Fort Wayne, IN Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Shielding threshold
- 600 lumens (frosted glass)
- Full shielding required
- Above 1,000 lumens
- Exemption
- Motion-detector-activated fixtures
- Enforcement agency
- Fort Wayne Police Department
- Fine range
- $150–$500 per offense
Summary
Fort Wayne caps residential outdoor lights at 600 lumens before frosted-glass shielding kicks in, and requires full shielding above 1,000 lumens to stop light trespass onto neighboring property.
To avoid light trespass and achieve compliance with regard to outdoor light fixtures emitting 600 lumens or more as defined in (B)(2) above, said outdoor light fixtures shall be frosted glass or covered by frosted glass or other similarly translucent cover. Additionally, an outdoor light fixture emitting more than 1,000 lumens, except motion detector-activated lighting, shall be fully shielded to an observer at the property line. This can be achieved with fixture location, mounting height, natural artificial barriers on the texture owner's property, fixture shielding and other fixture design features. (Ord. G-15-08, passed 12-9-08; Am. Ord. G-4-17, passed 3-14-17) **** UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS ****
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 96.25(D) requires any residential outdoor light fixture emitting 600 lumens or more to use frosted glass or an equivalent translucent cover. Fixtures emitting more than 1,000 lumens must be fully shielded so an observer standing at the property line cannot see the light source directly, unless the fixture is motion-detector activated. Shielding can be achieved through fixture location, mounting height, natural or artificial barriers, or built-in shielding. The rule targets 'light trespass': glare crossing onto a neighboring residential lot.
Violations & Fines
Fort Wayne Police Department enforces Chapter 96. Violating the lighting shielding rule carries a fine of $150 to $500, with each day the violation continues counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Wayne's outdoor lighting rule apply to businesses?
What counts as 'light trespass' in Fort Wayne?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
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