Outdoor Lighting in Surprise, AZ (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Surprise, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Surprise requires full cut-off fixtures citywide and layers on stricter dark-sky protection in its LZ0 zone, where scenic and environmentally sensitive lands preserve 'an intrinsically dark environment' and any permanent lighting needs special review. LDO § 107-3.2.A sets the baseline shielding standard, § 107-3.3.A.3 defines the LZ0 dark-sky zone, and commercial lighting in LZ2 is capped at 150,000 to 200,000 lumens per acre.
Surprise Dark-Sky Outdoor Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsSurprise LDO §§ 107-3.2.A, 107-3.3.A.3
A.All fixtures installed anywhere in the city shall at a minimum be full cut-off fixtures; excluding seasonal holiday lighting, decorative string lighting for outdoor seating areas, low-output ground-mounted lights directed at trees, monument signs, and other decorative features, and landscape light fixtures not exceeding one thousand (1,000) lumens per luminaire. ... 3.Lighting zone 0 (LZ0). A...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Surprise requires every outdoor light fixture, including security lighting, to be located, aimed, and shielded so its direct illumination stays entirely within the property line where it is installed. LDO § 107-3.2.H turns the article's 'good neighbor' purpose in § 107-3.1 into an enforceable design standard, and an approved photometric site lighting plan must precede a building permit.
Surprise Light Trespass Boundary Rule
Some RestrictionsSurprise LDO §§ 107-3.1.B, 107-3.2.H
B.It is the intent of this article that outdoor lighting be installed with the idea of safety and being a "good neighbor" by keeping unnecessary direct light from shining onto abutting properties or streets. ... H.All light fixtures, including security lighting, shall be located, aimed, and shielded so that the direct illumination from the fixture will be confined entirely within the property b...
Looking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Surprise city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Maricopa County →