Hendersonville, TN Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Pole height cap
- 22 feet (30 with approval)
- Wallpack height cap
- 12 feet
- Fixture type required
- Fully shielded luminaires
- Applies to
- Non-residential districts, Site Plan
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance § 11.3.4.1
Summary
Non-residential light poles and building-mounted fixtures in Hendersonville must use fully shielded luminaires, capped at 22 feet (30 feet with Planning Commission approval) to cut sky glow and glare onto neighboring properties.
Lights poles and building-mounted fixtures shall be designed with fully shielded luminaires. Such poles or mounts shall not exceed 22 feet in height. The Planning Commission may approve, in appropriate circumstances as part of Site Plan review, a pole or mount of up to 30 feet. Wallpack light mounting height shall not exceed 12 feet.
Full Breakdown
Hendersonville's zoning ordinance (Ord. 2025-19) requires light poles and building-mounted fixtures in non-residential districts to use fully shielded luminaires that direct light downward instead of outward or upward. Pole and mount height is capped at 22 feet, though the Planning Commission may approve up to 30 feet during Site Plan review for appropriate circumstances. Wallpack fixtures mounted on buildings are capped separately at 12 feet. These standards apply to new commercial, office, and institutional development reviewed under the city's Site Plan process, not to existing single-family residential lighting.
Violations & Fines
Violating the ordinance is a misdemeanor: a $50 fine per day the fixture remains out of compliance, with each day treated as a separate offense under Zoning Ordinance § 4.13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hendersonville require dark-sky-compliant lighting for new commercial buildings?
Can I get a taller light pole approved?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hendersonville
Compare Hendersonville to another location·View the Tennessee outdoor lighting overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.