Outdoor Lighting in Lansing, MI (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Lansing, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Every fixed exterior light in Lansing, whether on a pole or a building, must be fully shielded and aimed straight down to stop glare from crossing property lines. Zoning Code § 1250.04.03(b)(1)a. requires downward-directed, non-adjustable fixtures "to maintain a unified lighting standard throughout the City and prevent 'sky glow.'" Ingham County, Michigan.
Lansing Shielded Outdoor Lighting Standard
Some RestrictionsLansing Codified Ordinances § 1250.04.03(a), (b)(1)a., (b)(1)c.-d.
Shielded fixture means outdoor light fixtures shielded or constructed so that light rays emitted by the fixture are projected below the horizontal plane passing through the lowest point on the fixture from which light is emitted, e.g. "shoebox-type" fixtures. ... (b)Lighting standards. Unless otherwise exempted by this Section, all lighting must comply with the following standards:(1)Freestandi...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Lansing caps how much outside light can spill onto a neighbor's property. Zoning Code § 1250.04.03(b)(1)b. holds site lighting to five foot-candles generally and just 0.5 foot-candles at the property line next to a residential district or use, defining "light trespass" as light shining beyond the boundaries of the property where the fixture sits. Ingham County, Michigan.
Lansing Light Trespass Foot-Candle Limit
Some RestrictionsLansing Codified Ordinances § 1250.04.03(a), (b)(1)b., (b)(4)
Light trespass means the shining of light produced by a luminaire beyond the boundaries of the property on which it is located. ... b.The intensity of light shall not exceed five foot-candles within any site. For sites abutting a residential district or use, the intensity of light cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candles at the property line. A maximum of ten foot-candles is permitted within a site for g...