Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Midwest City

Midwest City, OK Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Max intensity at residential line
0.5 foot-candles
Glare height cutoff
3 feet at property line
Required fixture type
Down-light, diffused, or shielded
Applies to
Nonresidential developments citywide
Penalty
Up to $100/day, § 7.10.1

Summary

Midwest City caps outdoor lighting spilling onto residential property at 0.5 foot-candles and bars light beams from crossing a boundary line above three feet, forcing nonresidential sites onto shielded, down-light fixtures.

All outside lights shall be made up of a light source and reflector that acting together the light beam is controlled and not directed across any bounding property line above a height of three (3) feet. ... The allowable maximum intensity measured at the property line of a residential use in a residential district shall be 0.5 foot candles, except as may be otherwise specified for specific lighting situations.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).

Full Breakdown

Midwest City's Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) requires every nonresidential development to submit a lighting plan reviewed by the Community Development Director. Fixtures must be down-light, indirect, diffused, or shield type so glare doesn't spill onto neighboring property, and no light beam is permitted to cross a bounding property line above three feet in height. Where the affected use is residential, maximum intensity at that property line is capped at 0.5 foot-candles. Low-pressure sodium lighting is banned, bare bulbs over 15 watts are prohibited outside a 45-day holiday window, and parking-lot fixture mounting heights are capped by lot width, from 14 to 30 feet.

Violations & Fines

Violating the lighting standards is a municipal offense under § 7.10.1: a fine of up to $100 plus costs, with each day the violation continues counted as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Midwest City require shielded outdoor lighting?
Yes. Zoning Ordinance § 5.11.3(C) requires down-light, indirect, diffused, or shield-type fixtures on nonresidential sites so glare doesn't spill onto adjacent property or streets.
How bright can lighting be at my property line?
Where the affected use is residential, intensity at the property line is capped at 0.5 foot-candles under § 5.11.3(B), measured three feet above the pavement.
Do these rules apply to single-family homes?
The lighting-plan and fixture standards target nonresidential developments under § 5.11.1(B); single-family and two-family homes aren't required to file a lighting plan.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Midwest City

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsLight Trespass & ShieldingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Midwest City rules

Compare Midwest City to another location·View the Oklahoma outdoor lighting overview

Get notified when Dark Sky Rules in Midwest City, OK changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Dark Sky Rules in Nearby Cities

How other cities in this county handle dark sky rules.

Edmond, OK
Some Restrictions
Oklahoma City, OK
Some Restrictions