Sterling Heights, MI Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

In order to prevent sky-glow, exterior lighting (including wall-pack fixtures) shall be fully shielded and downward directed. No light that is emitted from the fixture shall project above a 90-degree horizontal plane running through the bottom of the lowest part of the fixture. Exterior mounted incandescent light bulbs 100 watts or less, and exterior lighting directly illuminating a United States flag in a manner that does not create disability glare or light trespass to an adjacent residential area or public/private roadway are exempt from the shielding requirement.

2.   In order to prevent disability glare, no light-emitting surface within a light fixture (e.g. a bulb, lamp, refractor, etc.) shall be visible from any residential area or public/private roadway, walkway, trail, or other public way when viewed at ground level.

3.   Lenses on light fixtures must be flat. "Sag" or protruding lens types are prohibited.

4.   Any canopy structure used at a business location (such as a gas station pump canopy) must have recessed canopy fixtures with diffusers that do not extend below the ceiling surface of the canopy.

5.   The Planning Commission shall review and shall subsequently approve decorative light fixtures as an alternative to shielded and downward directed fixtures if the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Planning Commission that there will be no off-site glare or light trespass, and that the