Franklin, TN Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

The City of Franklin's outdoor lighting framework is in the Lighting chapter of the Franklin Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 13 in the current Zoning Ordinance, administered by the Department of Planning and Sustainability and updated periodically including a 2024 update effective July 1, 2024). The chapter applies to commercial, multi-family, mixed-use, and institutional site lighting reviewed under the City's site-plan and building-permit process. Quantitative standards include: minimum light level in parking areas 0.2 foot-candles; maximum light level 10 foot-candles; maximum illumination along a property line of a lot other than a residential lot 2 foot-candles; and maximum illumination abutting a property line of a residential lot 0 foot-candles. Light fixtures shall not distribute light onto surrounding property beyond an angle of 35 degrees from a vertical plane (full-cutoff equivalent). Light-fixture height is capped at 30 feet generally and at 20 feet within 50 feet of a residential lot. Building-mounted lights must be ornamental sconces, cutoff fixtures, or other fixtures screened by the building's architectural features; ornamental light fixtures that rely on prismatic glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate outer globes as their only shielding method are prohibited. Lighting design and uniformity should be consistent with the Lighting Handbook of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA). Franklin is not listed on DarkSky International's roster of certified lighting codes and has not adopted a stand-alone International Dark-Sky Association (DarkSky) Model Lighting Ordinance. Single-family residential exterior lights are generally not subject to the engineered glare standards but remain subject to nuisance review under the Franklin Municipal Code. Williamson County's nearest International Dark Sky Place is not Franklin-specific; the nearest IDA-recognized Tennessee site is Pickett State Park (designated by DarkSky International as Tennessee's first International Dark Sky Park).