South Bend caps light at any lot line abutting a residential (S or U) district at 0.2 foot-candles, and 1.0 foot-candle elsewhere. Fixtures must be aimed to prevent light trespass and glare onto neighbors.
Section 21-09.04 of the South Bend Zoning Ordinance directly limits light trespass. The maximum light level at any point on a lot line abutting an S1, S2, U1, U2, or U3 (residential) lot may not exceed 0.2 foot-candles; at all other lot lines the limit is 1.0 foot-candle, measured at ground level with the meter facing up. All fixtures must be placed and directed to prevent light trespass or glare onto adjacent properties or rights-of-way that could create a nuisance or interfere with drivers' vision. Fixtures mount parallel to the ground with no uptilt. Holiday decorations are allowed up to 60 days per year.
Light trespass exceeding the lot-line limits is a Zoning Ordinance violation. Code enforcement can require aiming, shielding, or removal, with escalating fines for continued non-compliance; commercial sites face stricter scrutiny.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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