Outdoor Lighting in Tucson, AZ (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Tucson, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Tucson's Outdoor Lighting Code requires fully-shielded fixtures, caps color temperature at 3000K, and sets a strict per-acre lumen budget tied to observatory protection zones around Kitt Peak and Mt. Lemmon. Most non-essential lighting must be off by 10:00 PM. Tucson is an IDA-certified Urban Night Sky Place.
Tucson Outdoor Lighting Code (IDA Urban Night-Sky)
Heavy RestrictionsLight Trespass
Tucson's Outdoor Lighting Code specifically addresses light trespass — light that spills onto neighboring properties or into the night sky from poorly aimed or unshielded fixtures. The code requires that outdoor lighting be directed downward and shielded to minimize light crossing property boundaries. Light trespass complaints are a common enforcement trigger.
Tucson Light Trespass & Nuisance Lighting Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Pima County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tucson city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Pima County →