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Murfreesboro, TN Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Cutoff angle
35 degrees maximum
Spillover limit
0.5 foot-candle at property line
Low-pressure sodium
Banned citywide
Blinking or beacon lights
Banned outright

Summary

Murfreesboro's zoning ordinance caps site lighting at a 35-degree shielded cutoff, limits spillover to half a foot-candle at the property line, and bans low-pressure sodium fixtures.

(3) All lighting fixtures shall be shielded to prevent glare. Light shall not be distributed beyond an angle of thirty-five (35) degrees from a vertical plane onto surrounding properties. (d) Lighting shall be designed so that illumination does not exceed one-half (1/2) foot candle beyond the property line... (9) White light shall be required. Low-pressure sodium lighting is prohibited.

Source: Murfreesboro Code of OrdinancesView 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 18 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Section 18(G) requires all lighting fixtures on developments to be shielded to prevent glare, with light distribution capped at 35 degrees from vertical so it doesn't wash onto neighboring properties, and total illumination held under one-half foot-candle beyond the property line. Fixtures must produce white light, low-pressure sodium lighting is banned outright, and no blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or beacons are allowed except for required fire alarm or emergency systems. Lighting plans are reviewed with every site plan submission under Section 7, and mounting heights are capped by use, from 16 feet in residential projects up to 75 feet in heavy industrial zones.

Violations & Fines

Lighting plans that exceed the glare, cutoff, or foot-candle limits can be rejected at site plan review, and the Planning Commission or Director may require added shielding to bring an approved project into compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Murfreesboro business use orange sodium-vapor lights?
No. Section 18(G)(9) requires white light on every site and specifically prohibits low-pressure sodium lighting.
How much light can spill onto my neighbor's yard from a new development?
No more than one-half foot-candle beyond the property line, and fixtures must be shielded to a 35-degree cutoff, per Section 18(G)(3).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Murfreesboro

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All Murfreesboro rules

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