Sumner County, TN Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- County rule
- Zoning Resolution §1107
- Site lighting
- Shielded within property line
- Glare cap
- 0.5 foot-candles at boundary
- Light trespass
- Over 0.1 fc at line
- Cities
- Gallatin, Hendersonville set own
Summary
Sumner County's Zoning Resolution requires all site lighting to be shielded so directly emitted light stays within the property line, and caps glare at 0.5 foot-candles at a residential boundary. Single-family neighbors rely on city rules or a nuisance claim.
All site lighting shall be shielded so that substantially all directly emitted light falls within the property line of the lot emitting the light. No illumination shall produce direct, incident or reflected light that interferes with the safe operation of motor vehicles on public streets. Lighting prohibited by this provision shall include, but not be limited to any light that may be confused with or construed as a traffic- control device.
c. Electromagnetic Interference
In all districts, no operations or activities shall be conducted which cause electrical disturbances to be transmitted across zone lot lines.
8. Performance Standards Regulating Radioactive Materials
The manufacture, storage, and utilization of radioactive materials shall be prohibited except for use as a part of medical practice and facilities and such use shall be in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations.
9. Nonconforming Uses by Reason of Performance Standards
Any use existing on the effective date of this Resolution, or subsequent amendment as applicable, and permitted by right that does not meet the requirements of one or more of the performance standards established explicitly in this chapter or by reference shall be subject to the nonconforming use provisions of Chapter 13.
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Full Breakdown
Section 1107 of the Sumner County Zoning Resolution addresses light spilling onto other property: all site lighting must be shielded so that substantially all directly emitted light falls within the property line of the lot emitting it, and no light may interfere with the safe operation of vehicles on public streets. Glare measured at a residential district boundary or the street right-of-way may not exceed 0.5 foot-candles. The resolution's definitions treat light crossing a property line above 0.1 foot-candles as light trespass. A homeowner troubled by a neighbor's floodlight often turns to city zoning where it applies, or to a common-law private-nuisance claim. Gallatin, Hendersonville, and Portland regulate glare through their own codes.
Violations & Fines
The county enforces Section 1107 at site-plan and permit review, requiring an offending light to be shielded or reaimed. Between neighbors, remedies come from city ordinances or a private-nuisance suit, where a court can order a light dimmed or redirected.
Frequently Asked Questions
My neighbor's floodlight shines into my yard. What can I do?
Does the county limit light crossing the property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sumner County
Compare Sumner County to another location·View the Tennessee outdoor lighting overview
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