Dark Sky Rules: Duluth vs Snellville
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Duluth, GA and Snellville, GA?
Snellville 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 →Snellville, GA
Gwinnett County
Snellville has no dark-sky lighting ordinance. Georgia has no statewide dark-sky law. General standards in zoning code require downward-facing commercial fixtures to reduce glare onto neighbors.
View full Snellville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Duluth | Snellville |
|---|---|---|
| Fixture Type | Full-cutoff required | - |
| Commercial Spillover | 0.5 fc at line | - |
| IDA Status | Not designated | - |
| Residential Limit | Nuisance standard | - |
| Dark-Sky Ordinance | - | None |
| Commercial Shielding | - | Required |
| Residential | - | Largely unregulated |
| State Law | - | None statewide |
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.
Snellville FAQ
Are dark-sky fixtures required?
Not by ordinance. New commercial projects must use shielded fixtures to prevent glare onto neighbors, but specific IDA-certified dark-sky lighting isn't mandated.
My neighbor's floodlight shines in my bedroom - what can I do in Snellville?
Residential light trespass is not specifically regulated. You can file a nuisance complaint with Code Enforcement; most disputes are resolved by adding shielding or redirecting the fixture.
Can I request a streetlight or change a streetlight in Snellville?
Yes. Snellville contacts Georgia Power to install, repair, or modify residential streetlights. Submit requests through the city's public works department.
Compare other topics
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