Outdoor Lighting in Madison, WI

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

Light Trespass & Shielding

Madison regulates outdoor lighting on every residential and commercial site in the city under Sec. 29.36, MGO. The ordinance doesn't require anyone to install outdoor lighting, but any fixture that is installed must meet footcandle, shielding and design standards meant to stop light trespass and glare while keeping nighttime areas safe.

Key details: Applies to: All residential & commercial sites. Installation mandatory?: No - only if installed. Review threshold: Fixtures over 1,000 lumens. Reviewing body: Building Inspection Division. Penalty: $25-$200 fine per day.

Sec. 29.36(7), MGO, sets the penalty for the whole outdoor lighting ordinance: 'Any person violating the provisions of this ordinance shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200) and each day of continued violation shall constitute a separate offense.'

Dark Sky Rules

Madison caps how much light a building-illuminating fixture can throw and specifically bars aiming it at the sky. Sec. 29.36(4)(b), MGO, limits building floodlighting to 5 watts per lineal foot and requires the fixture be 'shielded or installed so as to illuminate the building, and not the sky.'

Key details: Building light load cap: 5 watts per lineal foot. Required aim: Illuminate building, not the sky. Canopy cap: 50 footcandles max at any point. Merchandizing area cap: 20 fc on 75% of lot. Penalty: $25-$200 fine/day.

A building-wash or facade light that exceeds the 5-watt-per-lineal-foot load, or one installed to shine upward instead of onto the building, violates Sec. 29.36(4)(b), MGO, and is fined under Sec. 29.36(7) at not less than $25 nor more than $200, with every day the fixture stays noncompliant a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Madison'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 Madison is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Madison'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.