Lower Paxton, PA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

The light trespass rule sits in Lower Paxton Township Code § 180-507, Site lighting, subsection E, Control of nuisance and disabling glare. Paragraph E(1) is broad: all outdoor lighting, whether or not required by the chapter, on private, residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, recreational or institutional property, must be aimed, located, designed, fitted and maintained so as not to present a disabling glare hazard to drivers or pedestrians, or a nuisance glare concern to neighboring properties. Paragraph E(7) supplies the number: the illumination projected onto another property shall not exceed 0.10 horizontal footcandles at the property line for adjacent residential uses and 0.50 horizontal footcandles at the property line for adjacent commercial and industrial uses.

The code also says how the Township checks compliance. Under subsection I(2), lighting levels are measured in footcandles with a direct reading portable light meter or other equipment recommended by the Township Engineer. Under I(3), qualified personnel take readings after dark with the light sources in question on, then with the same sources off, and the difference is compared to the maximum permitted illumination at the property line at ground level. That procedure removes the effect of moonlight and other ambient light.

Other paragraphs in E reduce spill at the source. Light sources or luminaires cannot be located within buffer yard areas except for lighting pedestrian walkways (E(4)). Externally illuminated signs must be lit by fixtures mounted at the top of the sign and aimed down (E(8)). Directional fixtures cannot shine directly into the window of a neighboring residence (E(2)). Subsection A(3) applies the glare control requirements to all lighting installations, including residential applications. Zoning Code § 203-504 A adds that there shall be no direct or sky-reflected glare, whether from floodlights or from high-temperature processes, so as to be visible from within any district.