What can I do if my neighbors light is too bright?

Send the Neighbor a Demand Letter

A demand letter would outline whatever applicable local statutes or housing association regulations your neighbor is violating through the bright lighting and state your request that the situation be brought into compliance or stop causing a nuisance.

How do I deal with my neighbors bright light?

Stay positive and don't argue. Be tactful and understanding about your neighbor's right to light their property. Suggest alternatives to their current fixture. Ask them to move the light, shield it, or add a motion sensor so it's activated only when needed.

How bright can your outside lights be?

Floodlights: 700-1300 lumens. Motion sensor lights: 300-700 lumens. Pond/pool lights: 200-400 lumens. Hardscape lights (on walls): 50-185.

How do you stop light trespassing?

Additional measures for reducing light trespass include:

Limit the use of floodlights in areas that are close to residential properties. Use solar security lighting with motion sensors, so that the lights only come on as needed. Use full cut-off lighting. Use auto shut-off lighting.

How is light trespass measured?

Measure the illuminance on the vertical plane at the property boundary, directed toward the lighting design site, 180° away from the adjacent property. Then rotate 180° away from the lighting design site, and measure the illuminance on the vertical plane, directed toward the adjacent property.

VIDEO: Midtown neighbors complain of security light

Can Neighbours complain about outside lights?

The council can investigate complaints about outdoor lighting and take action to address incidents which are assessed to be a 'statutory nuisance'. The following can cause artificial light nuisance if not maintained or used properly: domestic and commercial security lights.

How do you record light pollution?

Does my Neighbour have a right to light?

A right to light may be acquired by 'anyone who has had uninterrupted use of something over someone else's land for 20 years without consent, openly and without threat, and without interruption for more than a year.

Is light pollution an Offence?

The new law makes 'exterior light emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance' a criminal offence. This law doesn't tackle all forms of light pollution, only incidents of particularly bad lighting from some types of premises which cause people real nuisance.

Is light pollution harmful?

Studies show that light pollution is also impacting animal behaviors, such as migration patterns, wake-sleep habits, and habitat formation. Because of light pollution, sea turtles and birds guided by moonlight during migration get confused, lose their way, and often die.

How do I make my outdoor light less bright?

How bright should a front porch light be?

The standard bulb (which should be more than enough for a porch light) is about 400 lumens. If these are too bright for your taste, you could always get dimmer lights around 200 lumens. There are other kinds of outdoor lights as well. These include floodlights, underwater lights, wall lights, and garden lights.

Do you need planning permission for lights?

Light itself, and minor domestic light fittings, are not subject to planning controls. Nevertheless, if you are planning to install external lighting for security or other purposes, you should ensure that the intensity and direction of light does not disturb others.

What is light shield?

The light shield is an easy and excellent way to block the rays of your outdoor LED Parking Lot light or led wall light from trespassing. It is a partial shield that stops the direction of your outdoor light in one or more directions.

Should you keep your outside lights on at night?

Should you leave outdoor lights on at night? No, leaving lights on can make intruders think that you're not home. Use a motion sensor light that turns on when you, or anyone else, comes near so you have light only when you need it.

What does leaving the porch light on mean?

Porch lights can help keep you and your loved ones safe. When the light is on, you don't misplace your keys; instead, you are inside the door within moments. The light deters people from entering a home that looks empty.

What is light intrusion?

Intrusive light is the intrusion of over bright or poorly directed lights onto neighbouring property, which affect the neighbours' right to enjoy their own property. A typical example would be an inconsiderately directed security light shining into a bedroom window.

What are laws related to light pollution?

The most common legislation requires installation of shielded light fixtures that emit light only downward. Other laws require the use of low-glare or low-wattage lighting, regulate the amount of time certain lighting can be used, or incorporate Illuminating Engineering Society guidelines into state regulations.

Can you complain about a Neighbours security light UK?

These premises are deemed to require high levels of light for safety and security reasons. The most common source of complaint is domestic security lights. If you're being disturbed by your neighbours' lighting, we would encourage you to speak to them first where possible.

How much compensation do you get for right to light?

Right to light cases have been dealt with by the granting an injunction against a developer, however more commonly the court rules that compensation is payable. In one case, the court awarded a claimant damages estimated to be 30 per cent of the developer's expected profits.

Can my Neighbour block my sunlight?

In most cases, no, you cannot force a neighbour to cut down a tree in order to bring light into your garden. You may, however, be able to get the tree cut back if it is blocking light from passing through a 'defined aperture' in your property, such as a window or glass door, for example.

What is the 45 degree rule?

​ The 45-degree rule is assessed on both plan and elevation. An extension should not exceed a line taken at 45 degrees from the centre of the nearest ground floor window of a habitable room in an adjoining property.

Can light pollution be measured?

The NPS specialized CCD (charge-coupled device) camera captures light in the night sky, which scientists can measure. The information helps parks and neighboring communities assess the extent of light pollution, identify light sources, reduce light, and mitigate impacts.

How far does light pollution travel?

The light pollution generated by urban areas is far-reaching, sometimes impacting areas 100 miles away from major metropolitan areas. This pollution washes out all but the brightest stars, planets and the moon to onlookers.

What are the different types of light pollution?

The three main forms of light pollution are glare, skyglow, and light trespass.