Repainting or updating your outdoor lighting in Estancia should feel exciting, not stressful. The tricky part is making sure your choices pass both the community review and the City of Scottsdale’s rules. In this quick guide, you’ll learn the exact color and lighting standards that typically apply in Estancia, how to document compliance, and what to submit so you get approval the first time. Let’s dive in.
Know who reviews your plans
City rules that apply in Estancia
Estancia sits within Scottsdale city limits, and many homes are subject to the Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Foothills Overlay standards. The City requires exterior colors that “blend” with the desert and sets measurable limits. Paint colors must have a Light Reflective Value of roughly 35 to 40 percent depending on the overlay, and must not exceed a Munsell value of 6 and chroma of 6. You can review the overlay overview and ordinance details in the City’s resources for the Foothills Overlay and the ESL ordinance sections that address colors and lighting.
Important note: City standards take precedence over HOA guidance. If an HOA-approved color exceeds those numeric limits, the City can still require correction.
HOA and ARC role in Estancia
Estancia typically uses an Architectural Review Committee that enforces the community’s aesthetic standards and may maintain an approved palette. You will likely need ARC approval for exterior paint and significant lighting changes. Because public-facing ARC packets are not widely available, request the most recent guidelines and color list directly from the HOA or management. For community context, see the overview of The Estancia Club.
Exterior colors that pass review
- Verify the numbers first. Ask for the manufacturer’s published Light Reflective Value. Target LRV: 35 to 40 percent or lower per Scottsdale overlays. Also confirm Munsell value ≤ 6 and chroma ≤ 6 when applicable. Ordinance sections provide these limits: Sec. 6.1070 and Sec. 6.1004.
- Favor earth tones that complement the Sonoran Desert. Highly saturated or bright hues are discouraged. Avoid glossy or reflective coatings.
- Consider fixed materials. Show how your proposed color works with stone, tile, and roof finishes on your home.
How to document your paint color
- Get the data in writing. Many brands publish LRV on product pages. As an example, Dunn-Edwards lists LRV on its color pages, such as this swatch reference: Dunn-Edwards color page.
- Make large test panels. Use 12-by-12 inch samples on multiple elevations. Photograph them in midday sun, late afternoon, and dusk, and note the date and time.
- Attach everything to your application. Include LRV and any available Munsell coordinates, photos of test panels, and images showing how the color relates to stone and roofing.
Outdoor lighting that meets code and looks great
Scottsdale’s standards and the desert context prioritize dark-sky friendly lighting. Plan for the following:
- Use full-cutoff, downward-directed fixtures so the light source is not visible and there is no direct uplight. Typical overlay rules set maximum mounting heights and require shielding for lights above walkway height. See the City’s ordinance references: Sec. 6.1004 and Sec. 6.1070.
- Keep color temperature warm. Health and dark-sky guidance recommend 3000K or lower for outdoor lighting. Many homeowners choose 2700K for a softer look that limits blue light. Learn more from the American Optometric Association’s overview.
- Limit brightness and use controls. Choose the lowest lumen level that provides safety, and add timers, dimmers, or motion sensors. Other jurisdictions often cap light levels at the property line; while Scottsdale focuses on shielding and direction, using lower output and controls helps you stay neighbor-friendly. See a representative example of property-line limits here: Raleigh UDO lighting overview.
- If your project touches county jurisdiction, check Maricopa County’s lighting rules. The county ordinance emphasizes shielding and fixture types: Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance, lighting.
Fixture specs your ARC wants to see
- Manufacturer cut sheet: model, lumen output, BUG rating, beam spread, CCT, and confirmation that the fixture is full cutoff.
- Simple lighting plan: locations, mounting heights, aiming notes, and control strategy (timer, photocell, motion, dimming).
- Photometrics when needed: provide a photometric layout if you propose multiple fixtures, or a short narrative explaining how you avoid glare and trespass.
Step-by-step submittal checklist
For exterior paint
- Request Estancia’s current ARC guidelines and any approved palettes.
- Select colors that meet LRV ≤ 35–40 and Munsell value/chroma ≤ 6 per Scottsdale code.
- Obtain manufacturer LRV and any Munsell data in writing and attach it.
- Install large test panels and photograph them at several times of day.
- Provide context photos showing how your color complements stone and roofing.
For exterior lighting
- Choose full-cutoff fixtures and specify CCT 2700–3000K.
- Attach fixture cut sheets showing lumen output and BUG ratings.
- Add a simple plan with locations, heights, aiming, and controls.
- Include photometrics if requested by the ARC or the City.
Administrative steps
- Confirm whether your project needs only ARC approval or also City zoning clearance or permits. Start with the City’s Foothills Overlay page to understand how it applies at your address: Scottsdale Foothills Overlay.
- If an HOA palette conflicts with City limits, select a compliant alternative or request updated documentation. City rules control even if an HOA list is out of date.
Avoid common pitfalls
- Relying only on HOA lists. Always verify LRV and Munsell against the City’s numeric thresholds found in Sec. 6.1004 and Sec. 6.1070.
- Picking cool, bright LEDs. Choose warm color temperatures and shielded, full-cutoff fixtures to reduce glare and skyglow. The AOA’s guidance is a helpful reference.
- Skipping documentation. Provide manufacturer data, test-panel photos, and a simple plan with your initial submission. This speeds approval and reduces rework.
Selling soon? Make your updates count
Well-chosen exterior paint and thoughtful, dark-sky friendly lighting can boost curb appeal and buyer confidence. If you are prepping a home in Estancia, you can streamline the process by pairing ARC-smart selections with professional listing support. With local expertise and access to concierge-enabled improvements, you can complete compliant updates that show beautifully and help your sale stand out.
Ready to plan improvements that pass review and elevate your listing? Reach out to Annie Cole for a consult and a tailored prep plan for your Estancia home.
FAQs
What exterior paint colors are allowed in Estancia, Scottsdale?
- Colors must blend with the desert and meet City limits: typically LRV ≤ 35–40 and Munsell value/chroma ≤ 6 per Scottsdale’s ESL and Foothills Overlay standards referenced in Sec. 6.1004 and Sec. 6.1070.
How do you find a color’s LRV and Munsell values for ARC review?
- Ask the paint manufacturer for written LRV and any available Munsell data, and include large on-site test panels with photos; many brands publish LRV online, such as this example Dunn-Edwards color page.
What outdoor lighting color temperature works in Estancia?
- Aim for warm light: 2700–3000K is commonly recommended to reduce glare and skyglow, aligning with health and dark-sky guidance summarized by the AOA.
Do you need City approval to change exterior lighting in Estancia?
- Many projects need ARC approval first, and some electrical or zoning changes may also require City review; start by checking the Foothills Overlay overview and confirm permit needs with the City’s Planning and Development department.
What if the HOA approved a color but the City says it is not compliant?
- City code controls, so you may be required to repaint; verify LRV and Munsell limits against Scottsdale’s ordinance and choose a documented, compliant alternative before work begins.
