Rhode Island RIGL §42-85 (Outdoor Lighting Control Act) requires state-funded outdoor lighting to be full-cutoff shielded. Providence Code §27 zoning imposes shielding requirements on commercial fixtures. Residential rules focus on trespass rather than full dark-sky compliance.
Rhode Island's Outdoor Lighting Control Act (RIGL §42-85) requires all state-funded outdoor lighting installed or replaced to use full-cutoff fixtures that emit zero light above the horizontal plane, with limited exceptions. This applies to RI DOT roadways, state buildings, and state-funded municipal projects. Providence Zoning Ordinance Article 14 §1404 and Cranston Zoning §17.72 apply shielding standards to commercial, industrial, and multi-family development through the site plan review process. Parking lot lighting is typically capped at 20-25 feet pole height with full-cutoff fixtures and maximum 0.5 footcandle spillover at residential property lines. Residential outdoor lighting is largely unregulated unless it creates nuisance-level trespass. Rhode Island is home to active International Dark-Sky Association chapters, and Frosty Drew Observatory in Charlestown advocates statewide. LED color temperature of 3000K or below is recommended by AMA guidelines and encouraged by RI DEM for wildlife-sensitive areas.
Non-compliant commercial fixtures: zoning enforcement, 30-day correction notice, then fines $100-$500 per day under Providence Code §27. Site plan violations: certificate of occupancy withheld. State-project violations under §42-85: state funding withheld.
Providence County, RI
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See how Providence County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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