Pittsburgh, PA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Full cutoff trigger
- lamps over 14,000 lumens
- Cutoff optics trigger
- 3,500–14,000 lumens
- Mercury vapor outdoor lamps
- prohibited outright
- Applies to
- new builds, permits, 25%+ additions
Summary
New construction and major renovations in Pittsburgh must use shielded, full-cutoff outdoor light fixtures to cut glare and light pollution under the city's Lighting Code.
New Uses and Buildings. For all proposed new land uses, developments, buildings, and structures that require a permit, all outdoor lighting installations shall meet the requirements of this Code. ... All lighting installations shall be designed to minimize or eliminate light pollution to the fullest extent possible by use of permanently installed shielding on luminaires.
Full Breakdown
Pittsburgh's Lighting Code (Title 12, Ch. 1201) applies to all new land uses, buildings, and permitted developments, plus additions over 25% of floor area. Roadway, public-realm, and commercial fixtures over 3,500 lumens need cutoff optics; over 14,000 lumens need full cutoff optics with permanently installed shielding to limit light trespass. Mercury vapor outdoor lamps are banned outright, and plans must show fixture locations and photometrics before a permit issues.
Violations & Fines
Outdoor lighting plans that don't demonstrate compliance can be rejected at permit review; installing or replacing a mercury vapor outdoor lamp is a flat prohibition regardless of shielding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pittsburgh require shielded outdoor lighting?
Are mercury vapor lights allowed outdoors in Pittsburgh?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania outdoor lighting overview
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