Artificial Lighting Nuisance Ordinance
Summary
A new ordinance gives code enforcement a standard to act on glare from a neighbor's flood lights. One resident described years of a neighbor's spotlight shining into her bedrooms; the dissent worries it can't be enforced at 2 a.m. and may penalize safety lighting.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 13, 2026.
Impact analysis
Enforcement falls to existing code enforcement staff; no new spending was cited.
Residents whose homes are blasted by a neighbor's glare, plus dark-sky and wildlife advocates.
Residents who rely on flood lights for security in neighborhoods without adequate street lighting.
Mentions & discussions (5)
City Council - Oct 13, 2026
A new ordinance gives code enforcement a standard to act on glare from a neighbor's flood lights. One resident described years of a neighbor's spotlight shining into her bedrooms; the dissent worries it can't be enforced at 2 a.m. and may penalize safety lighting.
Ordinance No. 15-2026 Relating to AMENDING CHAPTER 13.5, ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING NUISANCES
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COCOA, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 13.5, NUISANCES; AMENDING ARTICLE I, IN GENERAL, TO PROVIDE FOR THE GENERAL ABATEMENT OF NUISANCES; CREATING A NEW ARTICLE IV, ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING NUISANCES...
City Council - Sep 8, 2026
A new ordinance would define when outdoor light becomes a nuisance — glare or illumination that substantially and unreasonably interferes with a neighbor's use of their property. Councilwoman Weeks worried about Christmas displays; the city attorney said the 'ordinary and reasonable person' standard protects both sides.
Board of Adjustment - Jun 17, 2026
ModWash wanted a full-color digital sign on its pylon just 100 feet from the College Pines apartments — the code requires 150 feet and amber-only messaging. The board denied it, agreeing flashing digital signs are distracting and that letting this one through could open the door to LED signs citywide.
City Council - May 26, 2026
Councilwoman Koss raised persistent light-glare complaints from a Tulane-area home and said she may propose a city glare code, noting the county already regulates illumination in foot-candles.
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