garage lighting

Started by SusanL15 • 9 replies • 290 views

💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

SusanL15 (South Carolina)
Posts: 2

Posted:

Ordinance 14-2020 county of Horry, State of SC states: Appendix B, Article V, section 520:"Lighting shall be oriented and shielded to provide onsite illumination that minimally impacts the surrounding environment."
NOLO: "light pollution is recognized as a "nuisance: by courts in most parts of the Unites States. A nuisance is a type of conduct that disturbs a neighbor's use or enjoyment of property"
Are there any rules pertaining to wattage and color on garage door lights?

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

Read the rest of that section and see if anything is there, although "nuisance" is subjective. What's annoying to you isn't necessarily a problem to someone else. And which door are we talking about - the side door that takes you in and out of the door itself or the overhead door? Where is the door facing? And what's so annoying about the light - something constantly shining in a bedroom which disturbs sleep is more of a problem.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Shelia's questions are good ones. In addition, check your own governing documents. Your CC&Rs (perhaps in your Nuisance Sections) or Rules & Regs may show restrictions about where lighting can be placed and maybe even wattage & color. Another governing document to read is your Architectural Guidelines, or similar title.

We're a twin tower HOA and have a CC&R section against lighting that might so bright as to bother neighbors:

"7.3.4 Exterior Lighting. Any exterior electrical, or other artificial lighting installed on any Unit shall, subject to Architectural Committee approval, be positioned, screened, or otherwise directed or situated and of such controlled focus and intensity so as not to unreasonably disturb the residents of any other Unit(s)."

JoeN6 (Virginia)
Posts: 94

Posted:

Are there any rules pertaining to wattage and color on garage door lights?

I would say sufficient brightness for the garage owners resident or tenent for their safety , ie not trip and fall in the dark and be injured , walking to and from the door.

There exist “ Dark Sky Compliant” exterior light fixtures I believe these are intended for use adjacent to environmental sensitive areas.

ElleN (Idaho)
Posts: 4,420

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By SusanL15 on 10/21/2023 4:13 AM
Ordinance 14-2020 county of Horry, State of SC states: Appendix B, Article V, section 520:"Lighting shall be oriented and shielded to provide onsite illumination that minimally impacts the surrounding environment."
NOLO: "light pollution is recognized as a "nuisance: by courts in most parts of the Unites States. A nuisance is a type of conduct that disturbs a neighbor's use or enjoyment of property"
Are there any rules pertaining to wattage and color on garage door lights?

Not for this ordinance.

"Nuisance law" is in the body of law that I call "A court knows it when it sees it." Meaning whether something is a nuisance almost always depends on the particulars and then "What the court says tomorrow."

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Basically, the light should not escape your property.

By escape, I mean be aimed so the bulk of the light leaves your property.
This can be done with shielding (landscaping or physical baffles/barn doors) or adjusting the wattage.

Some color lights are more annoying then others.

You don't need a 150 Watt bulb when a 60 watt will still light up the area.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

We had a general rule about lighting being 60 watt or below. We recommended a 25 Watt in the front yard light. That is because the houses were so close to each other that anything brighter could cause light to enter houses.

They do have those new 3 legged garage lights. Just screw into the existing light fixture. I have one. Not installed yet. Have driven by homes whom have them. Do not find the light a nuisance in most cases as it is high up. Plus they don't extend light much past the driveways. However, I can see where one may have an issue with them. That would have to be your HOA's ACC decision to allow them or not,

The color of light did not matter. We have special events here. Some will put pink lights for Breast Cancer. Purple for domestic violence. Blue for the men/women in blue. Green for aliens landing... Some are just for bug control. Again this would be a "taste" issue with the HOA what the neighbors are okay with.

Former HOA President

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Susan

What garage lighting are you asking about? Do you mean garage post type lights?

SusanL15 (South Carolina)
Posts: 2

Posted:

Thank you all for your responses. Yes, the light on either side of the garage, across the street entered into my hallway so brightly I had to shield my eyes.
When I took a photo and sent it via text to my neighbor, they bought a lesser watt bulb, but it is still bright, in addition to the street lamp on that corner.
I brought it to the attention of the ACB, the subject of nuisance lighting is specified our charter to be contained on ones own property.
Thank you for the information regarding the "dark sky light bulb". Even with window film, black out curtains and rounded curtain rods the corner street lamp, too prevents the front bedroom from getting totally dark.

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By SusanL15 on 10/22/2023 2:36 AM
Thank you all for your responses. Yes, the light on either side of the garage, across the street entered into my hallway so brightly I had to shield my eyes.
When I took a photo and sent it via text to my neighbor, they bought a lesser watt bulb, but it is still bright, in addition to the street lamp on that corner.
I brought it to the attention of the ACB, the subject of nuisance lighting is specified our charter to be contained on ones own property.
Thank you for the information regarding the "dark sky light bulb". Even with window film, black out curtains and rounded curtain rods the corner street lamp, too prevents the front bedroom from getting totally dark.

That lighting source is a nuisance and you should be supported when you seek correction. It's common sense.

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

✓ Ask follow-up questions
✓ Share your experience
✓ Get expert advice
✓ Access 350,000 discussions

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here