Outdoor Lighting in Memphis, TN (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Memphis, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Memphis addresses outdoor lighting through the Unified Development Code general development standards. The UDC requires outdoor lighting plans for new development and includes maximum allowable lighting levels based on land use type. Full cutoff fixtures are required for new commercial and multi-family development to minimize light pollution. Memphis does not have a standalone dark-sky ordinance, but the UDC standards serve a similar purpose by limiting upward light cast and off-site glare.
Memphis Dark Sky & Outdoor Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsLight Trespass
The Memphis Unified Development Code regulates light trespass by establishing maximum allowable lighting levels at property boundaries for different zoning districts. New development must submit outdoor lighting plans demonstrating compliance with foot-candle limits at the lot line. Residential districts have lower allowable levels than commercial or industrial zones. Existing residential properties causing light trespass may be addressed through nuisance complaints to Code Enforcement.