Fargo, ND Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Light limit
- 0.4 foot-candles at residential lot line
- Applies to
- multi-dwelling & nonresidential within 150 ft
- Protected zones
- SR, MR, MHP residential districts
- Waiver authority
- City Planner, appealable to Planning Commission
Summary
Fargo's Land Development Code limits how much light new multi-dwelling and nonresidential projects can cast onto adjacent single-family, multi-family, or manufactured home park zoned lots, capping spillover at 0.4 foot-candles measured just inside the residential lot line.
All lights used by development that is subject to Residential Protection Standards must be arranged and controlled so as to deflect light away from any SR-, MR-, or MHP-zoned property. Any light or combination of lights that cast light on any SR-, MR-, or MHP-zoned lot may not exceed 0.4 foot-candles (meter reading), as measured one foot inside the lot line of an SR-, MR-, or MHP-zoned lot.H.Odor [1] [7] No use that is subject to Residential Protection Standards may be operated in a manner that causes odors that are detectable after the air has been diluted with 4 or more volumes of odor-free air, as measured within the lot lines of an SR-, MR-, or MHP-zoned lot. No violation of this odor standard will be deemed to have occurred if the person or business causing the emission of odorous air contaminants is employing the best available treatment, maintenance, and odor emission control techniques currently available.I.Waivers
Full Breakdown
Under the Residential Protection Standards, all lighting on a multi-dwelling or nonresidential site within 150 feet of an SR, MR, or MHP zoning district must be arranged and controlled to deflect light away from that residential property. City code sets a hard ceiling: light cast onto the residential lot can't exceed 0.4 foot-candles, measured with a meter one foot inside the residential lot line. The City Planner reviews compliance during site plan approval and can waive the standard only after written findings that a waiver won't harm the surrounding neighborhood, with notice mailed to nearby property owners.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant lighting is a site-plan violation enforced by the City Planner and Zoning Administrator; developers must correct fixture aim or shielding, and unresolved violations can hold up occupancy or building permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to every house's porch light?
How is the 0.4 foot-candle limit measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota outdoor lighting overview
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