Philadelphia, PA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Philadelphia Zoning Code § 14-707
- Residential pole height cap
- 20 ft
- Efficiency minimum
- 80 lumens per watt
- Exempt
- Single- and two-family homes
- Certification needed
- Licensed architect or engineer plan
Summary
Philadelphia zoning requires exterior lighting on new commercial, multifamily, and parking-lot installations to be shielded so the light source is not visible from residential districts, with a minimum efficiency standard.
All light sources shall be shielded to prevent glare and spillover beyond the property line. All light sources shall be designed, located, and installed so that the light source is not visible from any Residential district. ... All exterior lighting fixtures shall produce at least 80 lumens per watt of energy consumed, as documented by manufacturer's specifications or the results of an independent testing laboratory.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Philadelphia Zoning Code § 14-707 governs exterior lighting installed on private lots after the code's effective date, covering parking lots, canopies, and site lighting for commercial, industrial, and multifamily development. Single- and two-family home lighting, sign lighting, public recreational lighting, and short-term or seasonal displays are exempt. All other fixtures must be shielded so the light source itself is not visible from any Residential district, produce at least 80 lumens per watt, and stay under height caps that scale with zoning district (20 ft. in Residential, up to 50 ft. in Industrial). Projects triggering the section need a certified lighting plan from a licensed architect or engineer with their zoning permit.
Violations & Fines
Zoning permit applications lacking a compliant lighting plan can be denied; installed fixtures that violate the shielding, height, or efficiency standards are zoning code violations enforceable by L&I.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this dark-sky rule apply to my house?
How tall can a parking-lot light pole be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
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