Lansing, MI Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Section 1250.04.03(a) defines a "shielded fixture" as one built so that light rays are projected below the horizontal plane running through the lowest point on the fixture from which light is emitted, the classic "shoebox-type" design, and treats a luminaire recessed under a canopy the same way if the structure itself blocks the light. Subsection (b) then applies that shielding standard to every category of fixed exterior lighting the code regulates.

For freestanding pole lighting, § 1250.04.03(b)(1)a. requires that "exterior lighting shall be fully shielded and directed downward to prevent off-site glare," using "fixed (not adjustable), downward-directed fixtures" in an effort to maintain a unified lighting standard throughout the City and prevent "sky glow." Subsection (b)(2)a. imposes the identical shielded, downward-directed, non-adjustable standard on building-mounted lighting, so the anti-sky-glow rule reaches parking lot poles and wall packs alike.

The Zoning Administrator can approve decorative fixtures as an alternative to a shielded design under §§ (b)(1)c. and (b)(2)c., but only after the applicant proves there will be no off-site glare. Pole height is capped at 20 feet under § (b)(1)d., though the Zoning Administrator may allow up to 30 feet in commercial, mixed-use, industrial, research, and office districts, and for institutional uses in residential districts, once the poles sit at least 150 feet from a residential district or use. A short exemption list in subsection (c), covering items like sports field lighting used before 11:00 p.m. and shielded pedestrian walkway lighting, carves out narrow exceptions to the shielding rule.