Phoenix's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles outdoor lighting a little differently. In Phoenix, 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.

Light Trespass

Phoenix addresses light trespass through its outdoor lighting ordinance (§23-100) and general nuisance provisions. Residents can request streetlight shielding or redirection through the city at no cost. The Planning Department enforces lighting ordinances against private property light trespass.

Key details: Code Section: Phoenix City Code §23-100. Streetlight Requests: (602) 495-5125. APS Streetlights: (602) 371-6134. Shield Installation: Free of charge. Enforcement: Planning Department.

Light trespass complaint: warning and 30-day correction period. Non-compliance: fines $100 to $300 per violation. Repeated complaints: escalating fines. Commercial violations: up to $1,000.

Dark Sky Rules

Phoenix Zoning Ordinance §704 requires fully-shielded fixtures, limits color temperature to 3000K on new installations, and sets a maximum mounting height. Commercial parking lots must reduce lighting by 50% within 30 minutes of close. The standards implement Arizona Revised Statutes 49-1101+ across Maricopa County.

Key details: Fully Shielded Fixtures: Fully shielded fixtures required. 3000K Color Temperature: 3000K color temperature cap. Max Mounting Height: Max mounting height: 30 ft commercial. Lights Dimmed 50%: Lights dimmed 50% after closing. Light Trespass Over: No light trespass over property lines.

Violations are civil infractions starting at $100 per fixture and escalating to $500 for continuing violations. Phoenix Planning & Development can require retrofits as a condition of permit renewal or tenant improvement approval.

The Bottom Line

Phoenix'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 Phoenix is broadly strict or permissive.

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