
- Verdi
- Warm Springs
Rural Washoe County is home to some of the darkest night skies in the world, including Massacre Rim, which was designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2019.
Project Scope
- Review and update outdoor lighting regulations within the Washoe County Development Code.
- Develop standards that help minimize light pollution while supporting appropriate residential, commercial, and public lighting.
- Align development regulations with the goals and policies of Envision Washoe 2040.
Project Area
- Applies only to unincorporated Washoe County.
- Does not apply within the cities of Reno or Sparks or on tribal lands.
Expected Outcomes
- Better protection of natural nighttime environments.
- Reduced light pollution and skyglow.
- Development standards that provide clear guidance for future growth and development.
Dark Sky Survey Observations
View this map to see where participants made observations as part of the Washoe County Dark Sky Survey.