Springdale, AR Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- new commercial & multifamily construction only
- Standard
- no spillover glare beyond site boundary
- Enforcement
- planning site-plan review before building permit
- Max fine
- $1,000 per violation, $500/day continuing
Summary
In Springdale, Arkansas, new commercial and multifamily developments must design exterior lighting so it doesn't spill glare beyond the site's boundaries, protecting neighboring properties in Washington and Benton counties from light trespass.
A.Applicability. The requirements of this section shall be imposed for all new construction of commercial and multifamily developments. ... Other lights shall be designed to minimize spillover glare beyond the site boundaries.C.Interior lighting in parking garages shall utilize appropriate shielding to minimize spillover upon adjacent uses and the right-of-way.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 145).
Full Breakdown
Springdale's zoning ordinance requires exterior lighting on new commercial and multifamily projects to be designed so it doesn't spill glare beyond the site boundary: interior parking-garage lighting must be shielded the same way. The rule sits in Article 6's supplementary district regulations and is enforced through site-plan review before a building permit issues. It doesn't reach existing single-family homes; those are covered instead by a general nuisance-style standard barring lighting that disturbs a neighbor's peace. Violating the zoning ordinance carries a fine up to $1,000, or $500 per day for a continuing violation, under Article 10.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $1,000 per violation (double for repeats) or $500/day if continuing, per Springdale Code § 130 Art. 10; building permits can be withheld until lighting plans comply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply to single-family homes in Springdale?
What counts as light trespass under the ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springdale
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