Dark Sky Rules: Duluth vs Lawrenceville
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Duluth, GA and Lawrenceville, GA?
Lawrenceville has fewer restrictions than Duluth.
Duluth, GA
Gwinnett County
Duluth is not a designated IDA Dark-Sky community but the UDC requires exterior lighting to be shielded/downcast and not create glare or light trespass. Commercial lighting must meet cutoff fixture standards. No specific lumen or Kelvin limits in residential zones.
View full Duluth rules →Lawrenceville, GA
Gwinnett County
Lawrenceville has no formal dark-sky ordinance. UDO requires downward-directed, shielded lighting for commercial and multifamily properties to prevent spillover. Residential largely unregulated.
View full Lawrenceville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Duluth | Lawrenceville |
|---|---|---|
| Fixture Type | Full-cutoff required | - |
| Commercial Spillover | 0.5 fc at line | - |
| IDA Status | Not designated | - |
| Residential Limit | Nuisance standard | - |
| Dark-Sky Status | - | None |
| Commercial | - | Full-cutoff required |
| Residential | - | Largely unregulated |
| Property Line | - | Max foot-candle limits |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Duluth FAQ
Can I install a bright security floodlight in Duluth?
Yes, as long as it is shielded/downcast and doesn't spill light onto neighboring properties. Unshielded fixtures that cause glare are code violations.
Is Duluth a dark-sky community?
No. Duluth is not IDA-designated, but the UDC still requires full-cutoff fixtures and prohibits light trespass onto adjacent properties.
What are commercial lighting spillover limits in Duluth?
Commercial parking lot lighting is typically capped at 0.5 footcandles measured at the property line.
Lawrenceville FAQ
Is Lawrenceville a dark-sky community?
No. The city is suburban with no IDA designation. Commercial lighting has shielding rules; residential is largely unregulated.
What lighting is required for commercial properties in Lawrenceville?
Full-cutoff, downward-directed shielded fixtures with maximum foot-candle limits at the property line and height restrictions on pole-mounted lights.
Does Lawrenceville regulate residential security lights?
Largely no. Residential security lighting is permitted without shielding requirements, though excessive glare onto neighbors may still trigger a nuisance complaint.
Compare other topics
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