Gilbert, AZ Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Design goal
- Minimal spill light in the nighttime sky
- Design framework
- IESNA lighting practices
- Permit requirement
- Photometric data + point-by-point diagram
- Adopted
- Ordinance No. 1620, Feb. 1, 2005
- Non-conforming fixtures
- Must go dark 11 p.m.–sunrise
- Penalty
- Civil sanction up to $500
Summary
Gilbert's Code of Ordinances requires every outdoor light fixture in town, residential included, to be designed to cut spill light into the night sky, reduce impact on neighborhoods, and follow Illuminating Engineering Society of North America practices. Anyone installing a new fixture must first prove compliance to the development services division with photometric data before the town issues a permit.
(c)Outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting shall be designed so as to meet the following goals:(1)Reduce impact of outdoor lighting on residential neighborhoods.(2)Provide minimal spill light in the nighttime sky.(3)Encourage the use of energy efficient lighting systems.(4)Provide a frame work for lighting practices as recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. ... c.Photometric data and a point-by-point diagram of the illuminated area.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102).
Full Breakdown
' The town council adopted the section by Ordinance No. 1620 on February 1, 2005, finding that excess light 'interferes with astronomical observations' as well as with the private enjoyment of property and highway safety. The design goals are not aspirational only. Section 42-34(e) turns them into a permitting requirement. ' If the building and code compliance department cannot determine compliance from those materials, the applicant must supply certified test reports from a recognized testing laboratory following ANSI and IES procedures. Only after that review does the department issue the lighting permit, and any later change to the fixture requires a new submission covering the same items. and sunrise, and cannot be replaced or relocated without being brought into compliance.
Violations & Fines
Installing or operating an outdoor fixture without the required permit, or without meeting the Section 42-34(c) design standards, is a violation of the Code of Gilbert enforced under the general penalty, Section 1-5: a civil sanction of up to $500, with three violations in 18 months elevating a person to habitual-offender status and a class one misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,500 and six months in jail. The building and code compliance director may also grant a written exemption for extraordinary circumstances under Section 42-34(j).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gilbert have a dark-sky lighting ordinance?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gilbert
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