New Orleans, LA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential property line
- 0.5 foot-candle max
- Non-residential / ROW line
- 1.0 foot-candle max
- Shielding
- Fully shielded required
- Glare onto homes
- Prohibited
- Governing article
- CZO 21.5
Summary
The CZO caps spillover light at your property line: no more than 0.5 foot-candle at a residential property line and 1.0 foot-candle at a non-residential or public right-of-way line. Fixtures must also be fully shielded to prevent glare onto neighbors.
The light level shall be no greater than one-half (0.5) footcandle at a residential property line and one (1) footcandle at any non-residential property line or public right-of-way line.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
CZO Article 21.5 sets numeric light-trespass limits enforced across New Orleans. Measured at the property line, exterior lighting may not exceed one-half (0.5) foot-candle at a residential property line or one (1) foot-candle at any non-residential property line or public right-of-way line. Fixtures must be fully shielded, and unshielded strung bulbs are banned except for temporary approved events. These standards stop floodlights, security lights, and commercial lots from spilling glare onto adjacent homes. Historic-district overlays may add design requirements on top of the trespass limits.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the foot-candle limits or casting glare onto a neighbor is a zoning violation; Safety and Permits can order re-aiming, shielding, or fixture replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light can spill onto my neighbor's yard?
My neighbor's security light shines in my window - is that legal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Orleans
Compare New Orleans to another location·View the Louisiana outdoor lighting overview
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