Kenosha, WI Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Core rule
- Light must be shielded to avoid glare/nuisance
- Exempt fixtures
- Bulbs rated 5 watts or less
- Applies to
- Outdoor lighting on residential property
- Penalty
- $25-$500 forfeiture, up to 60 days jail
Summary
Kenosha requires all outdoor residential lighting to be aimed and shielded so it does not create glare or a nuisance for neighbors, under Code § 4.07(A)(1); fixtures rated 5 watts or less are exempt from the section entirely.
A.Regulation. All outdoor lighting shall be subject to the following regulation.1.Outdoor lighting on residential property producing artificial light during periods of darkness shall be directed or shielded appropriately to minimize potential glare and to avoid creating a nuisance to neighboring properties.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11 Update 1 | Zoning Ordinance: Supplement 9).
Full Breakdown
07, titled "Artificial Light and Glare," sits in the Health chapter and applies citywide. 2. Subsection B carves out an exemption for "Low output outdoor lighting of the type having no individual bulb or lamp that has a rating of greater than five (5) watts," so string lights, small landscape fixtures, and similar low-wattage decor fall outside the section's reach. 07 sits in Chapter IV rather than the zoning ordinance, it applies as a general nuisance-style standard enforceable citywide rather than through a site-plan or permit review.
08, which authorizes a forfeiture of not less than $25 nor more than $500, plus costs, with County Jail commitment of up to 60 days if the forfeiture goes unpaid.
Violations & Fines
Installing or operating outdoor residential lighting that glares onto a neighboring property, without directing or shielding it as required by § 4.07(A)(1), is a violation of the Health chapter. Under the chapter's general penalty in § 4.08, a conviction carries a forfeiture of $25 to $500 plus prosecution costs, with commitment to the County Jail for up to 60 days if the forfeiture is not paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kenosha require dark-sky-friendly outdoor lighting?
Are small landscape lights exempt from Kenosha's lighting rules?
What happens if my outdoor light bothers my neighbor in Kenosha?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kenosha
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