Minneapolis addresses light trespass through zoning illuminance limits and nuisance rules. Light crossing onto residential property above 0.5 foot-candles can trigger enforcement.
Light trespass is the unwanted spill of light from one property onto another. Minneapolis zoning limits commercial and multifamily lighting at residential property lines to about 0.5 foot-candles, measured at grade. Single-family sources are evaluated under nuisance principles: unreasonable interference with a neighbor's use and enjoyment of their property. Inspectors may request lighting plans and metered readings. Typical remedies include adding shielding, redirecting fixtures, reducing lumen output, or installing motion sensors instead of continuous burning. Security-lighting glare that shines directly into a neighbor's bedroom window is a frequent complaint and is usually resolvable with a shielded fixture.
Code violations carry administrative citations after notice. Persistent nuisance lighting may lead to abatement orders. Commercial site-plan violations can affect certificate-of-occupancy status.
Minneapolis, MN
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See how Minneapolis's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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