Lighting issues

Outdoor lighting can sometimes create a nuisance when it shines into neighbouring homes. Find out how to reduce light spill, resolve concerns with neighbours and how Council may assist with lighting complaints.

Poorly installed or positioned outdoor lighting on residential and commercial properties can sometimes affect neighbouring homes.

Council investigates complaints where lighting causes excessive brightness, glare or light spill into neighbouring residential properties, particularly where it affects bedrooms or living areas.

When assessing a complaint, Council will consider whether reasonable steps have been taken by all parties to reduce the impact of the lighting. This includes whether practical measures such as blinds, curtains, shutters or other screening devices have been installed and used to minimise light entering the home.

Council will expect these measures to be in place and used before taking further action.

Speak with your neighbour first

Many people are unaware that their lighting is affecting nearby properties.

Before contacting Council, we encourage you to speak with your neighbour or the business responsible for the lighting and explain how it is affecting you. In many cases, the issue can be resolved quickly by:

  • adjusting the direction or angle of the light
  • repositioning the light fitting
  • installing a shield or baffle
  • using a timer or motion sensor
  • turning the light off when it is not needed.

If you do not feel comfortable speaking directly with your neighbour, or the issue remains unresolved, you may wish to contact the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria, which offers free and confidential dispute resolution services.

Tips for homeowners and businesses

The following measures can help reduce light spill and minimise impacts on neighbouring properties:

  • Install timers, motion sensors or automatic controls so lights operate only when needed.
  • Turn lights off when they are not required for safety, security or operational purposes.
  • Choose warm-white, lower-brightness LED lights where appropriate.
  • Direct lights downward onto the area being illuminated rather than upwards or towards neighbouring properties.
  • Install shields, hoods or baffles to reduce glare and light spill.
  • Position lights as far as practical from neighbouring properties and away from bedroom windows and living areas.
  • Avoid aiming lights directly at neighbouring homes or other sensitive areas.
  • Avoid installing lights near highly reflective surfaces that can increase glare.
  • Use landscaping, fencing or other screening where appropriate to block unwanted light.
  • Select lighting products specifically designed to minimise light escaping above the horizontal plane.
  • Avoid over-lighting. Using only the amount of light needed can benefit your neighbours, reduce environmental impacts and lower energy costs.

Request an investigation

If lighting from a neighbouring property is shining into your bedroom or living area and is preventing sleep or impacting your health, you can submit a request for Council to investigate.

When lodging a request, please provide:

  • The address or location of the light source.
  • A description of the light, including the type of light where known.
  • The times and duration that the light is operating.
  • Details of how the light is affecting you and your household.
  • Any steps you have taken to resolve the issue directly with the neighbour or business.
  • Photos or other evidence, where available.

Providing complete information will help Council assess your request and determine whether further investigation is appropriate.

Report a concern

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