Fort Smith, AR Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governs
- Residential zones and street rights-of-way
- Fix required
- Dim, shield, or redirect the light
- Enforced by
- City building official
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 first offense
Summary
Fort Smith prohibits property owners and occupants from letting exterior lighting cast glare onto neighboring residential lots, residentially developed property, or adjacent street rights-of-way, with correction required through lower intensity, shielding, or directional fixtures.
It shall be unlawful for either the owner or occupant of a building structure or property to permit either primary or secondary glare (both direct and reflective) for viewers on other properties in any residential zoning district, residentially developed property or on adjacent street rights-of-way. Glare shall be corrected or avoided by reducing the intensity of the light source and/or by the use of directional lighting or shading devices.(c)Exemptions. The following conditions are exempted from the standards set forth in subsection (b) of this section:(1)Welding, new construction, and repairs of facilities.(2)All lighting required by state and/or federal agencies.(3)Lighting used solely during an emergency.(4)Temporary seasonal displays using multiple low-wattage bulbs, provided that they do not constitute a fire hazard or create a nuisance, and are maintained in a safe condition. (Code 1992, § 16-77; Ord. No. 78-11, § 1, 10-4-2011)
Secs. 16-78—16-85. - Reserved.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 16-77 defines light trespass as light from a fixture that crosses the property line and produces glare, and bars both direct and reflected glare reaching viewers on other properties in any residential zoning district, residentially developed property, or adjacent street rights-of-way. Owners must correct the problem by reducing the light's intensity or adding directional lighting or shading devices. Exemptions cover welding/construction lighting, lighting required by state or federal agencies, emergency lighting, and temporary seasonal displays with low-wattage bulbs. The section sits in the unsafe-structures article, enforced by the building official.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Article III (which includes § 16-77) are misdemeanors under § 16-74, punishable per the Code's general penalty schedule in § 1-9: up to $1,000 for a first offense, $2,000 for a second, $4,000 thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Smith regulate light trespass from neighboring properties?
What counts as glare under the ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Smith
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