Glendale, AZ Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Glendale Code § 26.5-5, § 26.5-6
- Shielding
- Fully shielded: HPS, metal halide, incandescent, etc.
- Recreational lighting curfew
- Off by 11:00 p.m.
- Penalty
- $300 per day after 30-day notice
- Effective date
- January 1, 1987
- Exempt
- Incandescent ≤150W, other sources ≤70W
Summary
Chapter 26.5 of the Glendale Code requires most outdoor light fixtures to be fully shielded and filtered to control glare and preserve dark skies. High-pressure sodium, metal halide, fluorescent, tungsten, halogen, incandescent, and mercury vapor fixtures must be fully shielded, outdoor recreational lighting must go dark by 11:00 p.m., and violators face a $300-per-day civil fine.
(a)All outdoor illuminating devices, except those exempt from this section by section 26.5-7, shall be shielded as set forth below:(1)High pressure sodium, metal halide, fluorescent, tungsten, halogen, incandescent and mercury vapor type lamp fixtures shall be fully shielded.(2)Fluorescent type lamp fixtures used to illuminate outdoor advertising signs shall be mounted at the top of the sign structure and shall be partially shielded.(b)A filter shall be used for all metal halide, fluorescent and mercury vapor type lamp fixtures.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 115).
Full Breakdown
5-1 states the chapter's purpose: restricting outdoor artificial illuminating devices, controlling light trespass, minimizing the effect of outdoor lighting on astronomical observations, and encouraging energy-conserving lighting design. 5-5(a) requires that high pressure sodium, metal halide, fluorescent, tungsten, halogen, incandescent, and mercury vapor lamp fixtures be fully shielded, meaning light is projected below a horizontal plane through the fixture's lowest light-emitting point; fluorescent fixtures lighting outdoor advertising signs must be mounted at the top of the sign and only partially shielded. 5-5(b) requires a filter on all metal halide, fluorescent, and mercury vapor fixtures.
with non-compliant fixtures, except to finish an event already in progress. and sunrise unless they are street or parking lot lights), incandescent fixtures of 150 watts or less and other sources of 70 watts or less, airport navigational lighting, and internally-illuminated translucent advertising signs. 5-8 requires anyone applying for an electrical, building, or use permit involving outdoor lighting to submit plans and, if needed, certified photometric test reports to the city engineer.
Violations & Fines
Section 26.5-9(a) makes a chapter violation a civil infraction carrying a $300 fine per day the violation continues after the abatement period expires. Under 26.5-9(b), the city must first serve or mail a notice of violation to the owner, lessee, or person in control of the premises describing the violation and ordering it abated within 30 days of receipt before the daily fine can begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all outdoor lights in Glendale have to be shielded?
Can I operate a search light for my business at night in Glendale?
Are older, pre-1987 light fixtures grandfathered in Glendale?
What happens if my outdoor lighting violates Chapter 26.5?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Glendale
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