Dark Sky Rules: Snellville vs Suwanee
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Snellville, GA and Suwanee, GA?
Snellville has fewer restrictions than Suwanee.
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 →Suwanee, GA
Gwinnett County
Suwanee UDC includes outdoor lighting standards requiring full-cutoff fixtures for commercial and multi-family developments. Residential exempt from shielding but subject to light trespass rules. No formal Dark-Sky designation.
View full Suwanee rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Snellville | Suwanee |
|---|---|---|
| Dark-Sky Ordinance | None | - |
| Commercial Shielding | Required | - |
| Residential | Largely unregulated | No shielding rule |
| State Law | None statewide | - |
| Commercial | - | Full-cutoff required |
| Code | - | UDC Article 8 |
| Dark Sky | - | Not designated |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Suwanee FAQ
Can I install a bright security light?
Yes, but it must not cause light trespass onto neighboring properties. Full-cutoff fixtures recommended.
Are Suwanee commercial parking lot lights required to be shielded?
Yes. UDC Article 8 requires full-cutoff IESNA fixtures on commercial and multi-family sites, with poles generally capped at 20-25 ft.
Is Suwanee a designated Dark-Sky community?
No. Suwanee has lighting standards for commercial sites but has not adopted formal Dark-Sky designation.
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