Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro, TN Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Illumination limit
0.5 foot-candle beyond property line
Fixture beam cutoff
35 degrees off vertical
Reviewed at
site plan / building permit stage
Penalty
misdemeanor, up to $50/day
Governing section
Appendix A - Zoning, § 18(G)

Summary

Murfreesboro's zoning code caps outdoor lighting spillover: fixtures must be shielded, angled no more than 35 degrees off vertical, and illumination can't exceed one-half foot-candle beyond the property line, under Appendix A - Zoning, Section 18(G).

All lighting fixtures shall be shielded to prevent glare. Light shall not be distributed beyond an angle of thirty-five (35°) degrees from a vertical plane onto surrounding properties. Lighting shall be designed so that illumination does not exceed one-half (1/2) foot candle beyond the property line. All lighting shall have the intensities and uniformity ratio consistent with the Lighting Handbook of the Illuminations Engineering Society of North America (IESNA).

Source: Murfreesboro Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Section 18(G) of Murfreesboro's zoning code (Appendix A) folds site lighting into every development's site plan review. Fixtures must be shielded to prevent glare, with light barred from crossing more than 35 degrees off vertical onto surrounding properties, and illumination capped at one-half foot-candle beyond the property line, matching the IESNA Lighting Handbook's intensity and uniformity standards. Preliminary lighting plans go to the Planning Commission at site plan review, with complete plans and fixture schedules due at building permit application. No glare may project into the public right-of-way, and shoebox-style fixtures on poles sixteen feet or shorter are barred outright.

Violations & Fines

Violating the zoning code, including noncompliant site lighting, is a misdemeanor under Section 29: a fine of up to $50, with each day of continued violation a separate offense, plus the City may sue to abate the violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Murfreesboro regulate light spilling onto a neighbor's property?
Yes. Section 18(G) of the zoning code requires shielded fixtures and caps illumination at one-half foot-candle beyond the property line, checked during site plan and building permit review.
What happens if a property's lighting exceeds the limit?
It's a zoning violation under Section 29: a misdemeanor punishable by up to $50 per day, and the City can seek a court order to force compliance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Murfreesboro

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDark Sky RulesSome RestrictionsBillboard LightingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Murfreesboro rules

Compare Murfreesboro to another location·View the Tennessee outdoor lighting overview

Get notified when Light Trespass & Shielding in Murfreesboro, TN changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.