How Coral Springs Handles Outdoor Lighting: A Practical Guide

Coral Springs maintains 106 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with outdoor lighting. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Coral Springs falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Light Trespass

Coral Springs limits light trespass from commercial and multifamily properties to 1.0 foot-candle at the property line under the Land Development Code. Residential light trespass complaints are handled as nuisance violations under Chapter 11 of the Code of Ordinances. The Code Compliance Division investigates complaints on a case-by-case basis.

Key details: Commercial Limit: 1.0 foot-candle at property line. Residential Standard: Nuisance basis (Ch. 11). Fixture Requirement: Full-cutoff (commercial/MF). Security Lighting: Must face owner's property. Complaints: Code Compliance (954) 344-5964.

Commercial/multifamily properties exceeding 1.0 foot-candle at the property line are cited through code compliance. Residential light nuisance complaints may result in a notice of violation under Chapter 11 if the lighting is found to constitute an unreasonable disturbance.

Dark Sky Rules

Coral Springs regulates exterior lighting through the Land Development Code, which requires shielded fixtures and cutoff luminaires to prevent glare and light pollution. While the city does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance, lighting standards in the zoning code and site plan review process require that all non-residential outdoor fixtures be full-cutoff type and that illumination not exceed 1.0 foot-candle at the property line.

Key details: Code: LDC Ch. 25, §250130. Fixture Type: Full-cutoff required (commercial). Property Line Limit: 1.0 foot-candle max. Residential: Nuisance standard (Ch. 11). Dark Sky Ordinance: None — standards via LDC.

Non-compliant commercial or multifamily lighting is cited during site plan review or through Code Compliance. Residential light nuisance complaints are addressed under Chapter 11 nuisance provisions. Fines under Section 1-8.1 may apply.

The Bottom Line

Coral Springs's outdoor lighting rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Coral Springs is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Coral Springs can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.