Roseville, MN Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Section 1011.11(e) of the Roseville City Code governs on-site lighting of parking lots for all uses in the districts other than the low-density and low- to medium-density residential districts, the scope stated in the section heading. Fixtures must be a downcast, cutoff type that conceals the light source from view and prevents glare, with an exception for decorative fixtures used for pedestrian safety. Lights not reasonably required for security or business operations must be off between 10:00 p.m. and sunrise, or run on motion detectors so that they turn on only when there is activity nearby and turn off shortly after.

Pole height steps up with distance from homes. Poles cannot exceed 12 feet within 50 feet of a residential property line, or 25 feet between 50 feet and 100 feet of one. Beyond 100 feet, a pole or fixture can reach a maximum of 40 feet only if building, berm, or landscape material with a minimum opacity of 90 percent completely screens the light source and its glare from eye level view of living spaces in homes within 300 feet of the light source.

Energy-efficient lighting systems are required for all exterior lighting, and subsection (e)(2) sets minimum levels measured at a height of five feet above grade. Open parking areas run 0.4 to one footcandle. Covered facilities run five footcandles for general parking and pedestrian areas day and night, ten footcandles at ramps and corners by day and five at night, 50 footcandles at entrances and exits by day and five at night, and 20 footcandles in stairwells. Decorative poles and luminaires are allowed on all new development sites when incorporated as pedestrian safety or security lighting along walkways, paths, and near the principal structure.