Clearwater Community Development Code limits exterior lighting that spills onto neighboring property or rights-of-way, requiring shielded fixtures and capped illuminance levels at property lines.
The Clearwater Community Development Code regulates outdoor lighting for nonresidential and multifamily uses, requiring full-cutoff or fully shielded fixtures so direct light does not cross property boundaries. Maximum spillover is generally limited to 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines and 1.0 footcandle at nonresidential lines. Mounting heights are capped depending on zoning district, and glare from canopy lighting (gas stations, drive-throughs) must be hidden by recessed fixtures. Residential homeowners are still subject to general nuisance rules in Chapter 22 prohibiting unreasonable light that disturbs neighbors. Sea turtle lighting standards along the coast layer on top of these baseline trespass rules during nesting season.
Code Compliance notice of violation, mandatory fixture replacement or shielding, fines up to $250 per day, and Special Magistrate liens for unresolved cases.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pinellas County.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle light trespass.
See how Clearwater's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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