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St. Joseph County, IN Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Full cutoff limit: 40-foot pole, 1,000 watts maximum
Semi-cutoff limit: 30-foot pole, 400 watts maximum
Non-cutoff use: Only walkways, driveways, interior drives, seating areas
Mounting rule: Parallel to ground, rigid arm, no built-in uptilt
Permit trigger: Lighting plan required with improvement location permit
Exempt lots: Single- and two-family dwellings exempt from shielding
Enforcement: Zoning administrator citation; appeal to BZA, § 154.557

Summary

St. Joseph County's zoning code requires every outdoor light fixture serving a multi-family, commercial, industrial, planned-unit or special-use property in the unincorporated county to be full cutoff, cutoff or semi-cutoff and mounted parallel to the ground on a rigid arm with no built-in uptilt, per Zoning Ordinance § 154.351(D). Table 154-3 caps full cutoff poles at 40 feet and 1,000 watts, with lower limits for less-shielded fixture types.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of St. Joseph County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(3)Lighting standards. Outdoor light fixtures shall comply with the standards set forth in table 154-3.(4)Mounting of fixtures (except in industrial districts). Full cutoff, cutoff and semi-cutoff outdoor light fixtures shall be mounted parallel to the ground and shall utilize a rigid mounting arm with no built-in uptilt and no adjustment feature.(5)Height of fixtures. All outdoor light fixtures used to illuminate a particular area on a lot (i.e., a parking area; a loading area; or an entry way, sidewalk or walkway areas) shall, within those areas, be of uniform size, design and height.

Source: Indiana CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 3).

Full Breakdown

The lighting subchapter of the St. 351(A). 351(D), full cutoff, cutoff and semi-cutoff fixtures must be mounted parallel to the ground on a rigid arm, with no built-in uptilt and no adjustment feature, so the shielded beam cannot be tilted skyward after installation. 351(E) further requires that fixtures illuminating one area of a lot, such as a parking lot, loading area or walkway, be uniform in size, design and height within that area. Table 154-3 sets the ceiling by fixture class: non-cutoff fixtures, limited to walkways, driveways, interior drives and outdoor seating, may reach 20 feet and 100 watts; semi-cutoff, 30 feet and 400 watts; cutoff, 35 feet and 400 watts; and full cutoff, 40 feet and 1,000 watts. 351(G). 351(F). 351(L). 353.

Violations & Fines

Staff may issue a notice of zoning violation, giving ten days to correct before a citation and fine, set in the county's schedule of fines and fees, can issue under § 154.999(B). Each uncorrected day is a separate violation. Fines must be paid within 14 days in agricultural or residential districts, or seven days in business/commercial or industrial districts; recipients may instead file a corrective petition or appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals under § 154.557.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for outdoor lighting on my St. Joseph County property?

Yes, if the property is a multi-family project, special use, or nonresidential use in the unincorporated county. Section 154.351(L) requires a lighting plan submitted with the improvement location permit application, showing every fixture's site location, mounting height, wattage and cutoff classification before installation can be approved.

How tall can an outdoor light pole be in St. Joseph County?

Table 154-3 sets the pole height by fixture shielding class. Full cutoff fixtures may reach 40 feet with up to 1,000 watts; cutoff fixtures top out at 35 feet and 400 watts; semi-cutoff at 30 feet and 400 watts; unshielded non-cutoff fixtures are capped at 20 feet and 100 watts and are limited to walkways, driveways and seating areas.

Are wall pack lights on my building restricted?

Yes. Outside industrial districts, wall pack fixtures on a front or side building elevation must be full cutoff. In every commercial, business or industrial district, any wall pack fixture aimed toward a residential district or residential use must also be full cutoff, per § 154.351(G). Low-intensity architectural accent wall packs of 100 watts or less are allowed in any cutoff class.

What happens if my lighting doesn't comply?

The county issues a notice of zoning violation with ten days to fix the problem before a citation and fine follow, under § 154.999(B). Each day the violation continues is a new violation. Fines are due within 14 days in agricultural and residential districts, or seven days in business, commercial and industrial districts, and a decision can be appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Sources & Official References

[1]St. Joseph County, IN Code of Ordinances (Municode)

Other rules in St. Joseph County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Light Trespass & ShieldingSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsHeavy Restrictions Fence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsLight Restrictions

All St. Joseph County rules

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