Prince George's County, MD Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

The M-NCPPC 2022 Zoning Ordinance (Subtitle 27, Sec. 27-6706 Exterior Lighting) sets dark-sky-oriented standards countywide. Under Section 27-6706(b), all exterior luminaires, including security lighting, must be full cut-off fixtures directed downward, and in no case may lighting be directed above a horizontal plane through the fixture, which curbs uplight and skyglow. Section 27-6706(c)(2) requires all exterior light fixtures to generate at least 80 lumens per watt. Maximum fixture heights in Table 27-6706(d) are 16 feet in Rural and Agricultural and Residential zones, higher elsewhere, with athletic-field lighting up to 95 feet. The rules also limit light spillover across lot lines. The county uses light-pollution and shielding language rather than adopting the IES/IDA model ordinance by name.