2 rules for unincorporated Howard County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Howard 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.
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.
Howard 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.
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