Cape Coral addresses outdoor lighting through its Land Use and Development Regulations. While not a designated Dark Sky community, the city regulates exterior lighting to minimize light pollution, glare, and impacts on neighboring properties and wildlife, particularly sea turtles during nesting season.
The city's development code includes exterior lighting standards for new commercial and residential development. Fixtures must be directed downward and shielded to prevent light spillover onto adjacent properties. Cape Coral's proximity to sea turtle nesting beaches on nearby barrier islands means that lighting visible from the beach is regulated under Florida's Marine Turtle Protection guidelines during nesting season (May through October). Fully shielded, warm-colored lighting is recommended. Commercial developments must submit lighting plans as part of site plan review.
Non-compliant lighting that causes glare or trespass onto neighboring properties is subject to code enforcement. Lighting visible from sea turtle nesting beaches during nesting season may violate Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines and carry state penalties. Commercial developments with non-conforming lighting may have occupancy permits withheld.
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral §12-22 (Noise Control Ordinance, amended Dec 2019) prohibits noise plainly audible at 50 feet between 11 PM and 7 AM from any radio, TV, musical i...
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral Land Development Code Section 5.2.7 limits residential fences in the front setback, allows up to 6 feet in side and rear yards, and requires open ...
Cape Coral, FL
Dogs in Cape Coral must be under direct control on a leash not exceeding 8 feet in length under Lee County Animal Control Ordinance. Cape Coral Code Chapter ...
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral generally allows lawn ornaments, statues, flamingos, garden gnomes, and similar decorative items without a permit. Cape Coral Code Section 5.5.13 ...
Cape Coral, FL
Inflatable holiday displays (giant snowmen, Halloween figures, Easter bunnies) are not specifically regulated by Cape Coral's Code of Ordinances and are gene...
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral does not have a dedicated holiday-light ordinance and treats seasonal lighting as a normal residential accessory use, generally allowed without a ...
See how Cape Coral's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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