Jackson County requires shielded outdoor lighting to prevent glare and light trespass onto neighboring properties. No formal dark-sky ordinance countywide, but sea turtle nesting protection under MS coastal rules restricts beach-facing lighting from May 1 to October 31.
Jackson County regulates outdoor lighting primarily through zoning and nuisance provisions rather than a formal dark-sky ordinance. New exterior lighting should use fully shielded (full-cutoff) fixtures directing light downward to prevent glare and light trespass onto adjacent properties. Commercial lighting must not spill onto residential neighbors, enforced through zoning and nuisance complaints. Parking lot lighting has pole height limits (typically 20-30 feet) and foot-candle coverage standards. Critically, Mississippi Coastal Program rules and federal Endangered Species Act protections for sea turtles (primarily loggerheads) restrict beach-facing artificial light from May 1 through October 31 during nesting and hatching seasons. Properties along the Mississippi Sound beaches in Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, and Horn Island face requirements to shield, reposition, or use amber-wavelength lighting (560+ nanometers) visible from the beach. Horn Island National Seashore and Gulf Islands National Seashore enforce strictest standards.
Light trespass nuisance: notice to correct, fines $100 to $500 per Jackson County zoning. Sea turtle lighting violations May-October: federal ESA penalties up to $25,000 plus state enforcement. Non-compliant new commercial: permit denial.
Jackson County, MS
Jackson County regulates amplified music and outdoor sound systems through local noise ordinances. Amplified sound is generally restricted during quiet hours...
Jackson County, MS
Jackson County addresses barking dogs as a public nuisance under local animal control ordinances. Continuous or excessive barking complaints are handled thro...
Jackson County, MS
Jackson County limits construction noise to daytime hours, typically 7 AM to 7 PM weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM Saturdays, under local building and noise ordinan...
Jackson County, MS
Jackson County enforces quiet hours generally from 10 PM to 7 AM under local municipal ordinances authorized by MS Code Ann. §21-19-1 general police powers.
Jackson County, MS
Jackson County regulates leaf blower use primarily through general noise ordinance hours. Mississippi municipalities generally allow gas and electric blowers...
Jackson County, MS
Jackson County regulates street parking through local traffic and parking ordinances. Time limits, overnight restrictions, and permit parking zones may apply...
See how Jackson County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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