Sahuarita, AZ Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Under the Sahuarita outdoor lighting code, light trespass occurs when artificial light from one property illuminates a neighboring property beyond the maximum permitted level at the property line. Maximum property-line illumination limits are typically set at 0.3 to 0.5 footcandles for residential zones. This means your outdoor security lights, landscape lighting, and decorative fixtures must be aimed and shielded so they do not cast significant light across your property boundary. The enforcement standard is measured at the property line rather than at the neighbor dwelling, making it a conservative standard that protects all neighboring areas. Common sources of light trespass complaints include poorly aimed security floodlights, unshielded porch lights, and landscape lighting that spills beyond property boundaries. Replacing problematic fixtures with fully shielded (full cutoff) models is usually the most cost-effective solution. Security motion-detector lights are permitted but must be properly aimed so they do not activate in response to activity on neighboring properties or public sidewalks. The dark sky provisions reinforce light trespass rules by requiring downward-directed lighting, which inherently reduces the distance that light travels. Neighbors can file complaints with Sahuarita Code Enforcement for documented light trespass.