Showing ordinances that apply to Drexel Heights, AZ
Drexel Heights is an unincorporated community (population 27,523) in Pima County, Arizona. Because Drexel Heights is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Pima County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The light trespass rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Pima County Outdoor Lighting Code prohibits light trespass from outdoor fixtures onto adjacent properties. All fixtures must be fully shielded and directed downward to prevent spill onto neighboring parcels. Complaints about light trespass are handled through county code enforcement with particular rigor near the Kitt Peak Observatory buffer zone.
The Pima County Outdoor Lighting Code (Chapter 18.81) addresses light trespass as part of its comprehensive dark-sky protection framework. All outdoor luminaires must be fully shielded (full-cutoff design) to prevent light from spilling above the horizontal plane or onto adjacent properties. The code limits the amount of light measured at the property line -- in residential zones, light trespass at the property boundary must not exceed 0.5 footcandles. Fixtures must be aimed and positioned so the primary cone of light falls entirely within the property boundary. Floodlights, security lights, and landscape lighting must be adjustable and aimed downward. Glare from commercial properties (parking lots, signage, building facades) onto residential properties is a common enforcement target. The code applies to all new installations and requires compliance when existing fixtures are replaced. Near Kitt Peak (Zone A), enforcement is especially rigorous and even minor trespass triggers rapid response. Residents may file light trespass complaints with Pima County Code Enforcement. The county may require photometric studies for commercial developments to verify compliance.
Light trespass complaints result in inspection and a notice of violation with a 30-day compliance window. Non-compliant fixtures must be replaced, re-aimed, or shielded. Failure to comply may result in fines and escalated enforcement. Commercial properties may have occupancy permits affected until lighting is corrected.
See how Drexel Heights's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.