Outdoor Lighting in Green Bay, WI

If you live in Green Bay or are thinking about moving there, outdoor lighting are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Green Bay has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of outdoor lighting, and some of them might surprise you.

Light Trespass & Shielding

Green Bay's exterior lighting rules exist specifically to curb glare and light trespass onto neighboring properties, per Municipal Code § 44-492(a). Residential fixtures over 1,100 lumens need an approved lighting plan, and pole lights are capped between 0.25 and 1 foot-candle at the property line depending on cutoff type under § 44-496.

Key details: Purpose: Eliminate glare and light trespass onto adjacent land. Residential exemption: 1,100 lumens/bulb or less, no plan needed. Lighting plan trigger: Over 1,100 lumens per bulb. Non-cutoff pole limit: 0.25 fc residential line, 15-ft pole max. Full-cutoff pole limit: 1.0 fc at any line, 40-ft pole max.

Installing high-intensity lighting (over 1,100 lumens) without an approved plan, exceeding the § 44-496 foot-candle limits at a property line, or running front-yard floodlights or fixtures that flicker or mimic a traffic signal within 300 feet violates Chapter 44. The Zoning Administrator or an affected neighbor can seek an injunction or removal order under §§ 44-197 and 44-198, and violators face the § 1-6 forfeiture of $1.00 to $500.00 per offense, each day counted separately.

Dark Sky Rules

Green Bay requires every cutoff light fixture to carry a hood that shields the bulb and points it downward, and separately bars flickering, flashing, and traffic-distracting colored lights citywide.

Key details: Shielding mandate: Hooded, downward-directed cutoff fixtures. Front yards: Floodlights prohibited (except signage). Near traffic signals: No red/amber/green light within 300 ft. Flicker/flash: Banned except exempt holiday lighting.

Unshielded or non-cutoff fixtures, front-yard floodlights, or distracting flashing/colored lights near a signal violate §44-494 and are subject to code enforcement correction.

The Bottom Line

Green Bay'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 Green Bay is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Green Bay's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.