Franklin County, OH Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Shielding trigger height
- Over 18 feet
- Requirement
- Full shield, downward-directed
- Max fixture height
- 28 feet above grade
- District
- Smart Growth Overlay only
Summary
Any exterior light fixture taller than 18 feet in Franklin County's Smart Growth Overlay must be fully shielded, with recessed lamps aimed downward so no glare shows above the horizontal plane.
Shielding for tall lighting- Lights greater than 18 feet shall have fully shielded, recessed lamps directed downward to prevent glare and shine above the horizontal plane.
Design cohesiveness- All external outdoor lighting fixtures, which are being used for the same purpose, within a given development shall be from the same or similar manufacturer’s type to insure aesthetic compatibility.
Canopy lighting - Canopy lighting shall be recessed within a canopy and use an opaque shield around the sides of a light. Exterior building illumination shall be fully shielded.
Maximum illumination- The light level along a property line adjacent to a residentially-zoned or used property shall not exceed an average intensity of one-half (1/2) footcandle.
Full Breakdown
The overlay's lighting standards require lights greater than 18 feet to have fully shielded, recessed lamps directed downward to prevent glare and shine above the horizontal plane. Canopy lighting must likewise be recessed with an opaque shield around its sides, and exterior building illumination must be fully shielded. Overall fixture height is capped at 28 feet above grade. These shielding standards apply only within the Smart Growth Overlay district along its listed corridors, not countywide.
Violations & Fines
Installing an unshielded fixture above 18 feet, or one that projects glare above the horizontal plane, is a misdemeanor zoning violation under §710.01, enforced through zoning compliance review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all outdoor lights need full shielding?
Is there a maximum pole height?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin County
Compare Franklin County to another location·View the Ohio outdoor lighting overview
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