Rockville, MD Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Light trespass in Rockville is regulated through both the zoning ordinance and general nuisance provisions of the City Code. For commercial and multifamily developments, the zoning code requires that exterior lighting not exceed 0.5 footcandles measured at the property line abutting residential zones. This standard is enforced through the site plan approval process and subsequent inspections. All new exterior fixtures in non-residential developments must be full-cutoff type to minimize off-site glare. For residential properties, light trespass is addressed as a nuisance under the property maintenance code. A neighbor whose outdoor lighting creates unreasonable illumination on an adjacent property may be cited after a complaint investigation by Code Enforcement. Unreasonable illumination is evaluated based on brightness, direction, duration, and impact on the complainant's use of their property. Enforcement typically begins with a written notice to redirect, shield, or reduce the offending light source within 30 days. Montgomery County's noise and nuisance framework supplements Rockville's standards in mixed-jurisdiction situations. Security lighting and motion-activated fixtures are permitted but must be aimed to illuminate only the owner's property. HOA communities often have stricter lighting controls in their recorded covenants. Contact Code Enforcement at 240-314-8530 to report light trespass concerns.