Howard County, MD Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Zoning Regulations Section 134.0 is adopted to minimize glare and reduce light spillover beyond its intended area. Except for spotlights and defined low-intensity lights, all light fixtures must be fully or partially shielded; a fully shielded fixture emits no light above a horizontal plane through the lowest part of the lamp. The section applies to outdoor lighting in commercial, business, industrial, and mixed-use districts, and in residential districts to parking or loading areas and approved conditional-use sites. Lighting used to illuminate off-street parking must direct light down and away from adjoining residential lots and public streets.