St. George's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles outdoor lighting a little differently. In St. George, Utah, 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.
Dark Sky Rules
St. George requires all outdoor lighting be fully shielded and downward-directed, banning direct light into the night sky and light trespass onto neighboring property, with exemptions for single-family homes and low-output fixtures.
Key details: Max property light height: 30 feet. Shielding requirement: Fully opaque, downward-directed. Exempt: Detached single-family dwellings. Property line limit: 1 foot-candle max. Enforcing dept: Community Development Department.
Noncompliant lighting blocks permit approval: applicants must submit a photometric plan and light-source specifications proving compliance before the community development department will approve any outdoor lighting installation.
Light Trespass & Shielding
St. George requires all outdoor lighting, including security fixtures, to be fully shielded and aimed downward so no light escapes upward or trespasses onto neighboring property, under Chapter 14 of the zoning code.
Key details: Applies To: All outdoor lighting except single-family homes. Shielding Standard: Fully shielded, opaque, downward-directed. Property-Line Limit: 1 foot-candle maximum. Motion-Sensor Exemption: 900 lumens or less, self-timed off. Penalty: Class C misdemeanor citywide.
Violating St. George's outdoor lighting shielding standard is a class C misdemeanor under the zoning code's general penalty section, and the city can also seek an injunction to force compliance or removal of noncompliant fixtures.
Billboard Lighting
St. George caps electronic off-premises billboards at 0.3 foot-candle over ambient light and requires automatic dimming sensors.
Key details: Brightness cap: 0.3 foot-candle over ambient. Malfunction shutoff: within 24 hours. Certification deadline: 10 days after activation. Dimming controls: auto light sensor + sunrise/sunset backup. Audio: prohibited on EMS billboards.
Owner/operator must file written certification within 10 days of activation and, on complaint or city-initiated testing, retest and fix noncompliance within 10 working days of notice or reimburse the city's testing costs.
The Bottom Line
St. George'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 St. George is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that St. George can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.