Lincoln's design standards cap light spilling across property lines. Lighting other than street lighting must be shielded and aimed so no more than 2.0 foot-candles is measured on a vertical plane at the adjacent property line. Non-residential light onto a residential lot is capped at 0.5 foot-candle.
The City of Lincoln Design Standards, Chapter 3.100 (Outdoor Lighting), Section 9 (Light Trespass and Glare), requires all lighting except Class III street lighting to be shielded, placed, and aimed to minimize light trespass and glare so that no more than 2.0 foot-candles is measured on a vertical plane at the adjacent property line. Where a non-residential use abuts, or is across an alley from, a residential district, light trespass may not exceed 0.5 foot-candle at the residential property line, measured on a horizontal plane. Exterior building surfaces may not exceed an average brightness of 750 nits. Street lighting may exceed these limits. Unincorporated acreages follow the Lancaster County Zoning Resolution.
Lighting that trespasses beyond 2.0 foot-candles at a property line (0.5 foot-candle onto a residential lot) fails the design standards; Lincoln Building and Safety can require re-aiming, shielding, or replacement.
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See how Lancaster County's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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