Casa Grande, AZ Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

The City of Casa Grande adopted its Outdoor Light Control (Dark Sky) Ordinance, Chapter 15.48, in 1983 to restrict artificial illumination that sends undesirable light into the night sky and interferes with astronomical observations. Section 15.48.050 requires every exterior illuminating device, other than those exempted or covered separately under Section 15.48.100, to be fully or partially shielded as set out in the shielding and filtering table at Section 15.48.070. 'Fully shielded' means light is projected only below a horizontal plane running through the fixture's lowest light-emitting point; 'partially shielded' means the shield's bottom edge sits below the lamp's centerline.

Table 15.48.070 sets fixture-by-fixture requirements: high pressure sodium, metal halide, quartz, and incandescent fixtures over 150 watts must be fully shielded, while low pressure sodium needs only partial shielding, and mercury vapor installations, already banned 90 days after the ordinance's adoption under Section 15.48.110, must be fully shielded and filtered if any remain in use. Metal halide display lighting cannot be used for security purposes after 11 p.m. unless fully shielded and enclosed. Anyone applying for a Title 17 building or use permit that includes outdoor lighting must submit evidence of compliance with this chapter as part of that application under Section 15.48.130, and the zoning inspector reviews plans and lamp specifications under Section 15.48.140 before issuing a permit.

Temporary exemptions of up to 30 days, renewable at the zoning inspector's discretion, are available on written request under Section 15.48.170, with a right of appeal to the board of adjustment if rejected.