Milwaukee County has no light-trespass ordinance for private property. Light spilling onto a neighbor is addressed by each city or village zoning and nuisance code, and otherwise through a private nuisance claim under Wisconsin law.
No Milwaukee County ordinance sets a limit on how much light may cross a property line. Light-trespass and glare controls are part of municipal zoning and nuisance regulation, adopted under Wis. Stat. 62.23(7), so whether a numeric spillover limit or shielding requirement applies depends on the city or village where the property sits. Some municipalities include glare and off-site illumination standards in their zoning or site-plan review; others treat excessive light as a general nuisance. Where no local standard applies, a resident bothered by a neighbor's floodlight typically must pursue a private nuisance remedy under Wisconsin common law and Wis. Stat. ch. 823 rather than a county citation. First contact your municipality's zoning department to check for a local provision.
With no county light-trespass ordinance, remedies for private property come from the applicable municipal zoning or nuisance code, or from a private nuisance action under Wisconsin law. Any fine schedule is set locally, not by Milwaukee County.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa Municipal Code Chapter 7.46 (Noise) within Title 7 prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing noise that injures the health, peace, or comfort of othe...
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa requires pets to be confined by leash, pen, or fence on owner's property. Persistent barking is a nuisance violation under Ch. 7.46. Residents may ...
Wauwatosa, WI
RV and boat storage in Wauwatosa residential areas is regulated by city zoning. Generally one RV permitted on a residential lot with setback requirements. Fr...
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa street parking follows local signage and Wisconsin traffic law. No city-wide overnight parking ban unless posted. Snow emergency restrictions apply...
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Wauwatosa, WI
Abandoned vehicles in Wauwatosa are regulated under state law (Wis. Stat. ยง342.40) and city nuisance ordinances. Inoperable or unlicensed vehicles visible fr...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Milwaukee County.
See how Wauwatosa's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.