Utah County and Provo/Orem prohibit outdoor lighting that casts more than 0.5 foot-candles at a residential property line. Complaints are investigated by code enforcement, and security floodlights aimed at neighbors are a top complaint category around BYU and UVU student housing.
Utah County Land Use Ordinance Chapter 10 and municipal lighting codes in Provo (§14.38) and Orem (§22-6) prohibit light trespass — artificial light that illuminates areas beyond the installation parcel. Residential property-line illuminance is capped at 0.5 foot-candles measured at 5 feet above grade. Commercial-to-residential zone boundaries use the same 0.5 fc limit. Security lights, including dusk-to-dawn wallpacks, must be aimed and shielded so direct lamp view from a neighboring habitable window is blocked. Floodlights aimed at adjacent homes are a violation. Holiday lighting enjoys a seasonal exemption from November 15 through January 15. Complaints are complaint-driven and handled by county Community Development or city code enforcement; inspectors use a calibrated light meter to document violations. Dense BYU and UVU off-campus rental areas generate a disproportionate share of calls.
First complaint verified: written notice with 30-day correction period. Continued violation: fines $100 to $300 per occurrence, escalating with each notice. Commercial property violations: up to $1,000 per day and potential lighting permit review.
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