Augusta-Richmond County, GA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Fixture standard
- Fully shielded, full-cutoff fixtures required
- Parking lot poles
- Capped at 35 feet in height
- Pedestrian path lights
- Capped at 16 feet in height
- Applies to
- All new development and subdivision site plans
- Max penalty
- $500 fine and/or 60 days jail
Summary
Augusta-Richmond County's zoning ordinance requires fully shielded, downward-directed outdoor light fixtures on new development to curb glare and preserve the night sky, with numeric footcandle caps for parking lots, building entrances and sidewalks.
The purpose and intent of this section is to provide a regulatory strategy for outdoor lighting that will... curtail and reverse the degradation of the nighttime visual environment and the night sky; preserve the dark night sky for astronomy; minimize glare, obtrusive light and artificial sky glow by limiting outdoor lighting that is misdirected, excessive or unnecessary.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).
Full Breakdown
Section 3-A of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance requires site and subdivision plans to show all street and outdoor lighting locations and mandates that shielded fixtures be installed and maintained as fully shielded, full-cutoff units. Technical standards cap parking-lot light poles at 35 feet and pedestrian path lighting posts at 16 feet, require floodlights to be aimed or shielded to minimize up-light, and require security lighting to be directed at the target area rather than neighboring properties or the public right-of-way. The Planning Commission reviews compliance during site plan approval.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by the Chief Building Official; violating the Zoning Ordinance is punishable by a fine up to $500 and/or up to 60 days' imprisonment, tried in Magistrate's Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Augusta-Richmond County require shielded outdoor lighting?
How tall can parking lot light poles be in Augusta-Richmond County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County
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