Outdoor Lighting in Tempe, AZ: What Residents Actually Need to Know

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

Dark Sky Rules

Tempe regulates outdoor lighting through the Zoning and Development Code to control light pollution and glare. Arizona is known for dark sky advocacy, and Tempe's lighting standards address light trespass, fixture shielding, and prohibited upward-directed lighting. New development must comply with outdoor lighting standards during plan review.

Key details: Governing Code: Tempe Zoning and Development Code. Fixture Type: Full-cutoff/shielded required for many applications. Upward Light: Restricted. Light Trespass: Must not unreasonably illuminate neighbors. New Development: Photometric plan required during plan review.

Non-compliant outdoor lighting on commercial or multi-family projects may delay plan approval. Light trespass complaints may result in code enforcement action.

Light Trespass

Tempe's Zoning and Development Code prohibits outdoor lighting that unreasonably illuminates neighboring properties (light trespass). Security lights, floodlights, and landscape lighting must be directed away from adjacent homes. Maximum illumination levels at property lines are established for commercial and multi-family uses. Complaints are handled by Code Compliance.

Key details: Standard: Must not unreasonably illuminate neighboring property. Commercial/MF: Maximum illumination levels at property lines. Residential: Reasonableness standard for complaints. Common Sources: Security floodlights, unshielded porch lights. Fix: Redirect, shield, or replace offending fixtures.

Light trespass complaints may result in code enforcement action requiring the property owner to redirect or shield the offending fixture.

The Bottom Line

Tempe'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 Tempe is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Tempe 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.