Outdoor Lighting in Arkansas (2026)
11 rules on the books across Arkansas, 6 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Dark Sky Rules
Ordinances designed to reduce light pollution, including requirements for shielded fixtures, limits on brightness, and curfews for decorative lighting.
Benton County
Some RestrictionsEvery exterior light fixture on a Benton County site plan must be a full cutoff fixture, meaning no light shines above…
Read full rule →Fayetteville
Some RestrictionsFayetteville's outdoor lighting ordinance, UDC Chapter 176, requires most outdoor fixtures to be hooded, shielded, and…
Read full rule →Fort Smith
Some RestrictionsFort Smith caps outdoor light trespass at 0.1 foot-candles onto residentially zoned property and requires shielded…
Read full rule →Little Rock
Some RestrictionsGranite Mountain Corridor development in Little Rock must submit a lighting plan reviewed under dark-sky principles…
Read full rule →Light Trespass & Shielding
Rules preventing outdoor lights from shining onto neighboring homes, shielding and full-cutoff fixture requirements, aiming standards, and footcandle caps at the property line.
Benton County
Some RestrictionsBenton County's performance standards forbid any development from letting excessive light or glare, including pulsing…
Read full rule →Fayetteville
Some RestrictionsFayetteville's lighting ordinance requires all direct illumination from a regulated fixture to stay within the owner's…
Read full rule →Fort Smith
Some RestrictionsFort Smith prohibits property owners and occupants from letting exterior lighting cast glare onto neighboring…
Read full rule →Jonesboro
Some RestrictionsJonesboro requires that any illuminated sign or light source be shaded, shielded or directed so its brightness never…
Read full rule →Springdale
Some RestrictionsIn Springdale, Arkansas, new commercial and multifamily developments must design exterior lighting so it doesn't spill…
Read full rule →Little Rock
Light RestrictionsCity zoning code requires lighting on office and commercial properties to be aimed away from neighboring residential…
Read full rule →Billboard Lighting
Lighting standards for outdoor advertising, luminance limits, dwell time, sky-glow mitigation, and curfew hours after which billboards must dim or shut off.