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Hinds County, MS Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions

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Key Facts

County Rule: No dark-sky ordinance
Jackson Commercial: Full-cutoff at site plan
Residential: No lumen limits
State Law: None adopted

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Hinds County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Summary

Hinds County has no dark-sky ordinance. Jackson requires shielded fixtures at new commercial sites under zoning review but has no residential lumen caps. Mississippi has no state dark-sky law.

Full Breakdown

Neither Hinds County nor its municipalities have adopted formal dark-sky ordinances or IDA (International Dark-Sky Association) model provisions. The Jackson Zoning Ordinance requires that site lighting at new commercial and multi-family developments be fully shielded (full-cutoff fixtures) and aimed so light does not spill onto adjoining residential districts, enforced at site plan review. Residential security lighting, porch lights, and decorative lighting face no lumen or color-temperature restrictions. The Mississippi Petrified Forest (Flora) area and more rural western Hinds County still offer reasonable dark skies but receive significant sky glow from Jackson and I-20/I-55 corridor lighting. HOAs in Eastover, Reservoir, and other planned communities may impose their own fixture standards.

Violations & Fines

Commercial fixture non-compliance at new development: zoning certificate withheld until correction. No residential fines. HOA violations handled privately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who enforces dark sky rules rules in Hinds County?

Hinds County's code enforcement division is responsible for outdoor lighting ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Hinds County government website or by calling the main municipal line.

What are typical penalties for violating dark sky rules rules?

Most Hinds County outdoor lighting violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Hinds County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.

How does Hinds County compare?

See how Hinds County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.

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Hinds County, MS Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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