Jacksonville, FL Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Ordinance Code § 656.401
- Core standard
- No glare visible from residential zoning
- Numeric cap (auto laundries, Mayport Rd.)
- 0.5 foot-candles at property line
- Enforcement
- Planning and Development Department
- Applies to
- Parking lots, storage yards, schools, golf courses
Summary
Jacksonville's zoning code bars glare and excessive light from spilling onto neighboring property, requiring parking lots, storage yards, schools and other lit sites to shield fixtures so illumination isn't visible from residential zones.
If the facilities are lighted, lighting shall be designed and installed so as to prevent glare or excessive light on adjacent property. No source of illumination shall be allowed in connection with a parking lot if such source of illumination would be visible from a residentially-zoned district to the extent that it interferes with the residential use of that area.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
The Zoning Code's performance standards, Ordinance Code Section 656.401, require lighting installed for parking lots, personal-property storage facilities, schools, golf courses, car washes and similar uses to be designed and installed so it does not create glare or excessive light on adjacent property. No source of illumination may be allowed if it would be visible from a residentially-zoned district to a degree that interferes with the residential use of that area. For a few sensitive use types the Code adds a hard number: auto laundries in the CN district and development in the Mayport Road Zoning Overlay must shield or recess direct lighting sources and cap contributed illumination at 0.5 foot-candles at any property line. The Planning and Development Department enforces these standards through the zoning permit and site-plan review process.
Violations & Fines
Zoning code enforcement action; Planning and Development Department can require fixtures to be shielded, redirected, lowered or removed until property-line light levels comply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jacksonville regulate light trespass from a neighbor's yard?
Is there a numeric limit on light hitting my property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jacksonville
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview
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