Ramsey County, MN Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- County rule?
- No: city sets lighting rules
- Statewide dark-sky law
- None for residential
- Governing authority
- Minn. Stat. 462.357 (city zoning)
- Common standard
- Shielded / full-cutoff fixtures
- Where enforced
- City site-plan / zoning review
Summary
Ramsey County has no dark-sky ordinance. Exterior lighting and glare are municipal zoning matters under Minn. Stat. 462.357. St. Paul and other east-metro cities set lighting standards (shielding, height, glare) in their zoning codes. There is no countywide dark-sky rule.
For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare, a municipality may by ordinance regulate ... the location, height, width, bulk, type of foundation, number of stories, size of buildings and other structures ... and may establish standards and procedures regulating such uses.
Full Breakdown
Minnesota has no statewide residential dark-sky mandate, and Ramsey County sets no lighting ordinance for incorporated land. Exterior-lighting standards, full-cutoff/shielded fixtures, maximum pole heights, and limits on glare and light spilling onto adjacent property, are adopted city-by-city under the Ch. 462 zoning enabling statute. St. Paul's zoning code addresses lighting for many uses, and suburbs like Roseville, Shoreview and Maplewood have their own performance standards, often applied through site-plan review for commercial and multifamily projects. For a specific fixture or complaint, contact the zoning office of the city where the property sits.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant lighting is enforced by city zoning staff, typically a notice to re-aim, shield, or replace the fixture, followed by administrative penalties for continued non-compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ramsey County have a dark-sky ordinance?
Who do I call about a bright neighbor's light?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ramsey County
Compare Ramsey County to another location·View the Minnesota outdoor lighting overview
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