Outdoor Lighting in Augusta-Richmond County, GA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Augusta-Richmond County's zoning ordinance requires fully shielded, downward-directed outdoor light fixtures on new development to curb glare and preserve the night sky, with numeric footcandle caps for parking lots, building entrances and sidewalks.
Augusta-Richmond County Dark-Sky Outdoor Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsAugusta-Richmond County Code, Tit. 8, Ch. 5 (Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, incorporated by reference at § 8-5-1), § 3-A-1
The purpose and intent of this section is to provide a regulatory strategy for outdoor lighting that will... curtail and reverse the degradation of the nighttime visual environment and the night sky; preserve the dark night sky for astronomy; minimize glare, obtrusive light and artificial sky glow by limiting outdoor lighting that is misdirected, excessive or unnecessary.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Augusta-Richmond County's zoning ordinance requires security lighting to be aimed at the target area, not neighboring properties, and bars sensor-triggered lights from glaring or activating off-site.
Augusta-Richmond County Security Light Aiming Rules
Some RestrictionsAugusta-Richmond County Code, Tit. 8, § 8-5-1 (Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance § 3-A-4(4)-(5))
4. Security lighting must be directed toward the targeted area, and not adjacent properties. 5. Sensor activated lighting must be located in such a manner as to prevent direct glare and lighting into properties of others or into a public right-of-way, and the light must not be triggered by activity off the property.
Billboard Lighting
Augusta-Richmond County does not cap billboard brightness directly, but any billboard with internal lights or other electrical devices must carry a label from an OSHA-recognized Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), a working disconnect switch, and a final inspection for exposed neon, under Section 28-B-10(H).
Augusta-Richmond Billboard Lighting Safety Rules
Some RestrictionsAugusta-Richmond County Code, Tit. 8, § 28-B-10(H)
H. Code conformance. ... Neon exposed or attached to a structure requires a final inspection. All signage must have a disconnect switch located at the signage. All signs involving internal lights or other electrical devices or circuits shall display a label certifying that all equipment or products are approved by one of the organizations currently recognized by OSHA as "Nationally Recognized T...
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