Outdoor Lighting in Madison, WI (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Madison, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Madison MGO 10.085 outdoor lighting ordinance requires full cutoff fixtures for new commercial installations and limits light trespass. Enacted to reduce glare, energy use, and skyglow affecting UW-Madison Washburn Observatory.
Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules
Some RestrictionsLight Trespass
Madison MGO 10.085(7) prohibits light trespass onto neighboring residential properties exceeding 0.3 footcandles at property line. Complaints investigated by Building Inspection; abatement orders issued.
Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass
Some RestrictionsLooking for Dane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Dane County →