Showing ordinances that apply to South Kensington, MD
South Kensington is an unincorporated community (population 8,829) in Montgomery County, Maryland. Because South Kensington is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Montgomery County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The dark sky rules rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Chapter 59 requires all new exterior lighting to be full-cutoff fixtures. Light trespass limited to 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines.
Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 59, Division 6.4 establishes outdoor lighting standards for new development and renovations. All exterior luminaires must be full-cutoff (fully shielded) fixtures that direct light downward and prevent glare onto adjacent properties and public roads. Maximum mounting height for parking lot fixtures is 30 feet in commercial zones and 15 feet in residential zones. The Agricultural Reserve (AR) zone and Rural Neighborhood Cluster (RNC) zone have enhanced lighting restrictions to preserve the rural night sky, requiring all fixtures to be fully shielded and limiting total lumens per lot. Light trespass at the property line must not exceed 0.5 foot-candles in residential zones. The county DPS reviews lighting plans during the site plan and building permit process. Existing non-conforming fixtures are grandfathered but must be replaced with compliant fixtures upon renovation or replacement.
Non-compliant lighting identified during site plan review requires correction before permit approval. Existing properties may receive code enforcement notices for glare or light trespass complaints. Fines for zoning violations start at $100.
See how South Kensington's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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