Story County, IA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Full-cutoff threshold
- luminaires over 1,800 lumens
- Field/event lighting curfew
- off by midnight
- Laser advertising light
- prohibited
- Searchlights for advertising
- prohibited
- Exempt lumen level
- 1,800 lumens or less
- First-offense fine
- up to $750
Summary
In unincorporated Story County, any outdoor luminaire rated above 1,800 lumens cannot emit direct light above a horizontal plane through its lowest light-emitting part. Sports and event lighting must be fully shielded with sharp cut-off fixtures, and laser advertising light and searchlights are banned outright.
Any luminaire with a lamp rated at more than 1,800 lumens shall not emit, in its installed position, any direct light above a horizontal plane through the lowest direct light emitting part of the luminaire. ... All fixtures used for such lighting shall be fully shielded or be designed or provided with sharp cut-off capability, so as to minimize up-light, spill-light, and glare. ... The use of laser source light or any similar high intensity light for outdoor advertising or entertainment when projected above the horizontal plane is prohibited. ... The operation of searchlights for advertising purposes is prohibited.
Full Breakdown
09(2), the site lighting section of the Land Development Regulations, applies to all outdoor lighting in the unincorporated county except what is specifically exempted. Any luminaire with a lamp rated above 1,800 lumens cannot emit, in its installed position, any direct light above a horizontal plane through the lowest direct-light-emitting part of the fixture, a full-cutoff standard aimed at keeping light aimed downward. but ran late. Temporary construction lighting may only be lit while work is actually occurring and must be removed once the work is finished or abandoned.
Laser-source light or similar high-intensity light projected above the horizontal plane for outdoor advertising or entertainment is prohibited outright, as is operating a searchlight for advertising purposes. Sources of 1,800 lumens or less, emergency and vehicle lighting, federally required hazard-warning luminaires, and fixtures on state- or National Park Service-designated historic structures where full shielding can't be achieved by other means are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Non-conforming outdoor lighting is enforced as a Land Development Regulations violation by Planning and Development. A confirmed violation triggers a Notice of Violation under § 93.02 giving 30 days to correct the fixture, redirect it, or shield it, or to submit a compliance schedule. If the owner does not comply, the county may issue a citation for a county infraction under § 93.03, carrying a civil penalty up to $750 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for each repeat offense, with an appeal available to the Board of Adjustment within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a lumen limit on outdoor lighting in unincorporated Story County?
Can a ballfield keep its lights on all night?
Are laser light shows or advertising searchlights allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Story County
Compare Story County to another location·View the Iowa outdoor lighting overview
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