Madison's Zoning Ordinance caps light spilling onto neighboring property: no more than 0.2 foot-candles onto residential property, 1.0 in mixed-use, and 1.5 in non-residential districts. Light and glare may not trespass onto rights-of-way.
Section 7-9-1.B of the Zoning Ordinance limits light trespass from outdoor lighting, including direct light, diffraction, and reflections from on-site objects. Illumination cast onto another property may not exceed 0.2 foot-candles onto a residential district, 1.0 foot-candles onto a mixed-use district, or 1.5 foot-candles onto a non-residential district. Section 7-9-1.C adds that light or glare shall not trespass onto adjacent rights-of-way. New outdoor lighting (other than routine maintenance) generally requires a photometric plan prepared by an Alabama-registered Professional Engineer, though single-family residential and agricultural properties are exempt from the plan requirement while still bound by the trespass limits. These standards let neighbors object to bright, unshielded floodlights aimed across property lines.
Excess spill light can be cited during inspection or in response to complaints; the Planning Department may require re-aiming, shielding, or dimming of offending fixtures.
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