Light Trespass: Alpharetta vs Sandy Springs
How do light trespass rules compare between Alpharetta, GA and Sandy Springs, GA?
Alpharetta and Sandy Springs have similar restriction levels.
Alpharetta, GA
Fulton County
Light trespass complaints in Fulton County are handled under the general nuisance authority of Code §46-137. Atlanta Code §74-133 includes lighting as a regulated nuisance.
View full Alpharetta rules →Sandy Springs, GA
Fulton County
Sandy Springs prohibits outdoor lighting that causes unreasonable glare or illumination on neighboring properties. Light trespass complaints are handled through code enforcement.
View full Sandy Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Alpharetta | Sandy Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Code | §46-137 (general) | - |
| Commercial fc limit | 0.5–1.0 at boundary | - |
| Test | Reasonable-person standard | - |
| Property Line | - | 0.5 to 1.0 fc maximum |
| Security Lights | - | Must be aimed/shielded |
| Enforcement | - | Complaint-driven |
| Topic | - | Light Trespass |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Alpharetta FAQ
My neighbor's floodlight wakes me up — what can I do?
File a §46-137 nuisance complaint with code enforcement.
Are motion-activated lights OK?
Yes, if they don't continuously trespass into neighboring sleeping areas.
Sandy Springs FAQ
My neighbor's floodlight shines into my bedroom. What can I do?
File a light trespass complaint with Sandy Springs code enforcement. Most codes require lights to be shielded and aimed so they don't illuminate neighboring properties.
Are holiday lights exempt from light trespass rules?
Temporary holiday displays are often exempt during the holiday season, typically November through January. However, they still cannot create a safety hazard.
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