Light Trespass: Colorado Springs vs Manitou Springs
How do light trespass rules compare between Colorado Springs, CO and Manitou Springs, CO?
Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs have similar restriction levels.
Colorado Springs, CO
El Paso County
Colorado Springs regulates light trespass through its outdoor lighting standards and nuisance provisions. Outdoor lighting on commercial and multi-family properties must be directed downward and shielded to prevent light spillover onto adjacent properties. Residential light trespass complaints can be addressed as nuisance violations when lighting unreasonably interferes with a neighbor's use and enjoyment of their property. The city's code enforcement division handles complaints about excessive or misdirected lighting from neighboring properties.
View full Colorado Springs rules →Manitou Springs, CO
El Paso County
Colorado Springs prohibits light trespass under CSCC §7.3.701 — exterior lighting cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines or 1.0 fc at commercial. Security lights must be aimed and shielded. Complaint-driven enforcement through Code Enforcement. Manitou Springs adds historic-district aesthetic standards.
View full Manitou Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Colorado Springs | Manitou Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial/MF | Must shield and direct light downward | - |
| Residential | Addressed through nuisance provisions | - |
| Complaints | Code enforcement handles light trespass reports | - |
| Standard | Cannot unreasonably interfere with neighbor's property | - |
| Remedy | Shield or redirect offending fixtures | - |
| Residential Limit | - | 0.5 fc at property line |
| Commercial | - | 1.0 fc maximum |
| Security Lights | - | Aimed and shielded |
| Holiday Exempt | - | Nov 15-Jan 15 |
| Enforcement | - | Complaint-driven |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Colorado Springs FAQ
What can I do about my neighbor's bright lights in Colorado Springs?
You can file a code enforcement complaint if outdoor lighting unreasonably interferes with your use and enjoyment of your property. The city can require the neighbor to shield or redirect their lighting fixtures.
Are there specific foot-candle limits at property lines?
The UDC sets lighting standards for commercial and multi-family projects. Residential light trespass is generally addressed on a case-by-case basis through nuisance provisions rather than specific foot-candle thresholds.
Manitou Springs FAQ
My neighbor's security floodlight shines in my bedroom. What can I do?
File a complaint with Colorado Springs Code Enforcement (citizenconnect.coloradosprings.gov). They measure light levels at your property line. If levels exceed 0.5 fc, your neighbor gets a 30-day correction notice with $100-$300 monthly fines thereafter.
Are holiday lights really exempt?
Yes — temporary decorative lighting is exempt November 15 through January 15 under CSCC §7.3.701. Outside that window, string lights and decorative installations must meet the normal light-trespass standards.
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