Fort Wayne light trespass enforced through UDO spillover limits and general nuisance law. Commercial lighting capped at 0.5 foot-candle at residential property lines. Residential trespass claims handled as nuisance complaints by Code Compliance. Shield problem lights or face civil action.
Light trespass — unwanted light crossing property lines — is regulated primarily against commercial sources under UDO 157, with residential complaints handled under general nuisance law. Commercial outdoor lighting cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candle at residential boundaries or 1.0 foot-candle at non-residential boundaries (measured 5 feet above grade). Residential-to-residential light trespass (excessively bright floodlights, security lights aimed at neighbor windows) is not quantitatively regulated but is actionable as a nuisance under Indiana common law and City Code Chapter 98. Neighborhood Code Compliance investigates complaints and may order shielding or redirection. Persistent issues may require civil litigation. Motion-activated security lights are not per se prohibited if reasonably shielded.
Commercial trespass: 250-1,000 dollars plus abatement. Residential nuisance: notice, shielding order, civil action possible.
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