Norman, OK Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

NCC 36-549 was adopted by Ordinance O-1011-44 on June 21, 2011 to curb glare and light spillover from commercial development while still allowing safe nighttime use of property. It applies to any commercial, industrial, institutional, or multifamily project that pulls a building permit after July 22, 2011; single-family and two-family residential lighting is carved out entirely. The core fixture rule requires that, except where otherwise provided, all new nonexempt outdoor lighting be full cut-off fixtures mounted horizontally to the ground so excessive light cannot escape upward, though luminous tube lighting is exempt from shielding.

A long exemption list covers internally illuminated signs, temporary theatrical and athletic-field lighting (if aimed to stay within the field), pool lighting under the National Electrical Code, emergency-service lighting, interior lighting, holiday lighting, low-voltage landscape lighting, and historic-property fixtures matched to the period. Two things are flatly prohibited citywide: laser-source light for outdoor advertising or entertainment, and searchlights used for advertising. Enforcement is complaint-driven: a Code Enforcement or Police Officer investigates any lighting complaint and can order shielding, re-aiming, or replacement with a full cut-off fixture once glare, spillover onto neighboring single- or two-family property, or a visible bulb from that property is confirmed.

Owners can get a one-time administrative hardship extension of up to 180 days, appealable to the Board of Adjustment, plus a further one-year special-exception extension if lights within 25 feet of a residential boundary are already fixed.