Overland Park has no specific ordinance limiting residential holiday-light displays at single-family or two-family homes. Decorative lights generally fall outside the UDO 18.440 sign-code definition. General rules apply: light trespass and nuisance under OPMC Title 7, electrical safety under the City-adopted 2018 IRC and NEC, and HOA covenants under KSA 58-3801 et seq. for the many covenant-restricted Overland Park subdivisions.
The City of Overland Park does not regulate residential holiday-light displays through a dedicated ordinance. The UDO sign code (Chapter 18.440) targets signs — visual communications conveying commercial or directional messages — and does not extend to decorative lighting that does not convey a message. Christmas/holiday lights, Halloween lights, and similar decorative residential displays are generally not regulated by city ordinance. Applicable general rules: (1) Light trespass and nuisance: OPMC Title 7 (Health and Sanitation) nuisance provisions, administered by the Community Services Division (913-895-6270), provide recourse if lighting causes substantial interference with neighbors — typically extreme cases involving intense floodlighting directed into bedroom windows. Ordinary decorative strands rarely trigger enforcement. (2) Electrical safety: outdoor lighting and extension cords must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted through the City's 2018 IRC; outdoor circuits require GFCI protection, only outdoor-rated extension cords may be used outside, and circuits must not be overloaded. Improper installation causing a fire may trigger Overland Park Fire Marshal investigation. (3) HOA restrictions: many Overland Park subdivisions (Blue Valley, Nottingham By The Green, Hallbrook, etc.) have CC&Rs limiting display duration, intensity, or installation/removal dates; enforced privately under KSA 58-3801 et seq. (the Kansas Uniform Common Interest Owners Bill of Rights Act). (4) Right-of-way: lights, cords, or decorations may not encroach into the public sidewalk or street right-of-way. (5) First Amendment: religious and political messaging on yard signs receives constitutional protection that overrides most municipal sign restrictions subject to reasonable time/place/manner limits.
No specific city enforcement of holiday-light displays at single-family homes. Light-trespass complaints are handled case-by-case under OPMC Title 7 nuisance provisions with mediation typically preferred. Electrical-code violations causing fire: Overland Park Fire Marshal investigation; civil liability for property damage. Right-of-way encroachments: removal order from Public Works. HOA violations: private enforcement through declaration provisions with fines and lien rights under KSA 58-3801 et seq.
Overland Park, KS
Overland Park limits construction activities in and near residential areas to reasonable daytime hours. Construction noise is subject to the city's noise ord...
Overland Park, KS
Overland Park addresses barking dogs through animal control and nuisance provisions. Dogs that bark persistently and disturb neighbors are considered a nuisa...
Overland Park, KS
Overland Park regulates noise disturbances through its municipal code, with enhanced restrictions between 10 PM and 7 AM. Noise that is plainly audible acros...
Overland Park, KS
Overland Park regulates on-street parking through posted signage and traffic code. Vehicles may not be parked on streets for extended periods. Snow emergency...
Overland Park, KS
Overland Park limits the parking of heavy commercial vehicles in residential areas. Large trucks, tractor-trailers, and heavy equipment should not be stored ...
Overland Park, KS
Overland Park requires driveways to meet city engineering standards. Permits are needed for new driveway construction or modifications to the curb cut. Vehic...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Johnson County.
See how other cities in Johnson County handle holiday light rules.
See how Overland Park's holiday light rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.