Outdoor Lighting in Carroll County, MD (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Carroll County, Maryland.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Carroll County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Dark Sky Rules

Carroll County requires that lighting installed for off street parking facilities and access ways be shaded or shielded so light, glare, and reflection do not spill onto adjoining residential lots or public streets. The Department of Land and Resource Management reviews compliance during site plan approval.

Carroll County Parking Lot Lighting Shielding

Some Restrictions

Carroll County Code of Ordinances § 155.051(C)(6)

(6) Lighting. Lighting provided for parking facilities and access ways shall be shaded or shielded to direct the light, including glare or reflection, away from adjoining or facing residential premises and from public streets;

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Light Trespass & Shielding

Carroll County does not run a single county-wide light trespass ordinance; instead it mandates shielded, downcast lighting use by use. Self-service storage facilities must shield and focus all outdoor lighting onto the premises and away from neighbors under § 158.158(F), and required parking-lot lighting carries the same shielding duty under § 155.051(C)(6).

Carroll County Outdoor Lighting Shielding Rule

Some Restrictions

Carroll County Code of Ordinances § 158.158(F)

§ 158.158 SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITY. ... (F) All outdoor lighting must be shielded and focused to direct light onto the premises and away from adjoining properties.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Carroll County ordinances

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