Nuisance Light on Residential Properties.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 80-19
in effect80-19. Nuisance Light on Residential Properties.
1. DEFINITIONS. In this section:
a. "Glare" means an excessive brightness contrast producing a sensation of visual discomfort resulting from viewing a strong, intense light source.
b. "Intermittent light" means any artificial light which flashes, revolves or fluctuates in such a manner that the variance is easily distinguished by personal observation.
c. "Light source" means a device (such as a lamp) which provides visible energy.
d. "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, trustee, agent, association, corporation, company, governmental agency, club or organization of any kind.
e. "Spill light" means any artificial light flowing onto an adjacent property.
2. GLARE AND SPILL LIGHT DECLARED A NUISANCE. Glare, spill and intermittent artificial light impacting on residential properties between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. which causes loss of enjoyment, comfort or repose, and use of such properties is declared a nuisance.
3. NUISANCE DETERMINED. a. Spill light shall be considered a nuisance when measurement in the nearest habitable area of the residential property at the location where the alleged nuisance occurs reveals that such light produces 0.2 horizontal foot candles or more at approximately 4 feet from the ground or floor surface at which the measurement is taken. Such measurements shall be taken by department personnel utilizing appropriate equipment and techniques.
b. Glare light shall be considered a nuisance when an artificial light source has not been properly located, shielded, directed or controlled, and as a result there is a direct line of sight between the light source or its reflection and a point 5 feet above the ground or higher in the nearest habitable area on the complainant's property and of such intensity as to cause discomfort or annoyance.
c. Intermittent light shall be considered a nuisance when it impacts upon a habitable area of a complainant's property with such intensity and variance as to cause discomfort or annoyance.
4. PRODUCTION OF LIGHT NUISANCE PROHIBITED. No artificial light source shall be installed, allowed to be installed or permitted on any property which light source flashes or revolves, or due to its intensity or physical characteristics, causes glare or spills onto a residential property in such a manner as to cause a nuisance during the hours of 6 p.m. through 7 a.m.
5. RESPONSIBILITY. It shall be the responsibility of every installer of artificial lights and every owner or occupant of property on which artificial lights are installed to comply with sub. 4.
6. EXEMPTIONS. The provisions of subs. 4 and 5 shall not apply where:
a. Such lights are caused to be installed by city, county or state governments to light public ways or areas for public benefit; or
b. There is no written complaint filed with the department by a person directly affected by such light; or
c. Such lights are required by law for safety reasons and there is no practical way to control them to eliminate the nuisance.
7. MAKING A COMPLAINT.
a. Any adult resident of the city may seek relief from nuisance light on a residential property by filing a written complaint with the department.
b. The written complaint shall contain the complainant's name and address, the address of the property where the alleged nuisance light is installed, a brief description of the light source, and the complainant's signature.
c. Upon receipt of a complaint, the department shall investigate whether the regulations set forth in subs. 3 or 4 could or are being violated.
d. The department shall notify the affected parties as to its findings.
e. The complainant must be willing to testify in court if required as to the nature of the nuisance of the light about which they are complaining.
8. RETROACTIVITY. It is the intent of the city that the provisions of this section shall apply to all existing installations, and the owners or occupants of properties on which nuisance lights exist shall be responsible for eliminating any nuisance caused by their lights to comply with this section.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-1/CH80.pdf#page=12Fetched: 10/26/2026