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Neenah, WI Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Limit near residential
0.0 foot candles above ambient
Limit near other property
0.5 foot candles above ambient
Applies to
commercial, industrial, multi-family
Not covered
single/two-family home lighting

Summary

Neenah caps outdoor light spilling onto neighboring property lines, with a zero-tolerance limit next to single-family and two-family homes.

The illumination level at any property line shall not exceed: a. 0.0 foot candles above ambient lighting conditions on a cloudless night when the adjoining property is a single-family or two-family use or zoned R-1, Single-Family Residence District or R-2, Two-Family Residence District. b. The maximum illumination for adjacent, non-residentially used or zoned property shall not exceed 0.5 foot candles above ambient lighting conditions on a cloudless night.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).

Full Breakdown

Under Neenah Municipal Code § 26-679, commercial, industrial and multi-family outdoor lighting cannot exceed 0.0 foot candles above ambient light at a property line abutting a single-family or two-family use or an R-1/R-2 district, and cannot exceed 0.5 foot candles above ambient at any other adjoining property. The rule targets light trespass and glare onto neighbors, not general brightness on-site. Per § 26-676, it applies to commercial, industrial and multi-family residential uses and zoning districts: outdoor lighting on single-family and two-family residential properties themselves is exempted. The standards were adopted by Ord. No. 2023-05, § 1, 3-15-2023, the code's most current amendment on this subject.

Violations & Fines

Enforced through the City's zoning/site plan review process; a Community Development Department field check with a light meter can confirm a foot-candle reading exceeds the property-line limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this limit my own porch or yard light?
No. Section 26-676 exempts outdoor lighting on single-family and two-family residential properties from these standards.
How is light trespass measured?
With a direct-reading foot-candle meter at the property line, comparing readings with lights on and off per § 26-679(1).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Neenah

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsDark Sky RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Neenah rules

Compare Neenah to another location·View the Wisconsin outdoor lighting overview

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