Chatham County, GA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Countywide dark-sky rule
- None (coastal turtle rule instead)
- Tybee citation
- Land Dev. Code Sec. 3-230
- Nesting season
- May 1 - October 31
- Requirement
- Shield or turn off beach-visible lights
- Applies to
- New and existing development
Summary
Chatham County has no countywide dark-sky ordinance, but Tybee Island enforces a sea-turtle lighting rule (Land Development Code Sec. 3-230). From May 1 to October 31, beach-visible lights must be shielded so they do not illuminate the beach, or be turned off from sunset to sunrise.
Lights illuminating structures and grounds shall be shielded or screened so that they do not illuminate the beach and the point source of light is not visible from the beach, or they shall be turned off from sunset to sunrise during the period of May 1 through October 31 of each year.
Full Breakdown
The distinctive outdoor-lighting rule on the Chatham coast protects nesting sea turtles. Tybee Island's Land Development Code Sec. 3-230 (Sea Turtle Nesting Protection) states the beaches serve as a prime nesting site and that artificial lighting discourages nesting females and disorients hatchlings during nesting season, May 1 through October 31 each year. For both new and existing development, lights that illuminate structures and grounds must be shielded or screened so they do not illuminate the beach and the point source of light is not visible from the beach, or be turned off from sunset to sunrise during that period. Floodlights and pole lights must be shielded and aimed away from the beach.
Violations & Fines
Beachfront lighting that violates Tybee Island Sec. 3-230 is enforced by the city, which can require fixtures to be shielded, redirected, or turned off during nesting season, with citations for continued non-compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there dark-sky lighting rules in Chatham County?
What lighting is required near Tybee's beach in summer?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chatham County
Compare Chatham County to another location·View the Georgia outdoor lighting overview
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