The CZO requires exterior lighting to be fully shielded and directed downward. Light poles and building-mounted fixtures must use fully shielded luminaires, and unshielded strung bulbs are prohibited except temporarily for approved carnivals and fairs.
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.
Non-compliant lighting is a zoning violation; Safety and Permits can require corrective shielding or removal and cite continued violations.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Orleans Parish's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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