Lighting Permit Guide

Pickleball Court Lighting: Permits and Requirements

Adding lights to your backyard pickleball court for evening play requires an electrical permit and may trigger height, light trespass, and HOA restrictions.

Updated May 2026
Lights Always Require an Electrical Permit Any new outdoor electrical circuit requires an electrical permit — separate from the building permit for the court slab. Your electrician typically pulls this permit.

What a Lighting Permit Covers

An electrical permit for court lighting authorizes installation of new circuits from your panel to outdoor fixtures. It triggers inspection by a licensed electrical inspector verifying wiring, conduit, GFCI protection, and fixture mounting per the National Electrical Code.

Additional Restrictions to Check

  • Height limits: Many residential zones limit outdoor light poles to 20–25 feet. Court poles are typically 20–30 feet — verify your city's residential limit.
  • Light trespass rules: Full-cutoff fixtures that direct light downward only are typically required to prevent spill onto neighboring properties.
  • Curfew requirements: Some cities require outdoor lights to be off by 10 PM or 11 PM in residential zones.
  • HOA restrictions: Many HOAs prohibit court lighting or restrict hours to 9 PM. Check your CC&Rs before planning a lighting installation.
  • Dark sky ordinances: Some municipalities in the Southwest and rural West restrict outdoor lighting. Fixture type and aiming may be regulated.

Typical Cost and Timeline

A residential court lighting installation (two to four poles, four to eight fixtures) typically costs $4,000–$12,000. The electrical permit adds $100–$400 and 1–3 weeks for inspection scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Any new outdoor electrical circuit requires an electrical permit regardless of fixture type. Unpermitted electrical work can void homeowners insurance and create liability issues.
Portable battery-powered LED light strings or temporary event lighting don't require a permit (no permanent wiring) and many HOAs allow temporary lighting that is removed after use. Quality temporary LED court lighting ranges from $500 to $2,000. Confirm your HOA's rules before purchasing.
Disclaimer This page provides general informational guidance only. Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. Always verify with your local planning and building department.