Outdoor Lighting in Salt Lake City, UT: What Residents Actually Need to Know

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

Light Trespass

Light trespass onto adjoining residential property is limited to 0.1 footcandles at the property line under SLC 21A.36.290.

Key details: Fact: 0.1 footcandle limit at residential property line. Fact: Shielding and aiming required. Fact: Civil Enforcement handles complaints. Fact: Retrofit required for violations.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Dark Sky Rules

SLC lighting ordinance (21A.36.290) requires full-cutoff fixtures and lumen caps to reduce light pollution.

Key details: Fact: Full-cutoff fixtures required. Fact: Lumen caps by zoning district. Fact: Uplighting generally banned. Fact: Foothill area has enhanced rules.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

The Bottom Line

Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake City is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Salt Lake 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.