Under Ann Arbor's Unified Development Code (Section 5.25.2), exterior lighting must be shielded so no light glares onto a public right-of-way or residential property, and the light cast onto residential property may not exceed 0.10 footcandle.
Washtenaw County does not zone land, so light-trespass rules come from the city. Ann Arbor's Unified Development Code Section 5.25 requires all exterior lighting devices to be adequately shielded and screened so no light glares directly onto any public right-of-way or property principally used for residential purposes. Lighting must be arranged and kept at a level so the light projected onto residential property does not exceed 0.10 of a footcandle. Sign illumination separately may not exceed 0.1 footcandle above ambient light at a lot line bordering a residential district. These standards apply when a site plan is required, when renovation costs exceed 50% of building value, or when a shared driveway easement is provided. Report persistent glare to Ann Arbor
Excess light trespass is a zoning violation; the city may require reshielding or reduction and pursue municipal civil infraction fines.
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See how Washtenaw County's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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