Outdoor Lighting in Washoe County, NV (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Washoe County, Nevada.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
All outdoor light sources must be installed to prevent spillover onto adjoining properties and reflect light away from them. Lighting near residential zones is height-limited, and permanent rotating searchlights are banned.
Dark-Sky / Outdoor Lighting Standards in Washoe County
Some RestrictionsWCC 110.414.21(a)
All light sources shall be located and installed in such a way as to prevent spillover lighting onto adjoining properties... Any lighting facilities shall be so installed as to reflect away from adjoining properties. Covers must be installed on all lighting fixtures and lamps must not extend below the bottom of the cover.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Outdoor lighting must not spill onto adjoining properties, and reflected glare on nearby buildings, streets, and pedestrian areas must be avoided. Where residential abuts non-residential, interior lighting must be controlled at night.
Light Trespass and Glare Rules in Washoe County
Some RestrictionsWCC 110.414.21(c)
Glare. Reflected glare on nearby buildings, streets or pedestrian areas shall be avoided by incorporating overhangs and awnings, using non-reflective building materials for exterior walls and roof surfaces, controlling angles of reflection, and placing landscaping and screening in appropriate locations.
Outdoor Lighting by City in Washoe County
1 cities in Washoe County have their own outdoor lighting rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Washoe County ordinances
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