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Sedgwick County, KS Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

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

Key Facts

Code standard
UZC Sec. IV-B.4
Fixtures
Cut-off luminaries required
Aim/shield test
Not visible from neighbor lot
Mount height
Half distance to neighbor lot
Numeric foot-candle cap
None in residential context

Summary

Under Unified Zoning Code Sec. IV-B.4, outdoor lighting must use cut-off fixtures to minimize light trespass and glare, and must be aimed or shielded so the light source is not visible from a neighboring lot. Poles are capped at 15 feet near residential districts.

City-specific rules exist: Wichita has its own light trespass & shielding rules that differ from Sedgwick County's county-level regulations. If you live in Wichita, check the city-specific page instead.

Outdoor lighting sources ... shall employ cut-off luminaries to minimize light trespass and glare, and shall be mounted at a height not exceeding one-half the distance from the neighboring Lot, unless evidence is provided ... that the light source will be aimed or shielded such that the light source is not visible from the neighboring Lot.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 22 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Light-trespass complaints in unincorporated Sedgwick County are addressed through UZC Sec. IV-B.4 (Screening and Lighting). It requires that outdoor lighting employ cut-off luminaries to minimize light trespass and glare and be mounted no higher than one-half the distance from the neighboring lot, unless the applicant shows the Zoning Administrator that the light source is aimed or shielded so it is not visible from the neighboring lot. Lighting sources are limited to 15 feet in height within 200 feet of residential zoning districts, and lighted parking areas must meet the same standard. These provisions target spillover onto adjacent property.

Violations & Fines

Lighting that throws glare or is visible from a neighbor's lot without adequate shielding violates UZC Sec.

Frequently Asked Questions

My neighbor's floodlight shines into my yard. What does the code say?
UZC Sec. IV-B.4 requires outdoor lighting to use cut-off luminaries that minimize light trespass and glare and to be aimed or shielded so the light source is not visible from the neighboring lot. You can report spillover to county Code
Is there a foot-candle limit at the property line?
In the residential accessory context the code relies on shielding and glare-minimization rather than a numeric foot-candle cap. Lighting must be cut-off, downcast, and not visible from the neighboring lot under UZC Sec. IV-B.4.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sedgwick County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsBillboard LightingSome RestrictionsDark Sky RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome Restrictions

All Sedgwick County rules

Compare Sedgwick County to another location·View the Kansas outdoor lighting overview

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Light Trespass & Shielding in Cities Across Sedgwick County

Wichita, KS