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Exterior lighting and light trespass in Washington, DC

No DC rule limits light from a house or townhouse onto a neighbor's lot. DC's only light-trespass rules (Green Construction Code § 409: shielding, glare limits, 3000 K maximum) apply to new buildings and major renovations of 10,000 sq ft or more, and the code expressly excludes one- and two-family houses and townhouses up to three stories. A neighbor's glare is a civil nuisance matter or one for mediation.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Washington before you build.

The details

  • Green Construction Code light limits cover new construction and Level 3 alterations of larger buildings, not houses, rowhouses or their yards.High confidence
  • A full-text search of the D.C. Code and every 2025–2026 law found no light-trespass rule. § 8-1776.02 only ordered a 2010 lighting study.High confidence
  • The 2025 LIGHT DC bill (B26-140) is about lighting crosswalks and park trails, not private lights.High confidence

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Common questions

How bright can outdoor lights be, and can they shine on a neighbor in Washington?
No DC rule limits light from a house or townhouse onto a neighbor's lot. DC's only light-trespass rules (Green Construction Code § 409: shielding, glare limits, 3000 K maximum) apply to new buildings and major renovations of 10,000 sq ft or more, and the code expressly excludes one- and two-family houses and townhouses up to three stories. A neighbor's glare is a civil nuisance matter or one for mediation.

Sources

  1. DC Green Construction Code (12-K DCMR § 409, light pollution control) and its scope (12-A DCMR § 101.12.3). Checked 2026-10-21
    [§ 409.1] Uplight, light trespass, glare, and color temperature shall be limited for all exterior lighting equipment... The provisions of this section shall only apply to new construction and Level 3 alterations... [§ 409.4] Maximum color temperature... sha…
  2. Code of the District of Columbia (DC Council law-xml-codified, as of May 19, 2026) and every Council Period 26 law through October 15, 2026 (law-xml), full-text search. Checked 2026-10-21
    [Full-text search for 'light trespass', 'light pollution', 'outdoor lighting', 'exterior lighting', 'glare' and 'dark sky': the only D.C. Code hit on point is § 8-1776.02, a 2010 directive for DDOE to study] optimal lighting methods and levels in the Distri…
  3. Council of the District of Columbia, B26-0140, LIGHT DC Amendment Act of 2025 (LIMS). Checked 2026-10-21
    As introduced, Bill 26-140 would require the Mayor to install and maintain lighting on all designated pedestrian crosswalk and bicycle trails in parks and forested areas... Referred to Committee on Transportation and the Environment.

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.