Lighting By-law

What You Need to Know

The City of Windsor has introduced a Nuisance Indoor and Outdoor Illumination by-law to address concerns about excessive or intrusive lighting on private properties.


What’s Changing?

  • The new by-law will set standards for brightness, direction, and duration of lighting on private properties.
  • It will help resolve complaints more effectively and support the goals of the Strengthen the Core – Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan.
  • The City will use a balanced approach: education first, followed by enforcement if needed.

Why This Matters?

  • Advances in LED lighting have made lights brighter and more affordable, but poorly placed or overly intense lighting can disturb neighbours and affect sleep, health, and quality of life.
  • Complaints about nuisance lighting have increased in recent years, but current by-laws do not allow the City to enforce corrections.

What Counts as Nuisance Lighting?

Lighting that:

  • Is unshielded or poorly positioned.
  • Creates glare or spills onto neighbouring properties.
  • Interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property.
The by-law is not intended to discourage lighting for safety, but to ensure it is used responsibly and respectfully.


How It Affects You?

  • Property owners must ensure lighting does not spill onto neighbouring properties or create glare.
  • Lighting should follow “full cut-off” standards, meaning it must be directed downward and shielded.
  • The City will provide guidance and resources to help residents and businesses comply.


Need Help or Have Questions?

Visit City of Windsor Building by-laws, email buildingdept@citywindsor.ca or call 311 for more information.

What You Need to Know

The City of Windsor has introduced a Nuisance Indoor and Outdoor Illumination by-law to address concerns about excessive or intrusive lighting on private properties.


What’s Changing?

  • The new by-law will set standards for brightness, direction, and duration of lighting on private properties.
  • It will help resolve complaints more effectively and support the goals of the Strengthen the Core – Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan.
  • The City will use a balanced approach: education first, followed by enforcement if needed.

Why This Matters?

  • Advances in LED lighting have made lights brighter and more affordable, but poorly placed or overly intense lighting can disturb neighbours and affect sleep, health, and quality of life.
  • Complaints about nuisance lighting have increased in recent years, but current by-laws do not allow the City to enforce corrections.

What Counts as Nuisance Lighting?

Lighting that:

  • Is unshielded or poorly positioned.
  • Creates glare or spills onto neighbouring properties.
  • Interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property.
The by-law is not intended to discourage lighting for safety, but to ensure it is used responsibly and respectfully.


How It Affects You?

  • Property owners must ensure lighting does not spill onto neighbouring properties or create glare.
  • Lighting should follow “full cut-off” standards, meaning it must be directed downward and shielded.
  • The City will provide guidance and resources to help residents and businesses comply.


Need Help or Have Questions?

Visit City of Windsor Building by-laws, email buildingdept@citywindsor.ca or call 311 for more information.
Page published: 03 Nov 2025, 09:53 AM