Maricopa, AZ Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Shielding
- Fully or partially shielded, all exterior fixtures
- Height near residential
- 14 ft max within 100 ft
- Height elsewhere
- 25 ft max mounting height
- Metal halide security lights
- Fully shielded if used after 11 p.m.
- Enforced by
- Zoning administrator, MCC Title 18
Summary
Maricopa requires exterior fixtures, including security lights, to be fully or partially shielded so rays stay on-site, and caps pole-mounted security lighting at 14 feet near residential zones, 25 feet elsewhere.
B. Shielding and Filtering. All lighting shall be designed to confine direct rays to the premises or onto adjacent public rights-of-way. 1. Shielding. All exterior illuminating devices, except those exempted from this chapter, shall be fully or partially shielded.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-10, passed April 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under MCC § 18.95.020(B), every outdoor illuminating device except exempted fixtures must be fully or partially shielded so light is confined to the premises or adjacent right-of-way; a table sets shielding and filtering requirements by lamp type. MCC § 18.95.030(B) adds that parking lot and pole-mounted security lighting may not exceed 14 feet in mounting height within 100 feet of a residential district or land planned for residential use, and 25 feet everywhere else. Metal halide security lighting used after 11:00 p.m. must be fully shielded and in enclosed luminaires.
Violations & Fines
Unshielded or over-height security fixtures are caught at site plan review and by code compliance staff; the zoning administrator can require retrofitting, re-aiming, or shield installation before an occupancy or lighting permit is finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maricopa require security lights to be shielded?
How tall can a security light pole be near a house?
Can I use metal halide lights for security at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maricopa
Compare Maricopa to another location·View the Arizona outdoor lighting overview
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