Outdoor Lighting in Story County, IA (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Story County, Iowa.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
In unincorporated Story County, any outdoor luminaire rated above 1,800 lumens cannot emit direct light above a horizontal plane through its lowest light-emitting part. Sports and event lighting must be fully shielded with sharp cut-off fixtures, and laser advertising light and searchlights are banned outright.
Story County Outdoor Lighting Shielding Rule
Some RestrictionsStory County Code of Ordinances § 88.09(2)(A)-(D)
Any luminaire with a lamp rated at more than 1,800 lumens shall not emit, in its installed position, any direct light above a horizontal plane through the lowest direct light emitting part of the luminaire. ... All fixtures used for such lighting shall be fully shielded or be designed or provided with sharp cut-off capability, so as to minimize up-light, spill-light, and glare. ... The use of l...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Outdoor light fixtures in unincorporated Story County cannot be aimed so that direct light spills onto residential buildings on adjacent or nearby properties, land or rights-of-way. If a fixture is found causing that trespass, the owner must redirect it or control its output to eliminate the problem.
Story County Light Trespass Onto Neighbors Ban
Some RestrictionsStory County Code of Ordinances § 88.09(2)(F)
All nonexempt outdoor light fixtures shall be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent light trespass and/or mitigate light pollution. Outdoor light fixtures shall be installed and thereafter maintained so as not to cause direct light from the luminaire to be directed toward residential buildings on adjacent or nearby properties and/or land, or rights-of-way. If such condition should occu...
All Story County ordinances
See every category we cover for Story County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Story County Ordinance Hub →