Outdoor Lighting in New Orleans, LA (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for New Orleans, Louisiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
The CZO requires exterior lighting to be fully shielded and directed downward. Light poles and building-mounted fixtures must use fully shielded luminaires, and unshielded strung bulbs are prohibited except temporarily for approved carnivals and fairs.
Outdoor Lighting Rules in New Orleans
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans CZO 21.5.B
The use of unshielded lighting, including incandescent light bulbs hung or strung on poles, wires, or any other type of support, are prohibited, except on a temporary basis in areas where approved carnivals, fairs, or similar activities are held and only when such activities are taking place.
Light Trespass & Shielding
The CZO caps spillover light at your property line: no more than 0.5 foot-candle at a residential property line and 1.0 foot-candle at a non-residential or public right-of-way line. Fixtures must also be fully shielded to prevent glare onto neighbors.
Light Trespass Rules in New Orleans
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans CZO 21.5.A
The light level shall be no greater than one-half (0.5) footcandle at a residential property line and one (1) footcandle at any non-residential property line or public right-of-way line.