The 2022 Zoning Ordinance requires all exterior luminaires, including security lighting, to be full cut-off fixtures directed downward, with no light directed above a horizontal plane through the fixture (Sec. 27-6706(b)). Fixtures must produce at least 80 lumens per watt.
The M-NCPPC 2022 Zoning Ordinance (Subtitle 27, Sec. 27-6706 Exterior Lighting) sets dark-sky-oriented standards countywide. Under Section 27-6706(b), all exterior luminaires, including security lighting, must be full cut-off fixtures directed downward, and in no case may lighting be directed above a horizontal plane through the fixture, which curbs uplight and skyglow. Section 27-6706(c)(2) requires all exterior light fixtures to generate at least 80 lumens per watt. Maximum fixture heights in Table 27-6706(d) are 16 feet in Rural and Agricultural and Residential zones, higher elsewhere, with athletic-field lighting up to 95 feet. The rules also limit light spillover across lot lines. The county uses light-pollution and shielding language rather than adopting the IES/IDA model ordinance by name.
Installing exterior lighting that shines upward, is not full cut-off, exceeds the height limits, or throws excess light across a property line can result in site-plan noncompliance, zoning enforcement, and required fixture replacement or reaiming.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Prince George's County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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