Strategically placed lighting can be effective in creating safe and pleasant environments around your home and property. When installing and arranging lighting, property owners should be mindful of potentially adverse effects on neighboring properties.
Thoughtful design of outdoor lighting should be used as a courtesy to minimize impact on neighboring parcels and to maintain traffic safety on public roads. Using discretion in determining the location, height, and type of fixtures may also help reduce impact of lighting on the surrounding neighborhood. Many of the latest lighting products provide users with the ability to control brightness and temperature of the lighting. A qualified lighting professional could provide more direction on products and capabilities based on your needs in this regard. Implementing motion sensing and or timer controls are additional steps that can be taken to avoid conflicts associated with your lighting and is encouraged.
In all cases, direct sources of light should be shielded so as to not cast light directly onto neighboring properties and roadways. When necessary, the City may require a light distribution plan to determine compliance with applicable lighting requirements and or regulate the hours of operation of outdoor lights to minimize disturbance to surrounding properties.
With questions, comments, or to report lighting concerns in your neighborhood please Code Enforcement by phone at 952.953.2570; or by email at codeenforce@ci.apple-valley.mn.us.