Gordon County, GA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Section 4.03.05 of the Unified Land Development Code covers Farmers Markets and other outside and seasonal sales facilities. They are permissible in the A-1 zoning district subject to the standards of the district, and in the RA-1, C-G, C-H and I-1 districts subject to the district standards plus this section. The Table 4.03.05(D) row on exterior lighting is the light trespass rule: no exterior lighting shall shine or cause glare on any abutting property. The row sets no foot-candle figure. Its test is shining or glare on the abutting parcel.

The same table sets the surrounding site conditions. One parking space is required for every 200 square feet of sales area, spaces must be separate from the sales area and out of the right-of-way, and parking areas need a paved, graveled or other dust-free surface. Patron areas need an all-weather surface such as grass, hay, mulch, sand or sawdust, and sanitary facilities must be consistent with State law. Tents and canopies must comply with the International Building Code and any national, state or local fire code, sit at least five feet from any curb, sidewalk, crosswalk or fire hydrant, and keep entrances and exits clear.

Other use-specific tables in the Code use their own wording. The vehicle sales table requires exterior lighting to be directed or shielded to avoid illumination of adjacent properties, the vehicle repair table requires it directed and shielded to the same end, and the self-service storage table requires outdoor lighting shielded and directed to avoid direct illumination of adjacent residential properties, as measured at the property line. The outdoor recreation and motorsport race track tables repeat the no-glare sentence. Section 4.07.01 also lists reducing the glare of headlights and reflected sunlight onto adjacent properties among the purposes of the landscaping rules.