Fishers, IN Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Fishers controls light trespass through the Exterior Lighting Standards in UDO Article 6.5. Sec. 6.5.3.A sets the maximum light level any fixture may cast at a property line: 0.0 foot-candles measured at the property line of any residential district, 1.5 foot-candles at the property line of any nonresidential district, and 2.0 foot-candles at the property line of a parking lot. In effect, no measurable spillover light is allowed at a residential property line. Sec. 6.5.3.B prohibits lighting oriented to direct glare or excessive illumination onto adjacent properties, streets, or sidewalks. Light levels are measured in maintained foot-candles at ground level with the meter held parallel to the ground pointing up (Sec. 6.5.2). Supporting standards limit trespass further: fixtures within 50 feet of a residential district property line may be no higher than 15 feet (Sec. 6.5.4.C); flood lights must be aimed down at least 45 degrees or shielded so the bulb does not extend below the shield, and flood lamps of 1,000-plus lumens must be aimed at least 60 degrees down or shielded so the main beam is not visible from adjacent properties or the street (Sec. 6.5.5); and building/security lighting must be aimed and shielded so direct illumination falls on the building and site and away from adjoining properties and rights-of-way (Sec. 6.5.8). A point-by-point photometric plan demonstrating compliance with these foot-candle limits is part of the required lighting permit (Sec. 6.5.1.C).