Intrusive lighting

Light spillage (either deliberate or otherwise) from neighbours is not regulated by an Act or Regulation administered by Council and therefore is a civil matter which needs to be resolved directly between neighbours. 

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. A residential property would not have these conditions.

What can you do as an affected neighbour?

If you have a concern, attempt to talk to your neighbour and discuss options with them to reduce or remove the problem. 

If these discussions are not successful, options include:

  • Calling LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529, which may be able to give access on the best next steps; or
  • Commissioning the services of a private lawyer to act on your behalf.

What can landowners with external lights do?

Below are some options to help reduce light and glare emissions:

  • Installing a timer or sensor lights and turning lights off 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, i.e. warm white, lower lumen, light-emitting diode (LED) light globes.
  • Place the light source 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.
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