Outdoor Lighting in Howard County, MD (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Howard County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Howard County's Zoning Regulations Section 134.0 requires most outdoor light fixtures to be fully or partially shielded to reduce glare and skyglow. The rules apply mainly to commercial, industrial, and parking-area lighting, and to parking or loading lighting in residential districts, rather than typical home fixtures.
Outdoor Lighting Must Be Shielded to Cut Glare
Some RestrictionsHoward County Zoning Regulations § 134.0.C (Shielded Lights)
With the exception of spotlights and low intensity lights as defined below, all light fixtures shall be fully or partially shielded. A fully shielded fixture is constructed and installed in such a manner that no light is emitted above a horizontal plane through the lowest part of the lamp.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Howard County limits light trespass onto neighboring residential property. Measured three feet above ground at the property line, spillover is capped at 0.1 foot-candles onto lower-density residential districts and 0.5 foot-candles onto other residential property, under Zoning Regulations Section 134.0.D.
Light Trespass Capped at 0.1 to 0.5 Foot-Candles
Some RestrictionsHoward County Zoning Regulations § 134.0.D (Light Trespass)
Light trespass shall be measured in vertical foot-candles three feet above ground level at the property line. 1. Light trespass onto a property in the RC, RR, R-ED, R-20, R-12, or R-SC District... shall be limited to 0.1 foot candles. 2. Light trespass onto any other property zoned or used for residential purposes shall be limited to 0.5 foot candles.
Billboard Lighting
Illuminated signs and billboards in Howard County must be shaded or shielded so the light does not shine into residential structures or blind drivers, per Code § 3.508. Blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights are banned outright, and exposed strobe or incandescent bulbs over 15 watts cannot be used on a sign's exterior.
Howard County Bans Blinking, Flashing Sign Lights
Some RestrictionsHoward County Code § 3.508 (Illumination)
(a)Shading. The light from any illuminated sign or billboard or from any light source, including interior of a building, shall be so shaded, shielded or directed that the light intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect surrounding or facing premises nor adversely affect safe vision of operators of vehicles moving on public or private roads, highways or parking areas. Light shall not sh...
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