Lighting issues

We encourage you to speak directly to the neighbouring business or residents and advise them of the impact the lights are having. This approach often resolves the issue because it can be as simple as changing the position or direction of the light to reduce its impact.

If you are a resident in an apartment complex, you may lodge an official complaint via the Owners Corporation or leasing agent, they will provide details of the dispute resolution process.

You may also want to try utilising the free services of the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria who can provide advice on how to approach your neighbour.

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 lumen, light-emitting diode (LED) light globes that are less likely to impact neighbouring properties
• Wherever possible, direct light downwards, not upwards, to illuminate the target area. If there is no alternative to up-lighting, using 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 the light near a light reflective surface
• Use existing features such as trees block the light entering neighbouring properties.
• Use specifically designed lighting equipment that, once installed, minimises the spread of light near to, or above the horizontal.
• Don't over-light. Less is more for your neighbours, the environment and your electricity bill.

If all these options fail Council the lighting issues affect your health Council’s Local Law allows our team to investigate:

• the amount of light being emitted
• how long the light is on
• the type of light e.g. lighting intended to protect the safety of residents may not be removed.
• the impact the light has had or may have e.g. if there is direct impact on a person’s health.

If the investigating confirms that the light is unreasonable or offensive, we may approach the light owner to redirect the light.

More information:

Customer service
Phone: 03 8470 8888
Email: mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au