How Billings Handles Outdoor Lighting: A Practical Guide
Billings maintains 114 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with outdoor lighting. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Billings falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Billboard Lighting
Billings' sign code bans new billboards outright and tightly regulates lighting on the remaining ones: static illumination must meet the city's sign-lighting standard, and no billboard light may glare, reflect, or spill onto neighboring streets or properties.
Key details: New billboards: None allowed citywide. Static lighting standard: Must meet Sec. 27-1406.A. Glare/spill: Prohibited onto neighboring property. Allowed zones: CX, I1, I2, EBURD (limited CMU2). Violation: Municipal infraction, daily penalty.
Violating the sign code's billboard rules, including lighting requirements, is a municipal infraction punishable under BMCC Sec. 18-1300; each day of violation is a separate offense, and the city may revoke the sign permit.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Commercial buildings near homes in Billings must shield all outdoor lighting with full cutoff fixtures and keep pole heights at 15 feet or less.
Key details: Applies to: commercial/mixed-use within 50 ft of residential. Fixture rule: full cutoff shields, no projection below shield. Max pole height: 15 feet (fixture + base + pole). Exception: signage lighting. Governing section: Sec. 27-403(L)(2).
Non-conforming fixtures found during site plan review, permitting, or a zoning complaint hold up permit approval and draw code enforcement action until the lighting is brought into compliance.
The Bottom Line
Billings's outdoor lighting rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Billings is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Billings's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.