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Milwaukee, WI Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Fixture type
Cut-off fixtures required, all districts
Residential line cap
1 foot-candle
Other line cap
5 foot-candles
Visibility rule
No light source visible off-site
Citation
Zoning Code § 295-409

Summary

Milwaukee zoning code requires cut-off light fixtures on all on-site lighting in every zoning district, capping illumination at the property line to prevent glare and light spilling onto neighboring properties.

295-409. Lighting. In all zoning districts, with the exception of automatic changeable message signs, as provided in s. 295-407-4-d, all on-site lighting shall have cut-off fixtures that ensure that lighting levels and glare are controlled as follows: 1. No light source shall be visible from an adjoining property or public right-of-way. 2. Where adjoining properties are zoned residential, the maximum illumination at a property line shall be one foot-candle. In all other circumstances, the maximum illumination at a property line shall be 5 foot-candles.

Source: Milwaukee Zoning Code Ch. 295View official code

Full Breakdown

Milwaukee's zoning code regulates outdoor lighting citywide under Chapter 295. Section 295-409 requires cut-off fixtures on all on-site lighting in every zoning district, with the light source itself never visible from an adjoining property or public right-of-way. Where lighting spills onto a residentially zoned neighbor, illumination at the property line is capped at one foot-candle; everywhere else the cap is 5 foot-candles. The rule exempts only automatic changeable message signs, which are governed separately under the sign lighting standard at s. 295-407-4-d.

Violations & Fines

Lighting that fails the cut-off fixture standard or exceeds the foot-candle cap at the property line is a zoning code violation enforced by the Department of Neighborhood Services, which can order fixtures corrected or shielded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Milwaukee require shielded outdoor lighting?
Yes. City zoning code s. 295-409 requires cut-off fixtures on all on-site lighting in every zoning district, so the light source itself can't be visible from an adjoining property or public right-of-way.
How much light can spill onto a neighbor's property in Milwaukee?
No more than one foot-candle at the property line next to a residentially zoned property, and up to 5 foot-candles at property lines bordering other zoning districts.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Milwaukee

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All Milwaukee rules

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