Light Trespass: Duluth vs Snellville
How do light trespass rules compare between Duluth, GA and Snellville, GA?
Duluth and Snellville have similar restriction levels.
Duluth, GA
Gwinnett County
Duluth UDC prohibits exterior lighting that spills onto neighboring properties or creates glare visible from public streets. Neighbors may file code complaints; enforcement typically requires the owner to reaim, shield, or lower wattage of offending fixtures.
View full Duluth rules →Snellville, GA
Gwinnett County
Light spilling onto neighboring property in a manner that creates nuisance is prohibited under Snellville nuisance provisions. Common standard: direct illumination should not exceed 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines.
View full Snellville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Duluth | Snellville |
|---|---|---|
| Property Line Limit | 0.5 footcandles | - |
| Window Intrusion | Prohibited | - |
| Remedy | Shield, reaim, reduce wattage | - |
| Enforcement | Complaint-based | Complaint-driven |
| Standard | - | ~0.5 fc at property line |
| Authority | - | Nuisance provisions |
| Commercial | - | Shielding required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Duluth FAQ
What can I do about my Duluth neighbor's bright backyard light?
File a complaint with Duluth Code Enforcement. If the light exceeds 0.5 footcandles at your property line or shines into your windows, they will be required to shield, reaim, or reduce it.
What's the footcandle limit at a Duluth property line?
0.5 footcandles. Exceeding this at a residential property line constitutes light trespass under Duluth's nuisance and lighting provisions.
How does Duluth Code Enforcement measure light trespass?
Photometric readings are taken from the affected property line. Common fixes include shields, motion activation, and lower wattage bulbs.
Snellville FAQ
My neighbor's floodlight shines in my bedroom — what can I do?
File a complaint with Snellville code enforcement. Persistent, excessive light spill constitutes a nuisance that can be abated.
What is the light spill standard at a property line?
Direct illumination onto residential property lines should not exceed approximately 0.5 foot-candles.
Can I take a neighbor to court over light trespass?
Yes. Persistent violations may escalate to civil nuisance claims in Magistrate Court after code enforcement remedies.
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