Dark Sky Rules: Madison vs Middleton
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Madison, WI and Middleton, WI?
Madison and Middleton have similar restriction levels.
Madison, WI
Dane County
Madison MGO 10.085 outdoor lighting ordinance requires full cutoff fixtures for new commercial installations and limits light trespass. Enacted to reduce glare, energy use, and skyglow affecting UW-Madison Washburn Observatory.
View full Madison rules →Middleton, WI
Dane County
Madison MGO §28.140 and Dane County zoning require full-cutoff fixtures for commercial and multifamily outdoor lighting. Max 0.5 foot-candle spillover at residential property lines. No county-wide dark-sky ordinance, but UW-Madison Washburn Observatory influences local practice.
View full Middleton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Madison | Middleton |
|---|---|---|
| Code | MGO 10.085 | - |
| Fixture Standard | Full-cutoff required | - |
| Color Temp | 3000K or warmer | - |
| Trespass Limit | 0.3 fc at residential | - |
| Observatory | UW Washburn protected | - |
| Madison Code | - | MGO §28.140 |
| Fixtures | - | Full-cutoff required |
| Pole Height | - | 25 ft typical |
| Spillover | - | 0.5 fc at residential line |
| Single-Family | - | Largely exempt |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Madison FAQ
Do I need to replace my home porch light?
Single-family residences are largely exempt. Upgrade voluntarily to shielded warm-white fixtures to reduce glare and help neighbors.
Are holiday lights regulated?
Decorative seasonal lighting is exempt from fixture standards but should not cause trespass onto neighbors. Typical display period is November-January.
Middleton FAQ
Does Madison require dark-sky lighting for homes?
No. Full-cutoff requirements in MGO §28.140 apply to commercial and multi-family properties; single-family homes are exempt but must avoid nuisance-level trespass.
Is there a countywide dark-sky ordinance?
No. Dane County zoning imposes shielding in commercial districts, but there is no uniform countywide dark-sky law.
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