Outdoor Lighting in Indianapolis, IN (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Indianapolis, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Indianapolis does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance. The city's development standards in Rev. Code Chapter 744 include outdoor lighting provisions for commercial and multi-family development requiring shielded fixtures and limiting light spillover onto adjacent properties. However, there are no specific residential dark sky requirements. Indiana does not have a statewide dark sky law. The city's lighting standards focus on safety and glare reduction rather than astronomical light pollution.
Indianapolis Dark Sky & Outdoor Lighting Rules
Few RestrictionsLight Trespass
Indianapolis addresses light trespass through its development standards (Rev. Code Chapter 744) and nuisance ordinance (Chapter 391). Commercial and multi-family developments must direct lighting downward and limit spillover to adjacent residential properties. Maximum illumination at the property line is restricted for non-residential uses. Residential light trespass complaints are handled through the nuisance ordinance on a case-by-case basis by BNS.
Indianapolis Light Trespass Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Marion County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Indianapolis city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Marion County →