Lake Havasu City's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles outdoor lighting a little differently. In Lake Havasu City, Arizona, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Dark Sky Rules

Section 14.04.05 requires fully shielded fixtures (IESNA full cut-off) for any outdoor light over 375 lumens. Lighting in residential and mixed-use districts is capped at 20 ft height and must not light-trespass onto neighbors.

Key details: Code Section: LHC Code § 14.04.05. Shielding Threshold: >375 lumens. Required Fixture: IESNA full cut-off (≤90°). Max Fixture Height: 20 ft (residential/mixed use). Holiday Lights: Allowed Nov-Dec.

Civil zoning citation under § 14.05.06; correction order requiring fixture replacement or shielding. Fines up to $500 per day for continuing violations.

Light Trespass

Section 14.04.05 prohibits visible bare incandescent bulbs from adjacent property and requires wall-mounted lights to direct downward. Light spilling onto neighbors is a violation.

Key details: Code Section: LHC Code § 14.04.05. Bare Bulb Visibility: Prohibited from adjacent property. Wall Mounted: Must direct downward. Post-Midnight: Lighting off unless authorized.

Civil zoning citation; correction order; fines up to $500 per day until shielded.

The Bottom Line

Lake Havasu City'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 Lake Havasu City is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Lake Havasu City's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.