Avondale's Zoning Ordinance Section 28-137 sets a measurable light-trespass standard: light is considered visible from neighboring property when levels exceed one foot-candle at the property line. Fixtures must be fully shielded and aimed downward to keep light on the owner's lot.
Light trespass, the unwanted spill of artificial light onto adjacent properties, is directly addressed in Avondale's outdoor lighting standards in Chapter 28, Article 7, Section 28-137. The ordinance defines the threshold for unacceptable spillover: light is deemed visible from contiguous real property when levels exceed one foot-candle at the property line. To prevent that spillover, Section 28-137(c)(4)(A) requires outdoor lights to be fully shielded and directed downward at an angle no greater than 45 degrees above straight down, concentrating illumination on the owner's lot. The same section's height limits, generally 25 feet for poles and 16 feet near residential zones, help reduce glare and trespass onto neighbors. The stated purpose of Section 28-137 is to ensure minimal light trespass, reduce glare, and conserve energy while protecting dark skies. When a resident or business complains that a neighbor's security light, parking-lot light, or sports lighting is spilling over, Avondale Code Compliance can evaluate the installation against the one-foot-candle standard and the shielding and height requirements. Remedies typically include adding shielding, lowering or re-aiming fixtures, reducing wattage, or replacing non-compliant lights. Homeowners can often resolve disputes voluntarily by reorienting fixtures before a formal complaint is filed.
Lighting that produces more than one foot-candle at a neighboring property line, or that is unshielded or aimed above 45 degrees from straight down, is a light-trespass violation under Section 28-137. Avondale Code Compliance may require the owner to shield, redirect, lower, or replace the offending fixtures to bring spillover within the standard.
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