Middleton, WI Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential property limit
- 1 lux at the property line
- Wilderness/habitat limit
- 0.1 lux, source can't be visible
- Waters of the US limit
- 1 lux
- Non-residential-to-ROW limit
- 3 lux at 20 ft
- Measurement height
- 1.5 meters (5 ft), aimed at source
- Enforcement
- Forfeiture under § 33.09; nuisance action
Summary
Middleton caps how much artificial light can cross onto a neighbor's land: no more than 1 lux onto residential property or waters of the United States, and just 0.1 lux toward designated wilderness or habitat areas, under the Outdoor Lighting Code.
Light Trespass. ALAN illuminating past property lines without permission. Unless specified otherwise, light trespass limits are measured at any location along a property line both horizontally at the ground plane facing upward and vertically at 1.5 meters (5ft) above grade with the meter aimed toward the light source in question. ... (d)Trespass. Unless otherwise specified in this ordinance, Light Trespass shall meet the following:1.Luminaire light sources shall not be visible from federal or state designated wilderness, natural area, habitat, or reserves, and Light Trespass shall measure no greater than 0.1 Lux.2.Light Trespass onto Waters of the United States shall measure no greater than 1 Lux.3.Light Trespass onto Residential Use property shall measure no greater than 1 Lux.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 3 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
03). 1 lux; trespass onto waters of the United States is capped at 1 lux; and trespass onto Residential Use property is capped at 1 lux. 07(2)(b), also 1 lux leaving the property line. 07(3)(b)). 06(7) flatly prohibits lighting used to illuminate property other than that on which the fixture is located and which constitutes light trespass, regardless of any exemption elsewhere in the Code. 07(5)(b)).
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the trespass limits or violating the flat prohibition in Section 33.06(7) is enforceable by forfeiture of no less than the fee in the City's adopted fee schedule under Section 33.09, with each day counted separately, and the City may sue to enjoin continued violations. A neighbor can also pursue the conduct as a public nuisance under Chapter 17 of the Code or Wis. Stat. Chapter 823 for nuisance lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light can legally spill onto my property from a neighbor's fixture in Middleton?
How does the City measure light trespass?
Is there a stricter rule near wetlands or natural areas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Middleton
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