Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Annapolis

Annapolis, MD Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
off-street parking area lighting
Foot-candle cap
3 at the lot line
Trigger
site design plan approval
Reviewed by
Planning and Zoning Department
Code chapter
21.62, Site Design Standards

Summary

New development in Annapolis must aim parking lot lighting away from homes and public streets and keep it under three foot-candles at the lot line under the city's site design standards.

A.Any lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas shall be directed away from residential properties and public streets in such a way as not to create a nuisance.B.Parking lot lighting may not exceed three foot-candles measured at the lot line.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Annapolis reviews outdoor lighting for off-street parking areas whenever a project goes through site design plan approval. Annapolis City Code § 21.62.140 requires that lighting be directed away from residential properties and public streets so it doesn't create a nuisance, and caps parking lot lighting at three foot-candles measured at the lot line. The standard sits inside Chapter 21.62's Site Design Standards, which apply to any site that is the subject of a site design plan application per § 21.62.010.

Violations & Fines

Lighting plans that don't meet the shielding-and-nuisance direction or the three-foot-candle cap get rejected at site design plan review by the Planning and Zoning Department; the project cannot receive site plan approval until fixtures are corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Annapolis have a standalone dark-sky ordinance?
No. The lighting rule lives inside the zoning code's Site Design Standards (§ 21.62.140) and applies to off-street parking lighting reviewed at site plan approval, not a citywide dark-sky code.
What's the actual light limit?
Parking lot lighting can't exceed three foot-candles measured at the lot line, and fixtures must be directed away from residential properties and public streets.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Annapolis

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsLight Trespass & ShieldingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions

All Annapolis rules

Compare Annapolis to another location·View the Maryland outdoor lighting overview

Get notified when Dark Sky Rules in Annapolis, MD changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.