Outdoor Lighting in Marathon County, WI (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Marathon County, Wisconsin.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
In towns under county zoning, exterior lighting must be fully shielded and aimed straight down: oblique wall-pack lenses are banned, and fixtures need full cutoff housings to cut off-site glare and light pollution.
Marathon County Requires Shielded Outdoor Lighting
Some RestrictionsMarathon County Code § 17.403.04.A
Exterior lighting shall be fully shielded and directed downward at a 90-degree angle. Oblique lenses (such as many wall-pack fixtures) are prohibited. All fixtures shall incorporate full cutoff housings, louvers, glare shields, optics, reflectors or other measures to prevent off-site glare and minimize light pollution. Only flat lenses are permitted on shoebox-style light fixtures; sag or protr...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Marathon County zoning caps site lighting at 0.5 footcandles at any residential property line, protecting neighboring homes from commercial and industrial glare spilling across the lot line.
Marathon County Outdoor Light Trespass Limit
Some RestrictionsMarathon County Code § 17.403.03.C
C.Maximum Intensity at Property Lines. The maximum light intensity permitted at any residential property line other than a street right-of-way shall prevent light trespass and obtrusive light (a maximum of 0.5 footcandles).D.Security Lighting. Areas requiring security lighting shall comply with the intensity requirements for a low activity area.E.Measurement. Light intensity shall be measured i...
Outdoor Lighting by City in Marathon County
2 cities in Marathon County have their own outdoor lighting rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Marathon County ordinances
See every category we cover for Marathon County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Marathon County Ordinance Hub →