Outdoor Lighting in Harford County, MD (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Harford County, Maryland.

Verified from official government sources

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

Dark Sky Rules

Maryland has no statewide dark-sky law, but Harford County's zoning code does regulate lighting. Section 267-79 requires that light be shaded, shielded, or directed so it does not reflect into residential lots or buildings, with lighting plans reviewed at site-plan approval.

Harford County Dark Sky & Outdoor Lighting Rules

Some Restrictions

Harford County Code § 267-79A(2)(e)

Lighting shall be designed and controlled so that any light shall be shaded, shielded or directed so that light intensity or brightness does not adversely affect the operation of vehicles or reflect into residential lots or buildings.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Light Trespass & Shielding

Maryland has no statute on residential light trespass, but Harford County's zoning code does. Section 267-79 requires light to be shaded, shielded, or directed so it does not reflect into neighboring residential lots or buildings, enforced through site-plan and code review.

Harford County Light Trespass Regulations

Some Restrictions

Harford County Code § 267-79A(2)(e)

Lighting shall be designed and controlled so that any light shall be shaded, shielded or directed so that light intensity or brightness does not adversely affect the operation of vehicles or reflect into residential lots or buildings.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Harford County ordinances

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