New Orleans, LA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

New Orleans has dark-sky-style exterior lighting standards in CZO Article 21.5, applied citywide because the parish is the city. Light poles and building-mounted fixtures must be designed with fully shielded luminaires so light is cast downward, not into the sky or neighbors' property. Unshielded lighting, including incandescent bulbs hung or strung on poles or wires, is prohibited except temporarily where approved carnivals, fairs, or similar activities are taking place. Pole heights are capped by use: 8 feet for single/two-family homes, 12 feet for multi-family/townhouse, and 18 feet for non-residential standards. These rules cut glare and light pollution.