Sterling Heights, MI Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- General/driveway cap
- 3 footcandles
- Parking lot cap
- 5 footcandles
- Building entrance cap
- 10 footcandles
- Dealership/canopy cap
- 25 footcandles
- Approval needed
- photometric lighting plan required
Summary
Sterling Heights caps how much light a site can throw, from 2 footcandles in security areas up to 30 near auto-dealer lots, to curb glare and light pollution under the zoning lighting rules.
D. Permitted light intensity. Maximum average lighting intensity on any particular part of the site shall not exceed the standards set forth below: ... General 3 ... Driveways 3 ... Walkways 5 ... Building Entrances 10 ... Parking Lots 5 ... Display Areas of Vehicle Dealerships 25 ... Pump Canopy Areas of Gasoline Stations 25
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-46: Local legislation current through Ord. 509, passed 5-19-26).
Full Breakdown
Zoning Ordinance § 24.06.D limits maximum average lighting intensity by site-area type, measured in initial footcandles at ground level: general areas and driveways cap at 3, walkways at 5, parking lots at 5, building entrances at 10, and vehicle-dealership display or gas-station canopy areas top out at 25. The section's stated intent (§24.06.A) is to curb glare, sky glow and light pollution while still lighting parking areas, walkways and entrances for safety. Any exterior lighting addition requires a lighting plan under § 24.06.K showing a photometric grid so the Planning Department can confirm compliance before installation.
Violations & Fines
Lighting that exceeds the footcandle caps, or is installed without an approved lighting plan, can be rejected at site plan review or ordered corrected by the Planning Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a limit on how bright outdoor lighting can be in Sterling Heights?
Do I need city approval before adding exterior lighting?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sterling Heights
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