Outdoor Lighting in Madison, WI: What Residents Actually Need to Know

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.

Dark Sky Rules

Madison MGO 10.085 outdoor lighting ordinance requires full cutoff fixtures for new commercial installations and limits light trespass. Enacted to reduce glare, energy use, and skyglow affecting UW-Madison Washburn Observatory.

Key details: Code: MGO 10.085. Fixture Standard: Full-cutoff required. Color Temp: 3000K or warmer. Trespass Limit: 0.3 fc at residential. Observatory: UW Washburn protected.

Non-compliant new install: retrofit order, $100-$500. Light trespass nuisance: abatement order. Uncorrected: daily forfeiture.

Light Trespass

Madison MGO 10.085(7) prohibits light trespass onto neighboring residential properties exceeding 0.3 footcandles at property line. Complaints investigated by Building Inspection; abatement orders issued.

Key details: Code: MGO 10.085(7). Limit: 0.3 fc at residential line. Measurement: 5 ft above grade. Enforcement: Building Inspection. Compliance: 30 days typical.

Confirmed trespass: abatement order 30 days. Non-compliance: $50-$500 forfeiture + daily. Injunction possible.

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.