Outdoor Lighting in Walworth County, WI (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Walworth County, Wisconsin.
Verified from official government sources
Light Trespass & Shielding
In the towns under Walworth County zoning, Sec. 74-96 bars any activity from emitting glare or heat that can be seen or measured at the property line. Operations producing intense glare or heat must run inside a fully enclosed building, and any exposed light source has to be shielded so it isn't visible beyond the premises.
Walworth County Glare and Light Trespass Rule
Some RestrictionsWalworth County Code § 74-96
No activity shall emit glare or heat that is visible or measurable at the boundaries of the lot on which the principal use is located. All operations producing intense glare or heat shall be conducted within a completely enclosed building. Exposed sources of light shall be shielded so as not to be visible outside their premises.
Billboard Lighting
In the towns under Walworth County zoning, Sec. 74-78(d) bars illuminating any sign except where sections 74-82, 74-85 or 74-86 specifically allow it. Sec. 74-86(a) grants illumination only to on-premise business signs; its billboard subsection, 74-86(b), lists no such allowance, so off-premise billboards cannot be lit.
Walworth County Billboard Illumination Ban
Heavy RestrictionsWalworth County Code §§ 74-78(d), 74-86(a)-(b)
(d)All signs are prohibited from being illuminated except those specifically provided for in sections 74-82, 74-85 and 74-86. ... (a)The following illuminated and changeable copy on-premise signs may be erected, placed or posted in all B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, P-1 and P-2 districts with a permit and subject to the conditions herein specified, unless reviewed and modified by ...
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