Dark Skies

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.