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.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County Code §31-14 prohibits parking heavy commercial vehicles (over 10,000 lbs, 21+ ft, 8+ ft high) on public residential roadways. One light com...
Montgomery County, MD
Abandoned vehicles in Montgomery County are subject to state and county law. MD Transportation Code §25-201+ defines abandonment; county can tag and tow vehi...
Montgomery County, MD
Maryland has no shared fence cost statute. Each owner responsible for their own fence. Spite fence provision under MD RP Art. §14-120.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential zones under Ch 59. HOAs commonly restrict chain-link fencing. Approve...
Montgomery County, MD
Maryland’s Tracey’s Law (2014) treats all dog breeds equally under negligence standard. No breed-specific strict liability. Dangerous dogs behavior-based.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. Rabies vaccination required statewide. MD Criminal Law §10-619 covers...
See how Montgomery County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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