Outdoor Lighting in Jefferson County, AL (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Jefferson County, Alabama.

Verified from official government sources

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

Light Trespass & Shielding

Jefferson County caps outdoor lighting inside the U.S. Highway 280 Corridor Overlay at one footcandle spilling onto adjacent property or the public right-of-way under Sec. 1502.07, requiring downward-facing fixtures, a 20-foot height limit, and a ban on flashing, blinking, or neon lighting visible from public property.

Jefferson County US 280 Light Trespass Limit

Some Restrictions

Jefferson County Zoning Resolution § 1502.07(a)-(d),(f)

a. Lighting shall have underground electric service, except where the lights, service poles and wires are not visible from public property. b. The intensity, location and design of lighting shall be such that not more than one footcandle of light is cast upon adjacent property or the public right-of-way. Light fixtures shall be designed to cast light downward; and, where necessary, cut-off devi...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Billboard Lighting

Digital billboards and electronic message centers in Jefferson County cannot shine brighter than 0.30 foot candles above ambient light at set measuring distances, and each display must carry a light-sensing dimmer that automatically adjusts brightness as daylight changes, under Zoning Section 1403.09(h).

Jefferson County Digital Billboard Brightness Limit

Some Restrictions

Jefferson County, AL Zoning Regulations § 1403.09(h)(2)-(3) (Standards for Signs — Digital Sign Lighting)

2. Electronic or digital signs, digital or other billboards (off-premise signs) or EMCs shall not operate at brightness levels of more than 0.30 foot candles above ambient light levels as measured at the following distances: Sign Area sq. ft. / Distance in feet — 10/32, 20/45, 30/55, 40/63, 41-300/150, 301/200. 3. Each electronic or digital sign, digital billboard, or EMC must have a light sens...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Outdoor Lighting by City in Jefferson County

3 cities in Jefferson County have their own outdoor lighting rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

BirminghamPop. 200,733

1 verified rule • Billboard Lighting

HooverPop. 92,606

2 verified rules • Dark Sky Rules, Light Trespass & Shielding

Vestavia HillsPop. 39,167

1 verified rule • Dark Sky Rules

All Jefferson County ordinances

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