Fitchburg, WI Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Property-line limit
- 0.50 footcandles above ambient, cloudless night
- Where measured
- At the property line, ground level
- Parking exception
- Separate footcandle tables in § 28-7
- Penalty
- $100 to $500 forfeiture per day
- Proof required
- Plot plan showing 0.5-fc line (§ 28-8)
Summary
Fitchburg caps how much new outdoor lighting can spill onto a neighbor's land: no more than 0.50 footcandles above ambient light, measured at the property line on a cloudless night. The Dark Sky Ordinance names light trespass as a purpose it exists to prevent, then backs that purpose with a hard number.
The purpose of this chapter is to create standards for outdoor lighting that do not interfere with the reasonable use of commercial site and residential site property, that prevent light trespass, and conserve energy yet maintain night time safety. ... (2)In no instance shall the amount of illumination attributable to outdoor lighting, as measured at the property line, exceed 0.50 footcandles above ambient lighting conditions on a cloudless night.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30).
Full Breakdown
Fitchburg City Code § 28-1 states that one purpose of the Dark Sky Ordinance is to 'prevent light trespass' from new outdoor lighting. 5-footcandle line at the boundary. 5 horizontal footcandles occurs on the property at ground level, using an isolux curve or computer projection, so the director can verify the limit before a permit issues. 75 footcandles on pavement for high-activity open parking, up to 9 footcandles for covered general parking) and caps outdoor merchandising and display lots at 20 footcandles on 75 percent of the lot and 40 footcandles on a contiguous area up to 25 percent of the lot. 5-footcandle property-line rule is the general light-trespass backstop for everything else covered by the chapter.
Violations & Fines
A light trespass violation under § 28-6(a)(2), like any Dark Sky Ordinance violation, forfeits not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 under § 28-11(b), with each day of a continuing violation counted separately under § 28-11(a). The city can also pursue an injunction under § 28-11(a) to stop excess spillover regardless of any forfeiture already assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright can my outdoor lighting be at my property line?
Do I have to prove I meet the 0.5-footcandle limit?
Does the light trespass limit apply to my existing house lights?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fitchburg
Compare Fitchburg to another location·View the Wisconsin outdoor lighting overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Light Trespass & Shielding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dane County handle light trespass & shielding.