Showing ordinances that apply to Pike Creek Valley, DE
Pike Creek Valley is an unincorporated community (population 11,692) in New Castle County, Delaware. Because Pike Creek Valley is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, New Castle County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The light trespass rules below are the ones that govern your area.
New Castle County UDC Article 5 requires exterior lighting to be shielded and directed onto the property. Light trespass onto adjacent residential lots is prohibited, with 0.1 foot-candle maximum at residential property lines.
New Castle County UDC Section 40.04.130 regulates exterior lighting to minimize glare and light trespass. All outdoor fixtures must be full-cutoff or fully shielded so the light source is not directly visible from adjacent properties or public rights-of-way. Maximum illumination at residential property lines is 0.1 foot-candle; commercial-to-residential boundaries cap at 0.5 fc. Upward-directed lighting is restricted except for flag and landmark illumination. Security lights and motion-activated fixtures must be aimed onto the owner's lot. Holiday lighting is exempt between November 1 and January 15. Enforcement is handled by the Department of Land Use through complaint investigation.
First complaint: Notice of Violation with 30 days to shield or redirect fixtures. Non-compliance: civil penalties $100 to $500 per day under UDC enforcement provisions. Commercial violators face fines up to $1,000 per day. Repeat offenders may be cited into Justice of the Peace Court.
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