Westland, MI Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Westland Zoning Ordinance Art. XI § 11.14.1
- Property-line cap
- 1 footcandle maximum at property line
- Architectural lighting cap
- 15 foot-candles average maintained
- Prohibited
- Flashing, intermittent, or unshielded neon accents
- Adopted
- Ordinance No. 248, effective Jan. 1, 2025
Summary
Westland caps exterior lighting at one footcandle at the property line and requires fixtures to be aimed and deflected away from neighboring properties to prevent glare.
b. Exterior lighting shall be located and maintained to prevent the reflection and glare of light in a manner which created a nuisance or safety hazard to operators of motor vehicles, pedestrians and neighboring land uses. This provision is not intended to apply to public street lighting.
c. Exterior lighting shall be of a type and design and so arranged that light is deflected away from adjacent properties and shall not exceed one footcandle of intensity as measured at the property line. Flashing or intermittent lights shall not be permitted. All parking lot lighting shall be turned on at sunset and remain illuminated during the hours of operation of the principal use of the premise and remain illuminated for one hour after the business closes for the day.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Article XI, section 11.14 of Westland's zoning ordinance covers exterior lighting for parking areas, walkways, driveways, entryways, and common areas. Fixtures must be located and maintained to prevent glare or reflection that creates a nuisance or safety hazard for drivers, pedestrians, or neighboring land uses. Light must be deflected away from adjacent properties, and intensity can't exceed one footcandle measured at the property line; flashing or intermittent lighting is barred outright. Parking lot lighting must run from sunset through the end of business hours plus one additional hour. Architectural and building illumination is separately capped at 15 foot-candles average, and unshielded neon, LED, incandescent, or fluorescent fixtures are barred as exterior architectural accents.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the one-footcandle property-line limit, aiming fixtures to glare onto neighboring lots, running flashing lights, or using unshielded neon/LED accent lighting all violate section 11.14 and are enforceable under Article XXIX.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright can security lighting be at my property line in Westland?
Are flashing or string lights allowed on buildings in Westland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westland
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