Intrusive lighting
Council understands that intrusive lighting can cause concerns for residents.
Light spillage (either deliberate or otherwise) from neighbouring properties is not regulated by an Act or Regulation administered by Council and is a civil matter. There are some exceptions where a Development Consent may prescribe specific hours for the operation of external lighting. For example, a development consent for a commercial development may have prescribed hours that the carpark lighting needs to be turned off.
If your enquiry is about light and glare coming from advertising signs, entertainment venues and events, properties or other commercially based activity, again you should try to find a solution directly with the affected parties before seeking assistance from Council.
Addressing the issue
If you have a concern, talk to your neighbour and discuss options with them to resolve the problem.
Below are some options to help reduce light and glare emissions:
- Install timer or sensor lights and turn off lights when not required for safety or security reasons or when enhancing a night-time scene.
- When buying external lights, consider their brightness. The lower the brightness, the less likely they will impact on neighbours. Warm white, lower lumen, light-emitting diode (LED) light globes, tend to be less obtrusive.
- Lighting should be positioned as far as possible from neighbours and away from sensitive areas (e.g. bedroom windows and living areas).
- Avoid placing the light near a light reflective surface and use existing features to hide the light source from view.
- Wherever possible, direct light downwards to illuminate the target area. If there is no alternative to up-lighting, use shields to help keep spill light to a minimum.
- Use specifically designed lighting equipment that minimises the spread of light near to, or above the horizontal.
- Don't over-light. Less is more for your neighbours and your electricity bill.
- Ensure that the main beam angle of all lights directed towards any sensitive place is kept below 70 degrees. You can also use light shields to help minimise glare and the impact on neighbouring properties.
Dispute resolution
Some options to consider as part of dispute resolution are: