Dayton, OH Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)
Key Facts
- Fixture type required
- full cut-off
- Explicitly covered
- signs, billboards, displays
- Narrow exemption
- internally lit or ≤25-watt incandescent signs
- Governing section
- Zoning Code § 150.420.3(C)(1)
Summary
Dayton's zoning code requires billboards, signs and displays to use full cut-off outdoor lighting fixtures, with a narrow exemption for internally lit signs and small incandescent lamps under 25 watts.
(1) All outdoor lighting fixtures regulated according to this sub-section, including but not limited to those used for parking areas, buildings, building overhangs, canopies, signs, billboards, displays and landscaping, shall be full cut-off type fixtures. ... (c) Signs that are wholly illuminated from within and freestanding signs that are externally illuminated with an exposed incandescent lamp not exceeding 25 watts do not require shielding.
Full Breakdown
Zoning Code § 150.420.3(C)(1) lists billboards among the fixture types that must use full cut-off lighting, alongside parking areas, buildings, canopies, signs and landscaping, meaning all emitted light must project below a horizontal plane at the fixture's lowest light-emitting point. Subsection (C)(1)(c) carves out a limited exemption: signs wholly illuminated from within, and freestanding signs lit externally by an exposed incandescent lamp not exceeding 25 watts, do not need shielding. The purpose clause ties this to preventing light trespass and glare from illuminated outdoor advertising.
Violations & Fines
Installing or maintaining an unshielded billboard or sign fixture outside the narrow exemption is a Zoning Code violation, enforceable through the Zoning Administrator's notice-of-violation, civil penalty and misdemeanor citation authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do billboards need shielded lighting in Dayton?
Is there any exemption for illuminated signs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dayton
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