Douglas County, NE Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Light trespass — artificial light that illuminates areas beyond the property where the fixture is installed — is regulated in Omaha through nuisance provisions of Omaha Municipal Code Chapter 18 (Property Maintenance) and zoning provisions of Chapter 55. Residential properties must generally keep light levels below 0.5 to 1.0 foot-candles at the property line when measured horizontally. Security floodlights must be aimed and shielded so that light patterns illuminate only the owner's property — floodlights pointed directly at a neighbor's windows, patio, or bedroom walls constitute actionable trespass. Motion-sensor lighting is encouraged over always-on floodlights. Decorative string lights, landscape uplighting, and holiday displays are subject to nuisance review, though holiday lighting typically receives seasonal latitude (Thanksgiving through mid-January). Commercial and multi-family properties face stricter, measured standards in Omaha Muni Code Ch. 55, with specific lumen/foot-candle limits at residential zone boundaries. Enforcement is primarily complaint-driven through Omaha 311. Neighbor-to-neighbor mediation through Omaha's Public Safety Office is encouraged before formal citations. Airport approach areas near Eppley and Offutt have additional FAA-related lighting restrictions to avoid pilot confusion.