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Jefferson County, KY Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: LDC 4.1.7 Lighting →

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Key Facts

Res. Property Line: 0.1 footcandle max
Right-of-Way: 1.0 footcandle max
Code: LDC 4.1.7 + LMCO Ch. 156
KY Case Law: Louisville Refining v. Mudd
Enforcement: Codes & Regulations (complaint)

City-specific rules exist: Louisville has its own light trespass rules that differ from Jefferson County's county-level regulations. If you live in Louisville, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Louisville Metro LDC 4.1.7 caps light spillover at 0.1 footcandle at residential property lines and 1.0 footcandle at rights-of-way, with persistent light trespass also actionable as a private nuisance under Kentucky common law.

Full Breakdown

Light trespass in Jefferson County is addressed both by Louisville Metro Land Development Code Section 4.1.7 and by Kentucky nuisance law. The LDC sets a measurable cap: artificial illumination from a nonresidential source may not exceed 0.1 footcandle at any residentially zoned property line, or 1.0 footcandle at any public right-of-way line. Residential-to-residential disputes are not covered by a footcandle cap but can be enforced through LMCO Chapter 156 (Property Maintenance) nuisance provisions or pursued as a private nuisance civil action under Kentucky common law (Louisville Refining Co. v. Mudd, 339 S.W.2d 181). Security floodlights must be aimed to illuminate only the owner's property. Holiday lighting is exempt when displayed within typical seasonal windows. Complaints go to Metro Codes & Regulations (Develop Louisville) or, for zoning-code violations, Planning & Design Services.

Violations & Fines

LDC spillover exceedance: notice of violation with 30-day cure, then fines up to $500 per day per LMCO enforcement. Persistent residential glare: nuisance citation under LMCO Ch. 156. Private civil action can yield injunction and damages. Commercial repeat offenders risk conditional use permit review.

Frequently Asked Questions

My neighbor's floodlight shines into my bedroom — what can I do?

File a complaint with Louisville Metro Codes & Regulations and document the intrusion; private nuisance civil action is also available under Kentucky law.

How is 0.1 footcandle measured?

With a calibrated illuminance meter at the property line at night, aimed toward the offending source, per IESNA standards referenced in LDC 4.1.7.

How does Jefferson County compare?

See how Jefferson County's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.

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Jefferson County, KY Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

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