Murfreesboro's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles outdoor lighting a little differently. In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, there are 3 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.

Light Trespass & Shielding

Murfreesboro's zoning code caps outdoor lighting spillover: fixtures must be shielded, angled no more than 35 degrees off vertical, and illumination can't exceed one-half foot-candle beyond the property line, under Appendix A - Zoning, Section 18(G).

Key details: Illumination limit: 0.5 foot-candle beyond property line. Fixture beam cutoff: 35 degrees off vertical. Reviewed at: site plan / building permit stage. Penalty: misdemeanor, up to $50/day. Governing section: Appendix A - Zoning, § 18(G).

Violating the zoning code, including noncompliant site lighting, is a misdemeanor under Section 29: a fine of up to $50, with each day of continued violation a separate offense, plus the City may sue to abate the violation.

Dark Sky Rules

Murfreesboro's zoning ordinance caps site lighting at a 35-degree shielded cutoff, limits spillover to half a foot-candle at the property line, and bans low-pressure sodium fixtures.

Key details: Cutoff angle: 35 degrees maximum. Spillover limit: 0.5 foot-candle at property line. Low-pressure sodium: Banned citywide. Blinking or beacon lights: Banned outright.

Lighting plans that exceed the glare, cutoff, or foot-candle limits can be rejected at site plan review, and the Planning Commission or Director may require added shielding to bring an approved project into compliance.

Billboard Lighting

Murfreesboro's sign code bars any illuminated sign, including off-site billboards, from casting direct glare into another building; the city's dedicated billboard section sets no separate lighting rule, so this citywide ban is what governs.

Key details: Governing rule: No direct glare into another building. Citation: Code § 25.2-24(A)(2). Applies to: All signs, including off-site billboards. Billboard-specific section: § 25.2-27 sets no lighting rule.

Chief Building Official may order removal of a noncompliant sign; owners, permittees and property owners are jointly and severally liable for compliance costs under the sign chapter's maintenance provisions.

The Bottom Line

Murfreesboro'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 Murfreesboro is broadly strict or permissive.

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