Anne Arundel County, MD Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Nonresidential setback
- 25 feet from residential boundary
- Residential fixtures
- Must aim down, away from neighbors
- Security lighting
- Motion sensing required
- Exempt
- Public street/right-of-way fixtures
- Enforced by
- Office of Planning and Zoning
Summary
Anne Arundel County requires outdoor lights near residential districts to be set back or shielded, with a 25-foot buffer for nonresidential fixtures and downward-directed, motion-sensing lights on residential lots.
Outdoor light fixtures in nonresidential zoning districts shall be located at least 25 feet from the boundary of any residential district... Outdoor light fixtures installed on a residentially zoned lot shall be: (1) arranged to direct the light down towards the property on which the light fixture is located and away from adjoining residential lots or aimed to confine the light to an object, such as a flag or landscaping; and (2) installed using motion sensing if used for security purposes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under County Code § 18-3-201, outdoor light fixtures in nonresidential zoning districts must sit at least 25 feet from any residential district boundary, though the Office of Planning and Zoning can approve a lesser setback if an application shows the fixture won't cause offsite glare. On residentially zoned lots, fixtures must aim light down and away from neighboring residential lots (or be confined to an object like a flag), and any security lighting must use motion sensors rather than staying on continuously. The rule applies countywide, including unincorporated communities like Glen Burnie and Severna Park, but not to fixtures on public streets or rights-of-way. Annapolis and Highland Beach, both separately incorporated, set their own lighting rules.
Violations & Fines
The Office of Planning and Zoning enforces setback and shielding compliance through the permitting and zoning review process; noncompliant fixtures can be cited as zoning violations and ordered relocated, shielded, or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my outdoor security light shine onto my neighbor's yard in Anne Arundel County?
Does Glen Burnie have its own outdoor lighting rules?
Do I need motion sensors on residential security lights?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland outdoor lighting overview
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