Oklahoma City, OK Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential spill limit
- 0.2 fc (0.1 fc after 11 p.m.)
- Non-residential spill limit
- 3.0 footcandles maximum
- Fixture rule
- Fully shielded, glare-controlled fixtures
- Exempt zones
- Single-family, two-family, mobile-home residential
- Penalty
- Class 'a' offense, up to $500/day
Summary
Oklahoma City caps outdoor lighting spillover at 0.2 footcandles onto neighboring residential lots and requires fully shielded, glare-controlled fixtures citywide except single-family and two-family residential zones.
B. Spill light onto adjacent properties measured at-grade shall not exceed the following footcandles at any location on the adjacent property: (1) 0.2 footcandles when adjacent to residential uses or districts; and 0.1 footcandles beginning at 11:00 pm... until dawn. ... C. All outdoor lighting shall be arranged and installed to minimize glare on adjacent properties and streets. Glare shall be minimized by any combination of techniques and technologies including: (1) fully shielded fixtures, (2) directional control, (3) fixture location, (4) fixture height, or (5) fixture aim.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Section 59-12350 of the Zoning and Planning Code regulates site lighting for parking areas, building entrances, and pedestrian walkways citywide, excluding manufactured-home, single-family, and two-family residential districts. Light spilling onto adjacent property is capped at 0.2 footcandles next to residential uses (dropping to 0.1 after 11:00 p.m. or closing) and 3 footcandles next to non-residential uses. Fixtures must be fully shielded, directionally controlled, and properly located, aimed, and mounted to keep glare off neighboring lots and streets. Development Services reviews compliance through site plan and building permit review.
Violations & Fines
Violating outdoor lighting standards is a Class 'a' offense, fined up to $500 per day; a third or subsequent offense escalates to a Class 'b' offense with fines up to $1,200 and possible jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oklahoma City require dark-sky or shielded outdoor lighting?
Are single-family homes required to shield their outdoor lights?
How much light can spill onto a neighbor's property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oklahoma City
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Dark Sky Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle dark sky rules.