Madison MGO §28.140 caps light spillover at 0.5 foot-candle at any residential property line. Dane County enforces similar limits via zoning. Common-law nuisance claims also available. Security and flood lights must be aimed and shielded.
Under Madison General Ordinance §28.140, artificial light spillover onto a residential property line may not exceed 0.5 foot-candle, measured at grade, for any non-residential source. Residential fixtures that cause substantial intrusion are addressed under Wisconsin common-law private nuisance, the Madison property maintenance code, and local enforcement of aim/shield provisions. Floodlights and security lights must be aimed to illuminate only the owner's property and fitted with shields or motion sensors. Dane County Code Ch. 10 zoning applies similar 0.5 fc limits on commercial sites in unincorporated areas. Fitchburg, Middleton, Sun Prairie, Verona, Stoughton, and Monona each enforce equivalent thresholds through their zoning codes. Seasonal holiday lighting is generally exempt from November 15 through January 15 but must not create traffic hazards. Enforcement is complaint-driven; city inspectors use calibrated lux meters to verify.
Light trespass over 0.5 fc: notice to correct within 30 days, then forfeitures $100-$500 per occurrence. Repeat commercial offender: up to $1,000 per day. Private nuisance suit: injunctive relief plus damages available.
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See how Dane County's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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