Jonesboro, AR Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Sec. 117-290(b), the general sign standards' illumination provision, requires that light from any illuminated sign or light source be shaded, shielded, or directed so that its intensity or brightness does not adversely affect surrounding or facing residential districts, and does not adversely affect the safe vision and operation of vehicles on public or private roads, highways or parking areas. The section goes further than a general nuisance standard: it states plainly that light shall not directly shine or reflect on or into residential structures, which functions as the city's core light-trespass rule for sign lighting.

This illumination standard is cross-referenced against the outdoor lighting provisions covering signs on awnings, canopies, fascia or marquees in subsection (f) of the same section, so a sign mounted on those features has to satisfy both the shading/shielding rule and the awning-specific area calculations. Because Sec. 117-290 sits in Chapter 117's sign article, compliance is checked at the zoning-certificate stage for any illuminated sign, and the city can require shielding, aiming adjustments or dimming to bring a nonconforming installation into compliance with the residential-protection standard.