Outdoor Lighting in Dakota County, MN (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Dakota County, Minnesota.

Verified from official government sources

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

Dark Sky Rules

Dakota County has no dark-sky or outdoor lighting ordinance. In Minnesota, cities regulate light fixtures, shielding, and glare through their zoning codes under Minn. Stat. 462.357. Some Dakota County cities require full cut-off, shielded fixtures for new development; check your city code.

No County Dark-Sky Ordinance; Lighting Is Municipal

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Light Trespass

Dakota County has no light-trespass ordinance. Glare and light spilling onto a neighbor's property are addressed by your city's zoning or nuisance code under Minn. Stat. 462.357, and potentially as a private nuisance. Report a persistent problem to your city, not the county.

Light Trespass Is Handled by City Codes

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Dakota County ordinances

See every category we cover for Dakota County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Dakota County Ordinance Hub →