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Outdoor Lighting in Tempe, AZ (2026)

2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Tempe, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Dark Sky Rules

Tempe regulates outdoor lighting through the Zoning and Development Code to control light pollution and glare. Arizona is known for dark sky advocacy, and Tempe's lighting standards address light trespass, fixture shielding, and prohibited upward-directed lighting. New development must comply with outdoor lighting standards during plan review.

Tempe Dark Sky and Outdoor Lighting Rules

Some Restrictions

Light Trespass

Tempe's Zoning and Development Code prohibits outdoor lighting that unreasonably illuminates neighboring properties (light trespass). Security lights, floodlights, and landscape lighting must be directed away from adjacent homes. Maximum illumination levels at property lines are established for commercial and multi-family uses. Complaints are handled by Code Compliance.

Tempe Light Trespass Regulations

Some Restrictions

Looking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tempe city rules.

Outdoor Lighting in Maricopa County