Chattanooga, TN Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Default rule
- 1 fc max, full-cutoff design
- Sensor exception
- must extinguish within 15 min
- Applies to
- motion-activated security fixtures
Summary
Security lighting in Chattanooga must meet the one-footcandle, full-cutoff standard unless it runs on a motion vacancy sensor that shuts off within 15 minutes.
Exceptions to Lighting Standards .....(1)Luminaires used for public roadway illumination or installed by a utility to light public rights-of-way are exempt from the requirements of this Code. .....(2)All temporary emergency lighting required by public safety agencies, other emergency services, or construction are exempt from the requirements of this Code. .....(3)Shielded, directional accent lighting, or uplighting is permitted but must be aimed at a building facade, sign, or accent feature, such as landscape, and directed so that glare is not visible from adjacent properties. However, such lighting must not exceed one footcandle at any lot line. .....(4)Security lighting installed with a motion vacancy sensor, which extinguishes the lights within 15 minutes after the area is vacated.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Security lighting is not given a blanket exemption from Chattanooga's exterior lighting controls: it must be a full-cutoff luminaire and stay at or below one footcandle at the lot line like any other fixture, unless it qualifies for the motion-sensor exception: security lighting installed with a motion vacancy sensor that extinguishes the light within 15 minutes after the area is vacated is exempt from the standard lighting requirements.
Violations & Fines
Non-exempt fixtures exceeding the footcandle cap or lacking full-cutoff shielding can be ordered corrected by Code Enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a motion-sensor security light have to follow Chattanooga's lighting caps?
What if my security light stays on all night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
Compare Chattanooga to another location·View the Tennessee outdoor lighting overview
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