Residential Light Nuisance
Residential Light Nuisance

Residential Light Nuisance

Residential Light Nuisance

Find information about identifying, reporting, and resolving residential light nuisances, complaint processes, and council regulations.
Last updated on: 25 January 2025
In this article
In this article

Wyndham City investigates complaints about lights that impact neighbouring properties by causing excessive illumination, glare or light spillage. Council's investigation will consider all aspects of the light, including its intensity, time of operation, duration and the impact on the neighbouring properties.

Issues with neighbours

  • People are sometimes unaware that their activities are causing a problem.
  • Wyndham City encourages residents to speak to their neighbours, whether businesses or residents, regarding the impact of the light they have installed. Rectifying the issue can be as simple as changing the position or direction of the light to reduce the impact.

Tips for home owners and businesses to reduce light issues

  • Install timer or sensor lights to ensure lights are only activated when needed.
  • Ensure lights are turned off when not required for safety or security reasons or when enhancing a night-time scene.
  • When buying external lights, consider using warm white, lower brightness, light-emitting diode (LED) light globes less likely to impact neighbouring properties.
  • Direct light should be directed downwards, not upwards, to light the area wherever possible. If there is no alternative to up-lighting, shields will help keep spill light to a minimum.
  • Locate lights as far as possible from neighbours and away from sensitive areas such as bedroom windows and living areas.
  • Ensure that the main beam angle of all lights directed towards any sensitive place is kept below 70 degrees. Use light shields to help minimise glare and the impact on neighbouring properties.
  • Avoid placing lights near a light-reflective surface.
  • Use existing features such as trees to block the light entering neighbouring properties.
  • Use specifically designed lighting equipment that, once installed, minimises the spread of light near or above the horizontal.
  • Don't over-light. Less is more for your neighbours, the environment and your electricity bill.

Light complaint handling

In support of residents experiencing unreasonable light nuisance, Council has prepared the below simple information to connect residents with the best source of support.

Anonymous requests

  • Contact details are highly recommended when lodging this issue to ensure a proper investigation can be completed. It also allows Wyndham City to clarify information to ensure officers have a safe working environment.
  • If you do not provide contact details, any action taken by Wyndham City regarding this concern may be limited.
  • Personal information is not disclosed to any person without consent.

Raise a request

Submit the request below to report any issues related to residential lighting nuisance.
An officer will action your request within five (5) working days. This includes contacting you to clarify the nature of the complaint, checking on any possible safety risks for Council staff and explaining the complaint process.