Arizona Dark Sky Rules Law: Statewide Outdoor Lighting Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: ARS 49-1101 to 49-1105
Banned fixtures: Unshielded mercury vapor
Special counties: Pima, Cochise, others
Purpose: Protect dark skies, observatories
Enforcement: State and local

Full Breakdown

ARS 49-1101 through 49-1105, the Outdoor Light Control Act, restricts outdoor lighting types and fixture designs across Arizona. The statute prohibits the sale or installation of unshielded outdoor mercury vapor luminaires and regulates other lamp types to reduce light pollution. Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, Gila, Graham, and Maricopa counties have additional restrictions because of nearby observatories such as Kitt Peak and Mount Graham. State-permitted exemptions include public safety, emergency, and certain commercial signage uses. Cities and counties enforce the act in coordination with state law.

Violations & Penalties

Violations can result in civil penalties; non-compliant fixtures must be replaced or shielded, and sellers may face penalties for distributing prohibited luminaires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arizona have a statewide dark sky law?

Yes. ARS 49-1101 et seq. is the Outdoor Light Control Act, restricting unshielded outdoor lighting and certain lamp types statewide, with stricter rules near observatories.

Which Arizona counties have stricter lighting rules?

Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, Gila, Graham, and Maricopa counties have enhanced outdoor lighting restrictions to protect nearby astronomical observatories from light pollution.

Are residential porch lights regulated?

Most low-wattage residential fixtures are unaffected, but unshielded high-output outdoor lighting may need to be replaced or shielded under state and local rules.

Arizona Statewide Outdoor Light Control Act

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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