Palm Bay, FL Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Shielding standard
- Zero lumens at property line
- Applies to
- New builds, major lighting changes
- Enforcement point
- Building permit and inspection
Summary
Palm Bay requires every nonexempt outdoor light fixture to be shielded so its output drops to zero at the property line, stopping glare from spilling onto neighbors.
All nonexempt outdoor lighting fixtures shall have shielding so that the total lumen output falls to zero (0.00) at the property line. (Exception: seasonal decorative lighting (i.e., Christmas Lights) using typical low-wattage incandescent or LED lamps shall be permitted in all zoning districts from the Thanksgiving holiday through the 15th of January.
(2) The use of Metal Halide (MH), Light Emitting Diode (LED), Quartz Light (OL), and High Intensity Discharge (HID), when properly shielded is permitted for all exterior site lighting. Other types of lamps not listed shall be considered as a part of the permitting process.
(3) High pressure sodium (HPS) lighting is prohibited for building and security lighting.
(4) The use of low pressure sodium (LPS) lighting is prohibited in all zoning districts.
(5) The undue lighting of the night sky by means of searchlights and similar devices without prior approval from the City Manager or their designee is prohibited.
(6) Neon lighting, LED strip and tracer lighting and other types of lighting used to illuminate the outline of a structure or storefront window system is prohibited.
(7) No lighting fixture shall produce a lumen output exceeding one thousand (1,000) lumens in any given area.
(8) Poles and support structures used for outdoor lighting shall not exceed thirty (30) feet in height. The exception shall permit for required
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-41: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2026-13, passed 5-21-26).
Full Breakdown
Under § 177.040(C)(1) of the Land Development Code, all nonexempt outdoor lighting fixtures on new development, additions, or major lighting upgrades must be shielded so the total lumen output falls to zero (0.00) at the property line. The rule is part of a broader lighting standard adopted to curb light trespass onto adjoining land, alongside limits on lamp type, fixture output, and pole height. It applies whenever a permit is required, including additions or lighting replacements covering 50% or more of a site's dwelling units, floor area, parking, or permitted lumens.
Violations & Fines
Fixtures that let light spill past the property line violate the shielding standard and can hold up permit approval, certificate of occupancy, or final inspection under § 177.040.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Palm Bay regulate light spilling onto my neighbor's yard?
Does this shielding rule apply to my existing house lights?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Bay
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Bay to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview
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Light Trespass & Shielding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle light trespass & shielding.