Sun Prairie, WI Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum illumination
- 0.50 footcandles at property line
- Minimum parking-lot lighting
- 0.4 footcandles after sunset
- Measured at
- the property line
- Citation
- Sun Prairie Code § 17.36.070(D)(2)
Summary
Sun Prairie caps light spilling onto neighboring land at 0.50 footcandles measured at the property line, a numeric ceiling written directly into the city's exterior lighting standards to keep glare off adjoining properties.
A.Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the spill-over of light and glare on operators of motor vehicles, pedestrians, and land uses in the vicinity of a light source in order to promote traffic safety and to prevent the creation of nuisances. ... 2.Intensity of Illumination. In no instance shall the amount of illumination attributable to exterior lighting, as measured at the property line, exceed 0.50 footcandles.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
50 footcandles. That property-line measurement point matters because it targets what actually crosses onto a neighbor's land rather than how bright a fixture is at its source, so a powerful light aimed and shielded away from adjoining property can comply where a dim, unshielded one might not. 1. 4 footcandles of illumination, so the code is calibrating for both enough light to function and not so much that it trespasses next door. Lighting plans documenting fixture location and expected illumination levels must be shown on the site plan reviewed at development approval under subsection C.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding 0.50 footcandles at the property line violates Section 17.36.070(D)(2) and is enforced under the Title 17 penalty in Section 17.48.060. The zoning administrator can order correction within ten working days by written notice or abate a hazardous condition directly and charge the cost to the property owner, with each day the excess illumination continues counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright can a neighbor's outdoor light be at my property line in Sun Prairie?
Does Sun Prairie also require a minimum amount of outdoor lighting?
Who checks whether a new development's lighting meets the 0.50 footcandle limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sun Prairie
Compare Sun Prairie to another location·View the Wisconsin outdoor lighting overview
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