Brookhaven, GA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Brookhaven sets a measured limit and a general standard against light spilling onto neighbors.

The measured limit is in Sec. 27-982(3). Light trespass along the lot line of the subject property may not exceed 0.5 foot-candles when abutting an R-zoned lot, and may not exceed 3.0 foot-candles when abutting any other zoning district or public right-of-way. A residential neighbor gets the tighter number. Maximum illumination levels are measured five feet above grade, or from the top of any fence or masonry wall along the property line, so a tall fence does not lower the reading point below the fence top.

The general standard is Sec. 27-984, added by Ord. No. 2019-11-03 on 11-26-2019. Lighting in all districts shall be established in such a way that no direct light is cast upon or adversely effects adjacent properties and roadways. The section does not apply to lighting established by governmental authority within public rights-of-way, so street lights are outside it. Because it says all districts, it does not depend on the numeric test in Sec. 27-982.

The numeric limit sits in the outdoor lighting division's regulations for covered lots. Sec. 27-981 exempts lots occupied by residential buildings containing fewer than four dwelling units, public street lights, fixtures with a light output of no more than 1,000 lumens, and temporary holiday light displays from Secs. 27-982 and 27-983, among others. The all-districts standard in Sec. 27-984 has only the government right-of-way lighting carve-out printed in it.

Proof is built into the site plan process. Sec. 27-983 requires an outdoor lighting plan with the site plan. Applicants can submit a photometric study that includes a representative point-by-point illumination array showing property lines and demonstrating compliance with applicable light trespass limits. The same division states its purpose in Sec. 27-980: reduce the impacts of nuisance lighting and glare on nearby areas.

The community development director administers and enforces the zoning ordinance, so complaints about spill light go to the community development department.