Outdoor Lighting in Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Cedar Rapids, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Cedar Rapids requires full cutoff wall-pack fixtures on a building's front or side elevation outside industrial districts, and on any wall pack aimed toward a residential district or use, regardless of zone.
Cedar Rapids Wall Pack Full Cutoff Rule
Some RestrictionsCedar Rapids Municipal Code § 32.04.07.G.4.a-b
a. Except in industrial districts, wall pack outdoor light fixtures located on a front or side elevations of a building or structure shall be full cutoff. b. In all urban form, mixed-use, or industrial districts, wall pack outdoor light fixtures oriented toward a residential district or use shall be full cutoff. c. Low intensity (i.e., 100 watts or less), architectural style wall pack outdoor l...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Cedar Rapids caps light trespass from new and redeveloped sites at 0.5 foot-candles at property lines next to residential uses and public rights-of-way, part of the zoning code's light-pollution and glare control standards.
Cedar Rapids Outdoor Lighting Glare Limit
Some RestrictionsCedar Rapids Municipal Code § 32.04.07.F.1.a
Residential and Public Right-of-Way: Illumination measured at the property line adjoining residential uses, including residential uses in mixed-use development, and public rights-of-way shall not exceed 0.5 horizontal foot-candles. b. Mixed Use, Industrial, and Agricultural: Illumination measured at the property line adjoining commercial, industrial, and agricultural parcels shall not exceed 1...
Billboard Lighting
Cedar Rapids allows billboard illumination only if the lighting is non-flashing and shielded so no beams or rays hit adjacent properties or the traveled way of any street or highway.
Cedar Rapids Billboard Illumination Rules
Some RestrictionsCedar Rapids Municipal Code § 32.04.08.H.8 (Illumination)
Illumination of billboard signs shall be permitted if the lighting is non-flashing, and is so shielded to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any adjacent premises or at any portion of the main traveled way of any street or highway. 9. Distance from Residential Districts No billboard sign shall be permitted within 200 feet of Notes: [1] Amended by Ordinance 009-21 Externa...
Looking for Linn County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cedar Rapids city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Linn County →