South Bend, IN Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

South Bend has a genuine dark-sky lighting standard in Section 21-09.04 of its Zoning Ordinance. Outdoor light fixtures must be full cutoff or fully shielded so no light is emitted at or above horizontal, with no more than 10 percent of lamp lumens at or above 80 degrees. Fixtures must direct light downward, produce at least 80 lumens per watt, and may not exceed a 3,000 Kelvin color temperature to limit blue light. Flashing, rotating, and high-intensity beam lights are prohibited. Residential buildings up to four units are largely exempt but must still meet lot-line light limits. Pedestrian light poles are capped at 15 feet.