Coral Gables, FL Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential CCT cap
- 3000 Kelvin
- Shielded fixture cap (SFR/MF1)
- 2,000 lumens
- Unshielded fixture cap (entrance)
- 1,000 lumens
- Max light pole height
- 14 feet
- Non-res spillover limit onto homes
- 0.5 foot-candle
Summary
Coral Gables caps residential outdoor light color temperature at 3000 Kelvin and limits shielded fixtures to 2,000 lumens, requiring glare to stay off neighboring yards under the city's dark-sky ambience standards.
Fully shielded outdoor light fixtures shall be controlled and directed to the object intended to be illuminated. The direct glare of shielded flood lighting shall not be visible from adjacent properties. The maximum allowed lumen output for shielded fixtures in SFR and MF1 zoning districts shall not exceed 2,000 lumens. Partly shielded or unshielded light fixtures in SFR and MF1 zoning districts shall not exceed 1,000 lumens at the main entrance. All other partly shielded or unshielded light fixtures shall be limited to 500 lumens. Low voltage landscape lighting shall be directed away from abutting or adjacent properties and not exceed 1,000 lumens. Maximum pole height shall be fourteen (14) feet. Light poles greater than seven (7) feet are subject to zoning setbacks, as set forth in Article 2. Illumination of multi-family building facades, displays, sculptures, signs, and other specific objects shall be lit from above, unless the light fixture does not exceed 3,500 lumens. Potential glare from below shall be avoided. Reports of certified results of lighting tests or specifications of light fixtures may be required by the owner after installation to confirm compliance. (Ord. No. 24-8057, 12/10/24)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Fee Schedule: Supplement 2 | Zoning Code: Supplement 1 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 25 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Article 12 of the Coral Gables Zoning Code, "Ambience Standards" (adopted by Ord. No. 24-8057, effective 12/10/24), sets the city's outdoor lighting rules. Residential light sources cannot exceed 3000 Kelvin CCT. Fully shielded fixtures must be directed only at the object being lit, with no visible glare from adjacent lots, capped at 2,000 lumens in SFR and MF1 districts; partly shielded or unshielded fixtures are capped at 1,000 lumens at a main entrance and 500 lumens elsewhere. Landscape lighting is capped at 1,000 lumens and must point away from neighbors, and pole height tops out at 14 feet. Non-residential lighting (Sec. 12-103) needs a permit, must keep spillover onto adjoining residential land under one-half foot-candle, and must dim outdoor lumens at least 30% after midnight.
Violations & Fines
Enforced as a Code of Ordinances violation under Sec. 1-7: fines up to $500 per offense, or, through the Code Enforcement Board/special magistrate, up to $1,000/day for a first violation and $5,000/day for a repeat violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color temperature is allowed for outdoor lights in Coral Gables?
Do I need a permit for outdoor lighting?
How bright can a porch or landscape light be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coral Gables
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