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Omaha, NE Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

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

Key Facts

Residential property line limit
0.5 horizontal / 2.0 vertical footcandle
Other property line limit
1.0 horizontal / 4.0 vertical footcandle
Luminaire type required
IES full-cutoff fixtures (Sec. 44-241)
Older fixture exemption
17 years from 2003 ordinance
Max penalty
$500 fine and/or 6 months jail

Summary

Omaha's zoning code limits how much light a property's exterior lighting can throw onto the property line: 0.5 footcandle at residential lines, 1.0 footcandle everywhere else, with tighter vertical limits too.

Illumination levels attributable to the lighting system shall not exceed 0.5 maintained horizontal footcandle nor 2.0 initial vertical footcandles, measured at the closest property line of any permitted or conditional residential use. Illumination levels attributable to the lighting system shall not exceed 1.0 maintained horizontal footcandle nor 4.0 initial vertical footcandles, measured at the closest property line on all other properties except public ways.

Source: OMC Chapter 18 — NuisancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Section 44-240 of the zoning code sets maximum illumination at the property line: 0.5 maintained horizontal footcandle and 2.0 initial vertical footcandles next to any residential use, or 1.0 horizontal and 4.0 vertical footcandles at any other property line except public ways. Section 44-241 additionally requires full-cutoff luminaires so no bare light source is visible above the horizontal. Fixtures built before the 2003 ordinance get a 17-year exemption, but under section 44-244 a neighbor can file a nuisance complaint against an older fixture that throws more than one footcandle across a residential property line.

Violations & Fines

Enforced by the city's Electrical Official; no fixed penalty is set for this division, so Omaha's general code penalty applies: up to $500 and/or six months in jail, with each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to residential yard lights or just commercial sites?
The standards apply to exterior lighting citywide under Omaha's zoning code, though installations of three or fewer fixtures that don't raise neighboring light levels don't need a lighting plan filed with the building permit.
What can I do if a neighbor's old floodlight shines into my yard?
If the fixture predates the 2003 lighting ordinance and throws more than one footcandle across your residential property line, you can file a nuisance complaint with the city under section 44-244.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Omaha

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDark Sky RulesSome RestrictionsBillboard LightingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSignificant Restrictions

All Omaha rules

Compare Omaha to another location·View the Nebraska outdoor lighting overview

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