Scott County, MN Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Property line
- 0.4 foot-candle max
- Road centerline
- 1.0 foot-candle max
- Measured
- 6 inches above grade
- Glare
- Not onto adjoining land
- Ag welding
- Exempt
Summary
Scott County caps light spilling onto neighbors at 0.4 foot-candle at the property line and 1.0 foot-candle at a road centerline under Zoning Ordinance No. 3, Section 4-5. Glare may not be directed onto adjoining property.
No light source or combination thereof which cast light on a public road shall exceed one (1) foot candle meter reading as measured from the centerline of said street nor shall any light source or combination thereof which cast light on adjacent property exceed four-tenths (0.4) foot candles as measured at the property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Section 4-5 sets measurable light-trespass limits in unincorporated townships. No light source may cast more than 1.0 foot-candle at a public road centerline or more than 0.4 foot-candle onto adjacent property, measured six inches above the ground with the light on, then off. Direct or sky-reflected glare from floodlights, combustion, or welding may not be directed onto neighboring land, though welding for farming is exempt. Light sources must be hooded or controlled so they do not light adjacent property. A neighbor bothered by spillover complains to Scott County Community Development.
Violations & Fines
A fixture exceeding the 0.4 foot-candle property-line limit or throwing glare next door draws an enforcement order to shield, reaim, or lower it, with fines for owners who ignore the notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light can cross onto my property in unincorporated Scott County?
My neighbor's floodlight glares into my yard. What can I do?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Scott County
Compare Scott County to another location·View the Minnesota outdoor lighting overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.