Elkhart County, IN Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Unlike neighboring St. Joseph County, Elkhart County does not impose county-wide dark-sky fixture standards, lumen caps, or color-temperature limits. The Zoning Ordinance addresses light more narrowly. Section 7.2(D) requires that any device illuminating an off-street parking area reflect that light away from all adjoining residential properties. Section 7.3.3 requires buffering and screening to mitigate the negative effects of glare from buildings, vehicle lights, and outdoor lighting on neighboring property, mainly for nonresidential uses abutting homes. Single-family homes face no fixture rule, though a home occupation may not produce glare detectable beyond the premises. Cities like Elkhart and Goshen may adopt their own lighting standards.