Green Bay, WI Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Shielding mandate
- Hooded, downward-directed cutoff fixtures
- Front yards
- Floodlights prohibited (except signage)
- Near traffic signals
- No red/amber/green light within 300 ft
- Flicker/flash
- Banned except exempt holiday lighting
Summary
Green Bay requires every cutoff light fixture to carry a hood that shields the bulb and points it downward, and separately bars flickering, flashing, and traffic-distracting colored lights citywide.
All cutoff light fixtures shall be designed with a hood that shields the light source and shall be directed downwards at all times.(2)No flickering or flashing lights shall be permitted, other than holiday lighting exempted in Section 44-492(c)(4).(3)Flood lights are not permitted in front yards, except as permitted by Chapter 30, Sign.(4)Flashing, flickering, moving, and/or other lighting which is a nuisance or which may distract motorists, such as red, amber, or green lights closer than 300 feet from a traffic signal, is prohibited.(5)Lighting levels shall be measured in foot-candles with a direct reading portable light meter. Readings shall be taken at heights between six inches to six feet above ground level at a position facing the light source. Measurements shall be made after dark with the light sources in operation and then again with the light sources off. The difference between these two readings shall be compared to the maximum permitted illumination. This procedure will eliminate the effects of moonlight and other ambient light. (Code 1984, § 13.525)
Full Breakdown
Section 44-494 sets the baseline shielding standard for all exterior light sources in Green Bay: every cutoff fixture must have a hood shielding the light source and be aimed downward at all times. The same section bars flickering or flashing lights (holiday lighting under 45 lumens is exempt), prohibits front-yard floodlights except as allowed under the Chapter 30 sign rules, and bans flashing or colored red, amber, or green lighting within 300 feet of a traffic signal that could distract drivers.
Violations & Fines
Unshielded or non-cutoff fixtures, front-yard floodlights, or distracting flashing/colored lights near a signal violate §44-494 and are subject to code enforcement correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Green Bay require shielded outdoor light fixtures?
Can I put a floodlight in my front yard in Green Bay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Green Bay
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Dark Sky Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brown County handle dark sky rules.