Light Trespass: Duluth vs Suwanee
How do light trespass rules compare between Duluth, GA and Suwanee, GA?
Duluth and Suwanee 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 →Suwanee, GA
Gwinnett County
Suwanee UDC prohibits light trespass onto adjacent properties. Light intensity at residential property lines limited to 0.1–0.5 foot-candles (varies by zone). Enforced by Code Enforcement as nuisance complaint.
View full Suwanee rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Duluth | Suwanee |
|---|---|---|
| Property Line Limit | 0.5 footcandles | - |
| Window Intrusion | Prohibited | - |
| Remedy | Shield, reaim, reduce wattage | - |
| Enforcement | Complaint-based | Code Enforcement |
| Residential Limit | - | 0.1 fc at line |
| Commercial/Res | - | 0.5 fc at line |
| Complaint Line | - | 678-546-2126 |
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.
Suwanee FAQ
My neighbor's floodlight shines in my window. Is that legal?
No. Light trespass exceeding 0.1 foot-candles at your property line violates Suwanee UDC. File a complaint with Code Enforcement.
How is light trespass measured in Suwanee?
A Code Enforcement officer uses a calibrated light meter at the complainant's property line to measure foot-candle levels against the UDC standard.
What are the fines for repeated light trespass in Suwanee?
Chronic violators face progressive daily fines. Call Code Enforcement at 678-546-2126 to file a complaint and trigger measurement.
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