Exterior lighting and light trespass in Montgomery County, MD
On-site lighting must measure 0.5 footcandles or less at the lot line, with full or partial cutoff fixtures.
A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Montgomery County before you build.
The details
- Freestanding fixtures within 35 ft of a detached house's lot line may be up to 15 ft tall.Medium confidence
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SetbackIQ reads the zoning, flood zone, historic district, and environmental maps for your lot. Then it applies these rules.
Common questions
- How bright can outdoor lights be, and can they shine on a neighbor in Montgomery County?
- On-site lighting must measure 0.5 footcandles or less at the lot line, with full or partial cutoff fixtures.
Sources
- Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 59), Articles 59-3, 59-4 and 59-6 (Zoneomics copy of the official American Legal text). Checked 2026-10-21
[6.4.3.C] Fences, walls and other visual obstructions [on corner lots in Residential zones] are limited to 3 feet above curb level for 15 feet from the intersection of the front and side street lines... [4.1.7.B.5] Residential mechanical equipment, includin…
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.