Wichita, KS Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Fixture type
- Cut-off luminaires required
- Height cap
- Half distance to neighbor lot
- Near residential zoning
- 15 ft max within 200 ft
- Applies to
- Nonresidential development
- Enforced by
- Zoning Administrator
Summary
Wichita's zoning code requires outdoor lighting fixtures on nonresidential development to use cut-off luminaires, cap mounting height at half the distance to the neighboring lot, and stay under 15 feet within 200 feet of homes.
Outdoor lighting sources, including base or pedestal, pole and fixture, 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 to the satisfaction of the Zoning Administrator that the light source will be aimed or shielded such that the light source is not visible from the neighboring Lot. Lighting sources shall be limited to 15 feet in height within 200 feet of residential zoning Districts.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).
Full Breakdown
The Unified Zoning Code's screening and lighting standards (Sec. IV-B) protect residential districts from the visual impacts of nonresidential development. Outdoor light sources, base or pedestal, pole, and fixture, must employ cut-off luminaires to minimize light trespass and glare, and mounting height can't exceed one-half the horizontal distance to the neighboring lot. A fixture can exceed that height only if the Zoning Administrator is satisfied it's aimed or shielded so the light source itself isn't visible from the neighboring lot. Within 200 feet of any residential zoning district, fixtures are capped at 15 feet regardless.
Violations & Fines
Lighting that fails the cut-off or height standards is a zoning code violation the Zoning Administrator can enforce; under the Code's general enforcement provisions, each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply to my house's porch or yard lights?
What makes a light fixture compliant?
How tall can outdoor lights be near a residential district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita
Compare Wichita to another location·View the Kansas outdoor lighting overview
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