Douglas County, NE Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- HCG Overlay only, Hwy 36 & 92
- Standard
- No light trespass onto adjoining property
- Max lighting height
- 35 feet absent county exception
- Not covered
- Omaha and rest of the county
- Penalty
- Class III misdemeanor, § 13.12
Summary
In Douglas County's Highway Corridor Gateway Overlay along Highways 36 and 92, new commercial, office and industrial lighting must be aimed and shielded so no light crosses onto neighboring property: the rule states there shall be no light trespass.
All lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area, sign or other structure shall be arranged so as to deflect light away from any adjoining property and from public streets through fixture type and location (i.e., there shall be no light trespass).
Full Breakdown
The HCG Highway Corridor Gateway Overlay District applies only to land within one-quarter mile of Highway 36 and Highway 92 in the county's unincorporated jurisdiction. For new commercial/office development (Zoning Regulations § 8.04(D)(1)(h)) and new industrial development (§ 8.04(E)(1)(g)) there, lighting for parking areas, signs and structures must be arranged, through fixture type and location, to deflect light off adjoining property and public streets: the regulations state flatly there shall be no light trespass. Canopy-mounted fixtures must be recessed to the canopy's underside, and lighting standards are capped at 35 feet absent a county exception. This is not a countywide rule, and it doesn't reach Omaha's own code.
Violations & Fines
Douglas County's Zoning Coordinator investigates complaints and orders correction; unresolved violations are referred to the County Attorney. Violating any zoning provision is a Class III misdemeanor, with each 24-hour period a separate offense (§ 13.12).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this light trespass rule apply to my property in Douglas County?
Does this apply inside Omaha?
How tall can a parking-lot light pole be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Nebraska outdoor lighting overview
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