Cranston, RI Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Rhode Island's Outdoor Lighting Control Act (RIGL §42-85) requires all state-funded outdoor lighting installed or replaced to use full-cutoff fixtures that emit zero light above the horizontal plane, with limited exceptions. This applies to RI DOT roadways, state buildings, and state-funded municipal projects. Providence Zoning Ordinance Article 14 §1404 and Cranston Zoning §17.72 apply shielding standards to commercial, industrial, and multi-family development through the site plan review process. Parking lot lighting is typically capped at 20-25 feet pole height with full-cutoff fixtures and maximum 0.5 footcandle spillover at residential property lines. Residential outdoor lighting is largely unregulated unless it creates nuisance-level trespass. Rhode Island is home to active International Dark-Sky Association chapters, and Frosty Drew Observatory in Charlestown advocates statewide. LED color temperature of 3000K or below is recommended by AMA guidelines and encouraged by RI DEM for wildlife-sensitive areas.