Outdoor Lighting in Washington County, MN (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Washington County, Minnesota.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Washington County's Development Code requires outdoor lighting fixtures illuminating parking areas, structures or other areas to deflect light away from adjoining residential property and public streets. Fixtures must be hooded or otherwise controlled so bare light bulbs are never visible from adjacent property or the right-of-way, keeping intensity within the county's 0.4 foot-candle limit.
Washington County Outdoor Lighting Shielding Rule
Some RestrictionsWashington County Development Code, Chapter Two § 1.8(4)(A)1
1. Shielding. The light source shall be hooded or controlled to prevent lighting of adjacent property in excess of the maximum intensity defined in Section 1.8 (4) (A) 2. Bare light bulbs that are visible from adjacent property or public right of way are prohibited.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Washington County caps how much light an outdoor fixture can throw onto a neighbor's land: no more than four-tenths of a foot candle measured at the property line. Light spilling onto a public street is capped separately at one foot candle, measured from the street centerline.
Washington County's 0.4 Foot-Candle Light Trespass Limit
Some RestrictionsWashington County Development Code, Chapter Two § 1.8(4)(A)2
2. Intensity. Any light source or combination thereof which cast light on a public street exceeding one (1) foot candle meter reading as measured from the centerline of said street and any light source or combination thereof which cast light on adjacent property exceeding four tenths (0.4) foot candle as measured at the property line is prohibited.
Billboard Lighting
Washington County treats billboard illumination as an 'outdoor light fixture' under its Development Code, meaning billboard lights are subject to the same shielding, intensity and prohibition rules as any other outdoor lighting. Search lights and flashing lights, including on illuminated billboards, are banned outright.
Washington County's Billboard Lighting Standards
Some RestrictionsWashington County Development Code, Chapter Two § 1.8 (Definitions - 'Outdoor Light Fixture'), § 1.8(5)(A)-(B)
Outdoor Light Fixture: Outdoor electrically powered illuminating devices, outdoor lighting or reflective surfaces, lamps and similar devices, permanently installed or portable, used for illumination or advertisement... Such devices include, but are not limited to search, spot, and flood lights for: buildings and structures; recreational areas; parking lot lighting; landscape lighting; billboard...
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