Wellington, FL Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Section 7.6.1(H) of the Land Development Regulations requires that lighting be designed to prevent direct glare, light spillage and hazardous interference with automotive and pedestrian traffic on adjacent roads and all adjacent properties. The spillover limit is three-tenths of one foot-candle, measured six feet above grade at the property line of the light source, and Wellington also applies the Palm Beach County Outdoor Lighting illumination levels for the specific use type when a use type or site element is not otherwise addressed. Where illumination levels are not set for a particular use or site element, Wellington applies Illuminating Engineering Society of North America recommended practices or other state or federal standards as determined by the Wellington Engineer.

Section 7.6.1(I) sets the measurement method: a direct-reading portable light meter is placed six feet above ground at the property line, a reading is taken after dark with the lights on and then off, and the difference between the two readings is compared against the maximum permitted illumination to determine compliance. Section 7.6.1(C) separately bans any unshielded light source with no cutoff visible from a residential property and any light that creates observable glare hazardous to a public right-of-way. Flood, security and camera lighting cannot be directed toward a residential lot, and dusk-to-dawn security lighting on non-residential and multi-family sites is capped at 50 percent of the required light level.