Tulsa, OK Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Effective date
- January 1, 2016
- Shielding cutoff
- 2.5% light above 90° nadir
- Spillover cap
- 0.5–3.0 foot-candles at lot line
- Max fixture height
- 16–35 ft by distance
- Max penalty
- $1,200 fine, 6 months jail
Summary
Tulsa's zoning code requires outdoor fixtures installed since 2016 to be shielded with cutoffs limiting glare, caps light spillover onto neighboring lots at 0.5 to 3.0 foot-candles, and sets maximum fixture heights up to 35 feet based on distance from residential land.
Light-producing elements must be concealed or shielded with cutoffs so that no more than two and one-half (2.5) percent of the light emitted directly from the lamp or indirectly from the fixture is projected at an angle of more than ninety (90) degrees above nadir and no more than ten (10) percent of the light emitted directly from the lamp or indirectly from the fixture is projected at an angle of more than eighty (80) degrees above nadir.
Figure 67-1: Required Shielding Figure 67-1: Required Shielding
C.Spillover light. Light trespass along the lot line of the subject property may not exceed 0.5 foot-candles when abutting an agricultural, agricultural-residential or residential zoning district and may not exceed 3.0 foot-candles when abutting any other zoning district or public right-of-way. Maximum illumination levels are measured three (3) feet above grade or from the top of any opaque screening fence or wall along the property line. (Ord. No. 24382, § 15, 6-10-2020)
Full Breakdown
Title 42, Chapter 67 of the Tulsa Zoning Code governs outdoor lighting installed after the code's January 1, 2016 effective date. Fixtures must be shielded so no more than 2.5 percent of emitted light escapes above 90 degrees from nadir and no more than 10 percent escapes above 80 degrees (Section 67.030.B.2). Light trespass measured at the property line is capped at 0.5 foot-candles where the site abuts an agricultural or residential district and 3.0 foot-candles elsewhere (Section 67.030.C). Site plans must include a lighting plan, and fixture heights are capped from 16 feet near residential or AG land up to 35 feet when more than 250 feet away (Section 67.040). Small residential lots, government flag spotlighting, and sports/recreation lighting are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Violating any zoning code provision, including Chapter 67's lighting standards, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,200 fine and six months in jail; the development administrator can also withhold permits or issue stop-work orders (Section 85.040.A).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tulsa require shielded outdoor lighting?
Are all Tulsa properties covered by the lighting rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tulsa
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Dark Sky Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle dark sky rules.