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Louisville, KY Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Shielding trigger
Over 3,500 lumens
Residential trespass limit
0.25 footcandles at property line
High-density residential limit
0.5 footcandles at property line
Banned outright
Search lights, drop-lens, strobe fixtures

Summary

Louisville Metro caps light trespass at property lines and requires bright fixtures to be fully shielded under the Land Development Code.

All fixtures in all form districts that emit more than 3,500 lumens shall be fully-shielded luminaires. ... The level of lighting resultant from luminaires installed on a subject site shall not exceed 0.25 footcandles at any property border adjoining a low- to medium-density residentially zoned or used ... property border, and .5 footcandles on any high–density residentially zoned or used ... property border

Source: Louisville LDC — Lighting StandardsView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Louisville/Jefferson County's Land Development Code regulates outdoor lighting Metro-wide (LDC § 4.1.3). Any fixture emitting more than 3,500 lumens must be a fully-shielded luminaire. Light trespass at a residential property line is capped at 0.25 footcandles (0.5 near high-density residential zones), luminaires can't be aimed to shine directly onto neighboring property, and search lights, drop-lens fixtures, and flashing/strobe lights used to draw attention to a business are all prohibited outright. Compliance is checked when a building, electrical, or conditional use permit is filed.

Violations & Fines

Enforced through the permit review process and light-trespass complaints; inspectors take footcandle readings at the property line with a handheld meter and can require fixtures be re-aimed, re-shielded, or removed to meet the 0.25/0.5 footcandle limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Louisville Metro require dark-sky-friendly outdoor lighting?
Yes. The Land Development Code requires fixtures over 3,500 lumens to be fully shielded and caps how much light can spill onto a neighboring residential property.
How much light can cross onto my neighbor's yard in Louisville Metro?
No more than 0.25 footcandles at a low-to-medium-density residential property line, or 0.5 footcandles near high-density residential zoning, per LDC § 4.1.3.B.11.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Louisville

Billboard LightingSome RestrictionsLight Trespass & ShieldingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Louisville rules

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