Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Outdoor Lighting in Avondale, AZ (2026)

2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Avondale, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Dark Sky Rules

Avondale's zoning ordinance says its outdoor lighting rules exist to protect "naturally dark skies for astronomical purposes" as well as to cut glare and energy waste. Nearly every fixture installed since June 4, 2002 must be fully shielded and aimed no more than forty-five degrees off straight down, and mercury vapor fixtures are banned outright.

Avondale Dark-Sky Outdoor Lighting Standards

Some Restrictions

Avondale Zoning Ordinance § 28-137(a), (c)(4) (Outdoor lighting)

(a)Purpose. These regulations are intended to establish procedures and standards that ensure minimal light trespass, reduce glare, and increase energy conservation in order to maintain the quality of Avondale's physical and aesthetic character as well as protect naturally dark skies for astronomical purposes...(4)Security, landscape, parking area, architectural, decorative, and other permanent ...

Light Trespass & Shielding

Avondale caps light trespass at one foot-candle measured at the property line contiguous to a residential district or use, under zoning ordinance section 28-137. Recreational-facility lighting, illuminated sign faces, and general security or parking lighting must all be shielded so no light is cast onto, or visible from, a neighbor's property.

Avondale Light Trespass Foot-Candle Limit

Some Restrictions

Avondale Zoning Ordinance § 28-137(a), (c)(1)-(3) (Outdoor lighting)

For the purposes of this Section, "visible from contiguous real property" means any light levels that exceed 1-foot candle at the property line...(c)(1)(C)Lights or illuminating units shall not cause light to be cast upon any contiguous real property, either directly or through a reflecting device.(2)(C)Shields shall be provided to control external glare and minimize up-light and off-site light...

Looking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Avondale city rules.

Outdoor Lighting in Maricopa County