Tinley Park, IL Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Light trespass occurs when outdoor lighting from one property causes excessive illumination on a neighboring property, typically shining into bedroom windows or yards in ways that impair sleep or property use. Tinley Park's zoning ordinance provides photometric standards for commercial properties limiting light levels at residential property lines (typically 0.5 foot-candles maximum). Residential-to-residential light trespass is addressed through general nuisance principles under Illinois common law and the Village's nuisance ordinance. Unshielded floodlights, porch lights shining horizontally, and decorative LED string lights pointed at neighbor homes are common sources of complaints. Property owners should select fixtures with full-cutoff or shielded designs, aim lights downward onto their own property, use motion sensors rather than continuous illumination for security lighting, and use warm-color LEDs (3000K or lower) rather than cool-white (4000K+) to reduce harshness. Security lighting benefits from being motion-activated and targeted. Residents with light trespass issues should first communicate with the neighbor; persistent problems may be addressed by Code Enforcement or through private legal action.