Kent County has no countywide dark-sky ordinance; outdoor-lighting standards are set by townships and cities. Caledonia Charter Township, for example, requires fully shielded fixtures emitting no light above the horizontal plane to protect the night sky.
Land-use lighting standards in Kent County come from local zoning, not the county (MCL 125.3201). Several Kent County townships have adopted dark-sky provisions. Caledonia Charter Township's Zoning Ordinance Section 3.50 (Outdoor Lighting) states its purpose is to protect the night sky from light pollution and preserve the Township's rural character, and it defines a Fully Shielded luminaire as one emitting no luminous flux above the horizontal plane. It limits skyglow, glare, and obtrusive light. Rules differ by municipality, so check whether your city or township has adopted shielding, lumen-cap, or fixture standards before installing outdoor lighting.
Non-compliant outdoor lighting is a municipal zoning violation enforced by the local planning/zoning office, typically as a civil infraction with fines and an order to shield, aim, or replace the offending fixtures.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Grand Rapids's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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