Metro Code 17.28.030 caps light trespass at 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. Residential-to-residential complaints handled through Metro Codes as nuisance. No specific residential spillover ordinance exists.
Nashville regulates light trespass primarily for commercial and multi-family properties through Metro Zoning Code 17.28.030, which caps illumination at 0.5 fc at residential property lines and 1.0 fc at other property lines. Security lights must be shielded and aimed to illuminate only the subject property. Between single-family residences, Metro has no specific foot-candle standard; complaints are addressed as nuisances through Metro Codes Department or private nuisance suits in chancery court. Holiday/decorative lighting is effectively exempt. Floodlights directed toward neighboring bedrooms often resolved via Metro Codes warning letters.
Commercial light trespass: correction notice plus fines $50-$500 per Metro Code 17.28. Residential nuisance complaints: warning letter from Metro Codes, then citation. Repeat violations: Environmental Court appearance.
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See how Davidson County's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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