Apple Valley, MN Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Section 155.353 of the Apple Valley Code of Ordinances sets numeric light trespass limits, measured with a meter at the property line. For residential areas, subsection (B) says any light or combination of lights that cast light on any adjacent residential property shall not exceed 1/2 foot candle (meter reading) as measured at the property line. The limit counts the combined effect of every fixture on the lot, so a homeowner cannot escape it by splitting a bright source across several lamps.

For commercial and industrial areas, subsection (C) allows one foot candle, measured at the property line, for light cast on any adjacent commercial or industrial property. The residential figure is half the commercial figure, and the text ties each limit to the kind of neighbor receiving the light rather than to the zoning of the source.

Subsection (B) adds a rule for sports and recreation: lighting fixtures for new and renovated outdoor sports and recreational facilities that adjoin residential uses must be designed to eliminate reflected glare and spill light from the bottom one-third of the reflector, and to shield the view of the arc tube from the residential property. Subsection (C) also caps total canopy illumination below a canopy at 115 foot candles at ground level, with canopy lighting only permitted under the canopy structure.

The city can require proof. Under subsection (D), the city may require submission of a light distribution plan if deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the intent of the section. Subsection (A) separately requires lighting for off-street parking areas and signs to deflect light away from adjoining residential zones and public streets, and allows the city to limit the hours of operation of outdoor lighting when necessary to reduce impacts on the surrounding neighborhood.