Madison, AL Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential limit
- 0.2 foot-candles
- Mixed-use limit
- 1.0 foot-candles
- Non-residential limit
- 1.5 foot-candles
- Rights-of-way
- No glare trespass
- Code section
- Zoning Ord. 7-9-1.B
Summary
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.
Light trespass caused by outdoor lighting, including light sources, diffraction, and reflections from on-site objects, shall not illuminate another property more than the following limits: 0.2 foot-candles onto properties in a residential district; 1.0 foot-candles onto properties in a mixed-use district; 1.5 foot-candles onto properties in non-residential districts. Light or glare shall not trespass onto adjacent rights-of-way.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light can my neighbor's fixture cast onto my yard?
Does the limit include reflected glare?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison
Compare Madison to another location·View the Alabama outdoor lighting overview
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Light Trespass & Shielding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Madison County handle light trespass & shielding.