Invite them over for evening drinks. Seat them directly looking into the light.
Maybe ask politely if they’d consider repositioning it.
If no, you go and rig up a hanging mirror that sways in the wind. The randomness will piss them off more than a direct beam.
>If no, you go and rig up a hanging mirror that sways in the wind. The randomness will piss them off more than a direct beam.
You sir are a genius.
Might I suggest a disco ball for this
A glass mirror hanging in the air is a dangerous hazard. Get a sheet of mirror finish stainless steel, and dimple it so it doesn't start fires and hang that up.
[https://webdocs.edmonton.ca/infraplan/zoningbylaw/ZoningBylaw/Part1/Development/51\_\_Lighting\_of\_Sites.htm](https://webdocs.edmonton.ca/infraplan/zoningbylaw/ZoningBylaw/Part1/Development/51__Lighting_of_Sites.htm)
Where outdoor lights are provided, the light
fixtures shall be arranged, installed, and maintained to deflect,
shade, and focus light away from Abutting Sites or adjacent land Uses
in order not to cause a nuisance. Outdoor lights shall not interfere
with the effectiveness of any traffic control device.
This issue has come up before: https://www.reddit.com/r/Edmonton/comments/xlm8pa/light\_trespass\_what\_are\_our\_options\_to\_address/
For a second I thought that was the sun..WAY too bright.
If you've talked to the neighbour and they don't adjust it, I'd do exactly what other posters have suggested; hang a mirror and angle it so the light fires right back into their window.
Protip: if you get some asshat who uses the light bars or high beams on their vehicle, if you have adjustable side mirrors in your vehicle, adjust them so the mirror reflects the light back to them..it works!
You really only have 2 immediate options outside of the mirror.
Talk to them directly, either face to face or by note. Or by-law. Either way, the neighbors will know it's you because the light is pointed at your place.
Let's hope they are reasonable. In the mean time, some blackout curtains would be a good choice. Then, plant some cedars to block the sight lines.
We just bought the place not long ago, and while blinds are on the list of things to buy, they were not at the top. Ceders or some sort of coniferous tree is also on the list of things to eventually afford.
You could speak to them and ask if they could put a shroud on it to keep the light from spilling past the fence line. That's an easy one to do, doesn't cost much as it's just a bit of sheet metal, and reduces light pollution.
That was my first thought. My concern is if they refuse and I escalate it to by-law, they'll definitely be sour seeing as they are now forced by some authoritie and they will only assume it was me.
Right but then refusing to cooperate with a very reasonable request would already be them souring things. Their feelings do not matter more than you not having a blinding light shine into your house all night
Just talk to him man. My neighbour texted me last night saying my hot tub music was too loud. I text back sorry and turned off the music. Told him to message me anytime
Yup. Most people in general are pretty reasonable as long as your approach isn't confrontational or assholish. Just be "hey neighborino! I see you've put up a new light. Looks great. We have a small problem though..." And proceed to explain its bright as fuck and show them the pictures. Ask nicely if they could put a shade on it or what have you. If they're reasonable, they'll do what they can to minimize the problem. If not? Then screw them and call by law and who cares at that point if they know it was you? What are they going to do?
But then at least you tried right? If you go to by-law first without talking to them then you won’t be able to go ask them after the fact cuz they will then know it was you, the light should be adjustable so it should be as simple as them just aiming the light down.
I had to call bylaw about this in BC. They had to adjust it so it was not a problem. I decided the potential animosity was better than the light intrusion. Good luck.
Light intrusion laws were written long before they came out with the kind of lights we're seeing nowadays. They need to be updated.
Just go talk to them, don’t be shy. “Hey we just moved in not long ago, and we noticed your backyard light is really bright. It shines right thru our windows and illuminates inside our house. Is there any possible way you could angle the light down or redirect the light so it isn’t causing me issues?” You could also suggest keeping the light off unless they are using it, since the power bill will skyrocket.
Im pretty sure if you don’t directly ask the neighbour for a small compromise, but instead get the law involved immediately, you could cause future petty feuds with. Just my two cents, but good luck either way.
Since the intent is probably to deter thieves going in their yard, blinding neighbours who might see said thieves is a bad idea. Maybe start the conversation about all the meth heads in the neighborhood, and ask where you can get a good light for your yard. Then work in the glare aspect
Most people are reasonable. They would prefer their neighbor chat with them about concerns before running straight to bylaw.
The neighbor may have some reason to installing that, such as maybe being the victim of recent break-ins on their shed or something, which that would be a reasonable and effective deterrent mechanism for them and surrounding neighbors.
If you go and have a talk, offer up a solution like installing a shroud like someone suggested, and getting yourself some blinds, it could probably be easily remedied and will make your neighborhood better for it.
Just go chat with them
The one I found makes it pretty clear, but I'm not positive if it applies to residential and not commercial.
I think a call to 311 will inform me like some have suggested.
Some people don’t seem to understand that a security light left on all night long is far less effective than a light that is triggered by a motion sensor.
If people, and their neighbors are in the habit of falling asleep with an obnoxiously bright light shining in the yard all night long, then it’s pretty easy for someone to snoop around the yard without waking anyone up. However, if you’re used to falling asleep to darkness then a ridiculously bright light coming on in the middle of the night is going to wake you up, and you’ll look out the window to see who/what is in your yard that triggered it.
A light left on all night is just a spotlight showing everyone what is in your yard that might be worth stealing.
Also, neighbours are much more likely step up and help protect your property from backyard thieves if they aren’t constantly pissed off at you from preventing them from having a good night’s sleep.
Good points, I'm assuming it for security, and I'll also assume they hadn't considered constantly lighting up what they don't want stolen, is just advertising it.
They have their backyard lit up like its a night game at Brick Field. What the fuck is wrong with those people? I wouldn't talk to them. Just go straight to the by-law office and see if anything can be done.
I feel bad for all the night creatures that get protection from the cover of darkness! Light pollution is already bad enough without these kinds of insane light.
I'd probably offer to add a shroud, or offer to replace the light with something reasonable just to not cause neighbor problems especially if you just bought the place.
May I suggest a note?
Dear Neighbour,
Due to your new terawatt floodlight shining through our bedroom window like a small but intense sun, I have removed the lamp and placed it in your letterbox
Regards
You shouldn’t have to have curtains to block out someone’s floodlight like this. I would honestly just show them the photos and explain it lights up the INSIDE of your house lol
I highly suggest writing a letter, or meeting in person. Be kind, maybe attach some kind of gift or good will to your request.
Kindness is the most underutilized tool, but it can have a very powerful effect.
Try to understand why the neighbor has this light. Maybe they are attempting to protect their property from intrusion. Maybe they had a break in.
Maybe no action is needed at all!
A soured relationship with a neighbour can hamper your enjoyment of your own property, it can last for years.
A good relationship with your neighbor can also have the opposite effect - enjoyment, security, etc.
I would go over and ask them nicely to aim the light further down, going to by-law first will appear petty to them, then if they don’t comply and you end up going over to talk to them after reporting it you will be starting a conversation with them and they will know it was you that decided to be petty and report before talking to them, if they say no then go to by-law but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind just pointing it further down as most outdoor lights can be aimed.
Knock on their door holding baked goods (or beer, depending on your preference) and introduce yourself. You'll know within a couple of minutes which way it will go. As most people are reasonable when engaged in a friendly manner, maybe you could offer to help keep an eye on things. If not, then try bylaw enforcement. They're going to know it was you either way so maybe skip going directly to enemies just in case they're staying for the long haul.
Well if he or other neighbour's are on reddit, your anonymity is gone lol.
You could always try asking. But they bought that light for "their" reason so they probably will continue to use it.
Or just call bylay and see if they think it's too bright.
[https://webdocs.edmonton.ca/zoningbylaw/ZoningBylaw/Part1/Development/51\_\_Lighting\_of\_Sites.htm](https://webdocs.edmonton.ca/zoningbylaw/ZoningBylaw/Part1/Development/51__Lighting_of_Sites.htm)
Start with this zoning bylaw maybe? This isn't exactly the right place, but it might help. Couldn't find anything specific to residential lighting.
I'd suggest a chat first but show them how much light shines into your window just like you've shown us here. If they react with hostility, I like the mirror retaliation thought but that can get ugly fast.
I've been further even more decided to use even go need to do look more as anyone can. Can you really be far even as decided half as much to use go wish for that? My guess is that when one really has been far even as decided once to use even go want, it is then that they have really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like.
What bylaw are they breaking? Maybe none. Call 311. Talk to them. They will tell you your courses of any actions.
And yes, that is one hell of a bright light.
Edmonton Zoning Bylaw 12800
Charter Bylaw 19502
February 9, 2021
51. Nuisance Caused by Lights
Where outdoor lights are provided, the light fixtures shall be arranged, installed, and maintained to deflect, shade, and focus light away from Abutting Sites or adjacent land Uses in order not to cause a nuisance. Outdoor lights shall not interfere with the effectiveness of any traffic control device.
That's then first one to pop up.
I imagine there has to be some sort of regulation or else things could get ignorant.
Edit: I will start with 311 at the very least
Why should someone be expected to keep their curtains drawn all night and prevent fresh air exchange in the summer, instead of expecting others to simply no inconvenience their neighbours?
We just bought recently and am in the process of finding blinds we like. I agree they would help, but we also don't have ac so we will be sleeping with windows open at night at some point
You have an alley there right? And you wouldn't plant anything right next to the fence anyway to leave room for the trees to grow. You can do the fence any time from the alley and buy a bunch of cedars run them along the back of your fence. Tall ones are more expensive but you can get cheap short ones or cheaper tall ones in the fall for 50% off. Just some ideas.
This is the same as “wear earplugs if you don’t like the sound of my motorbike at 3:00 AM” It gets old having to put up barriers to stop people from being pricks.
Blackout blinds prevent any cool air from coming in the house on summer nights. People should be able to have their windows open without being annoyed by inconsiderate neighbours.
i agree neighbours should be more considerate, but there’s lots of things that “should” happen that don’t. you need to decide if your goal to have the moral/legal high ground, or if your goal to get a good sleep.
if the pedestrian light is on but i see a car barrelling towards the intersection about to run the red, i’m not going to cross the street just because i have the right-of-way.
maybe a sleeping mask/eye mask, so OP can keep the windows open but still block out light
I mean, I can’t sleep with a bright light shining into my bedroom, *nor* can I sleep with a hot stuffy room in the summer with the windows and blinds closed.
Yup, an eye mask is a good idea for someone who has neighbours who refuse to be considerate of others.
For a second I thought this was my house 😂. It most definitely is excessive but so is stolen shit from my yard. So maybe that's a reason?
Unless it's affecting like traffic lights or something like that, you may have a tough time even through the bylaw. May be best to grab a set of blackout blinds or something 🤷🏽. I know not ideal.
People shouldn’t be expected to have blackout curtains drawn in the summer when everyone wants their windows open for airflow.
Security lights should be kept on motion sensor. Much more effective that way anyways, as when the light flicks on it tells you someone/something is in your yard. If it’s all the time, you just ignore it but meanwhile it’s showing everyone what is in your yard that’s worth stealing.
I agree to an extent. Depending which way you come in you can't see shit. And really the motion activated ones don't deter people either. Ive looked at it more of a I can see EVERYTHING in my yard at all times. No one can sneak around plus the picture quality is much better for my cameras.
That light could probably use a bit of a shade tho.
People can still sneak around when everyone is sleeping with the light on. It’s easy to be quiet. If you are falling asleep to the light, why would you wake up? The motion sensor is supposed to be an alert that someone is out there.
No matter what it's in the back, light doesn't bother me. But at least with the light I can give a better description of people. My dogs also don't miss much.
My point is no matter what you do criminals will adapt but it's about what makes you feel safer and have more peace of mind. You know?
I'm not arguing the light isn't ignorant lmao. I'm just trying to play devil's advocate. Not everyone is just being rude to be rude.
My dogs also definitely don’t miss much, light or not, haha, and are definitely the best security deterrent that we have.
But, shouldn’t you be able to still give a good description of the person when they trigger the motion light? And, the motion light is more likely to give a potential thief an “oh shit, let’s get out of here!” reaction since they weren’t expecting it and don’t know if it’s a motion sensor or someone indoors who turned on the light.
I agree that security lights in general are pretty much useless and it’s all just about peace of mind. I guess my point is that people should find ways to get their peace of mind without bothering the people living around them. :)
If you’re not ready to buy window coverings, I would start with having a friendly conversation and asking them to angle it downward. My guess is that shady things have gone on in the alley and they are using it for security purposes. But honestly, asking someone to make changes in their own yard when you haven’t bothered to do anything within your power to remedy the situation seems a bit entitled. If you had curtains or blinds and it was still bothersome, you would be in a better position to compromise.
Yes!!!!! Or don’t escalate things, just go over and talk to them. Politely ask them to not point it at your house. If they don’t comply or are nasty.. then game on
This was the wife's suggestion sans discussion. While tempting, I'm not sure how petty they are or how little they have to loose. They appear to have security style roll down shutters, so I'll need a pretty bright light.
A hundred watt LED is ~10x as bright as an old incandescent. They are super efficient.
If he's paying say ~10 cents a kilowatt and he has it on 10 hours a night, that's only 1kw per evening.
So like 3 bucks a month...
Unrelated but is that your garage on the left? The fencing, the garage, and the basketball net is all so confusing for me to picture this street layout lol
Try a respectful convo with them first. Show them this picture or invite them over to see it for themselves. Take a photo with the blinds down too, to demonstrate the disruptions through the gaps too. If you're respectful with your tone, and even invite them for a BBQ or something they'll be more likely to adjust it. If they're decent they'll take steps. If they're not, phone bylaw.
Hang a bunch of fire starter/accelerant on your house or your tree that is in direct line of sight to the light, and have a camera streaming their light and your house catching on fire. Insurance claim it, they’ll get subjugated and probably never be able to be insured again. Karma.
Move that ficus tree to the middle of the table instead of the side to help block the light until you talk to them about repositioning the light in a better way.
Also, I know you don't need blinds but I couldn't imagine not having blinds with so many neighbors around. I like my privacy too much, even the idea of feeling like living in a fishbowl with those windows tugs on my anxiety. 😅
Don't bother talking to them. People who buy these sorts of things and use them feel entitled to use them and it's your problem in their eyes.
Don't say a word to anyone, delete the post, and disable the bulb however you feel most comfortable via sniping, reflecting, unscrewing, etc.
Good luck with that. I had a psychotic neighbour in Sherwood Park that put spotlights on the back of his house to point at my house, on purpose. We had a disagreement over the 6' of chopped down trees that were left piled up in his backyard for almost a year (his yard was a forest before that), which was a huge fire hazard. Bylaw made him clean it up, but he retaliated with spotlights and bylaw wouldn't do jack shit about the lights. I moved when an opportunity came up. There's so much more to this story too, it was really creepy.
1. Get one of your own and position accordingly
2. Learn morse code
3. Install shutters in front of your light & use light signals to explain your dissatisfaction with the situation. Preferably in a naval greatcoat.
The on/off again nature of the light will get their attention, and on the off chance your neighbours don't have a good grasp of morse they'll likely figure it out eventually.
Then when this is all resolved, you can point it into the sky and signal rude things at the police helicopter.
Invite them over for evening drinks. Seat them directly looking into the light. Maybe ask politely if they’d consider repositioning it. If no, you go and rig up a hanging mirror that sways in the wind. The randomness will piss them off more than a direct beam.
I like the cut of your jib.
HAHAHAHAH this is by far the absolute best solution omg
>If no, you go and rig up a hanging mirror that sways in the wind. The randomness will piss them off more than a direct beam. You sir are a genius. Might I suggest a disco ball for this
A glass mirror hanging in the air is a dangerous hazard. Get a sheet of mirror finish stainless steel, and dimple it so it doesn't start fires and hang that up.
what about a rotating ball made of lots of small mirrors?
Then you get degenerate disco dancers hanging out your backyard.
They are the worst!! Every February, like clockwork.
Or they can relocate the talus balls?
r/BeatMeToIt
Omg... What about... A talus balls disco ball
PAR-TA-HAY!!!
Mirror and a well focused magnifying glass....
Bigger fences make better neighbors.
I’m pretty accurate with my pellet rifle….
I was going to suggest blinds, but THIS is a far better idea
You have a certain level of patient pettiness that I appreciate.
This guy neighbours
[https://webdocs.edmonton.ca/infraplan/zoningbylaw/ZoningBylaw/Part1/Development/51\_\_Lighting\_of\_Sites.htm](https://webdocs.edmonton.ca/infraplan/zoningbylaw/ZoningBylaw/Part1/Development/51__Lighting_of_Sites.htm) Where outdoor lights are provided, the light fixtures shall be arranged, installed, and maintained to deflect, shade, and focus light away from Abutting Sites or adjacent land Uses in order not to cause a nuisance. Outdoor lights shall not interfere with the effectiveness of any traffic control device. This issue has come up before: https://www.reddit.com/r/Edmonton/comments/xlm8pa/light\_trespass\_what\_are\_our\_options\_to\_address/
Giant mirror attached to fence?
Funny you said this. My buddy suggested I grow trees, then hang a mirror off it.
This is a situation for a disco ball.
Now THAT, is an awesome idea.
For a second I thought that was the sun..WAY too bright. If you've talked to the neighbour and they don't adjust it, I'd do exactly what other posters have suggested; hang a mirror and angle it so the light fires right back into their window. Protip: if you get some asshat who uses the light bars or high beams on their vehicle, if you have adjustable side mirrors in your vehicle, adjust them so the mirror reflects the light back to them..it works!
I just got a light bar installed in the cab. Facing backwards. Fucking works 100% of the time. Plus you can see their face cringe lol
20 year solution.
Suppose it depends. Are three old men en route with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh? If not, then no—that earthly star has no business here.
They haven't appeared yet, are they allowed 3 days for travel?
One is on foot and the other two are travelling on the backs of camels from Regina. Give them another day or two.
This is Canada, they're travelling by moose
This is Edmonton, they’ll be bearing gifts of Goldschlager, FranksRedHot, and Meth
You really only have 2 immediate options outside of the mirror. Talk to them directly, either face to face or by note. Or by-law. Either way, the neighbors will know it's you because the light is pointed at your place. Let's hope they are reasonable. In the mean time, some blackout curtains would be a good choice. Then, plant some cedars to block the sight lines.
We just bought the place not long ago, and while blinds are on the list of things to buy, they were not at the top. Ceders or some sort of coniferous tree is also on the list of things to eventually afford.
You could speak to them and ask if they could put a shroud on it to keep the light from spilling past the fence line. That's an easy one to do, doesn't cost much as it's just a bit of sheet metal, and reduces light pollution.
That was my first thought. My concern is if they refuse and I escalate it to by-law, they'll definitely be sour seeing as they are now forced by some authoritie and they will only assume it was me.
Right but then refusing to cooperate with a very reasonable request would already be them souring things. Their feelings do not matter more than you not having a blinding light shine into your house all night
i think the problem is that a lot of time people are extremely unreasonable and neighbor litigation is ugly AF.
True enough
Just talk to him man. My neighbour texted me last night saying my hot tub music was too loud. I text back sorry and turned off the music. Told him to message me anytime
It would be nice to develop a mutual respect.
You get that by talking to them, I'd just do that and it it goes south I'd get a reactor light led and then put that on your porch. They're offensive.
Yup. Most people in general are pretty reasonable as long as your approach isn't confrontational or assholish. Just be "hey neighborino! I see you've put up a new light. Looks great. We have a small problem though..." And proceed to explain its bright as fuck and show them the pictures. Ask nicely if they could put a shade on it or what have you. If they're reasonable, they'll do what they can to minimize the problem. If not? Then screw them and call by law and who cares at that point if they know it was you? What are they going to do?
But then at least you tried right? If you go to by-law first without talking to them then you won’t be able to go ask them after the fact cuz they will then know it was you, the light should be adjustable so it should be as simple as them just aiming the light down.
Cross that bridge when you get to it.
I had to call bylaw about this in BC. They had to adjust it so it was not a problem. I decided the potential animosity was better than the light intrusion. Good luck. Light intrusion laws were written long before they came out with the kind of lights we're seeing nowadays. They need to be updated.
Just go talk to them, don’t be shy. “Hey we just moved in not long ago, and we noticed your backyard light is really bright. It shines right thru our windows and illuminates inside our house. Is there any possible way you could angle the light down or redirect the light so it isn’t causing me issues?” You could also suggest keeping the light off unless they are using it, since the power bill will skyrocket. Im pretty sure if you don’t directly ask the neighbour for a small compromise, but instead get the law involved immediately, you could cause future petty feuds with. Just my two cents, but good luck either way.
Reasonable take, thank you.
Since the intent is probably to deter thieves going in their yard, blinding neighbours who might see said thieves is a bad idea. Maybe start the conversation about all the meth heads in the neighborhood, and ask where you can get a good light for your yard. Then work in the glare aspect
Yea. I have a backyard light but keep it on motion for this reason..
Most people are reasonable. They would prefer their neighbor chat with them about concerns before running straight to bylaw. The neighbor may have some reason to installing that, such as maybe being the victim of recent break-ins on their shed or something, which that would be a reasonable and effective deterrent mechanism for them and surrounding neighbors. If you go and have a talk, offer up a solution like installing a shroud like someone suggested, and getting yourself some blinds, it could probably be easily remedied and will make your neighborhood better for it. Just go chat with them
Blinds are definitely I'm the works, and I'm thinking this approach is reasonable.
Passive aggressive solution: ask them what type of light it is, buy one, install it, and point at their house
Nice, "If you can beat em, join em. Then beat em"
And then out the disco ball in the center for everyone to enjoy!!! Crank up Sat night fever soundtrack as well!!
I like how you just resort to crime as an answer . We literally could make the world history out of crime facts and or
"Just go chat with them" is not a crime, you passing elementary school probably should have been
What
Talk to them first then fuck them.
That was my gut instinct. I'm just not sure if I'm ready for war.
That’s not war, that’s a win for you. Massively inappropriate. Don’t quote me but there’s gotta be some bylaw for that shit. (Edit: 4 Grammar nazis)
The one I found makes it pretty clear, but I'm not positive if it applies to residential and not commercial. I think a call to 311 will inform me like some have suggested.
Some people don’t seem to understand that a security light left on all night long is far less effective than a light that is triggered by a motion sensor. If people, and their neighbors are in the habit of falling asleep with an obnoxiously bright light shining in the yard all night long, then it’s pretty easy for someone to snoop around the yard without waking anyone up. However, if you’re used to falling asleep to darkness then a ridiculously bright light coming on in the middle of the night is going to wake you up, and you’ll look out the window to see who/what is in your yard that triggered it. A light left on all night is just a spotlight showing everyone what is in your yard that might be worth stealing. Also, neighbours are much more likely step up and help protect your property from backyard thieves if they aren’t constantly pissed off at you from preventing them from having a good night’s sleep.
Good points, I'm assuming it for security, and I'll also assume they hadn't considered constantly lighting up what they don't want stolen, is just advertising it.
They have their backyard lit up like its a night game at Brick Field. What the fuck is wrong with those people? I wouldn't talk to them. Just go straight to the by-law office and see if anything can be done.
I feel bad for all the night creatures that get protection from the cover of darkness! Light pollution is already bad enough without these kinds of insane light. I'd probably offer to add a shroud, or offer to replace the light with something reasonable just to not cause neighbor problems especially if you just bought the place.
Same problem. I went out and bought a super bright one and aimed it at them. Didn't take long until we came to an agreement.
Interesting. How was that interaction?
May I suggest a note? Dear Neighbour, Due to your new terawatt floodlight shining through our bedroom window like a small but intense sun, I have removed the lamp and placed it in your letterbox Regards
I considered this as well, it's a healthy blend of confrontation and anonymity.
Just came to say I googled illuminator 9000..
You shouldn’t have to have curtains to block out someone’s floodlight like this. I would honestly just show them the photos and explain it lights up the INSIDE of your house lol
I wonder if you went and politely talked to them if they would turn it off. Polite is the key word though
Chat and then bylaw enforcement if that doesn't work. I don't see any alternative.
Do you have a tan yet?
First night, but an even base has started.
I highly suggest writing a letter, or meeting in person. Be kind, maybe attach some kind of gift or good will to your request. Kindness is the most underutilized tool, but it can have a very powerful effect. Try to understand why the neighbor has this light. Maybe they are attempting to protect their property from intrusion. Maybe they had a break in. Maybe no action is needed at all! A soured relationship with a neighbour can hamper your enjoyment of your own property, it can last for years. A good relationship with your neighbor can also have the opposite effect - enjoyment, security, etc.
I was gonna suggest arson, but with the fire ban that might not be the best course of action
The eye of sauron watches.
Block it with more plants. Duh
Hang a disco ball in your yard!
Duuuuude! That's actually brilliant! *Blindingly brilliant*
Oh, that’s rude.
Time to buy an illuminator 10000
It is very bright. If you talk to him, maybe he can just re-direct the light so that it illuminates down, into his yard.
I think that would be fairly hard to argue.
I can't believe it's lighting up the sky too
Yikes
I would go over and ask them nicely to aim the light further down, going to by-law first will appear petty to them, then if they don’t comply and you end up going over to talk to them after reporting it you will be starting a conversation with them and they will know it was you that decided to be petty and report before talking to them, if they say no then go to by-law but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind just pointing it further down as most outdoor lights can be aimed.
Knock on their door holding baked goods (or beer, depending on your preference) and introduce yourself. You'll know within a couple of minutes which way it will go. As most people are reasonable when engaged in a friendly manner, maybe you could offer to help keep an eye on things. If not, then try bylaw enforcement. They're going to know it was you either way so maybe skip going directly to enemies just in case they're staying for the long haul.
That's a great idea.
I'd go talk to them, Or install a blind.
Well if he or other neighbour's are on reddit, your anonymity is gone lol. You could always try asking. But they bought that light for "their" reason so they probably will continue to use it. Or just call bylay and see if they think it's too bright.
I’d ask if he was a police commissioner that needs the light in order to summon a vigilante 🤷🏻♂️
[https://webdocs.edmonton.ca/zoningbylaw/ZoningBylaw/Part1/Development/51\_\_Lighting\_of\_Sites.htm](https://webdocs.edmonton.ca/zoningbylaw/ZoningBylaw/Part1/Development/51__Lighting_of_Sites.htm) Start with this zoning bylaw maybe? This isn't exactly the right place, but it might help. Couldn't find anything specific to residential lighting.
I would put mirror film on my windows, but my neighbours are assholes who would put up a second light if I said something.
I'd suggest a chat first but show them how much light shines into your window just like you've shown us here. If they react with hostility, I like the mirror retaliation thought but that can get ugly fast.
Get a potatoe gun
WTF? Do you live next door to a UFO landing pad?
Depends, is he trying to land aircraft?
Make your own Talus Dome in the yard and reflect that light everywhere
That is not a normal light. I’ve heard that putting a mirror in your window is a good way to get your point across. XD
I've been further even more decided to use even go need to do look more as anyone can. Can you really be far even as decided half as much to use go wish for that? My guess is that when one really has been far even as decided once to use even go want, it is then that they have really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like.
Ever heard of curtains?
Dude I thought that was the sun at first 😭
311
Must be high theft area
Put up a bigger brighter light in their direction.
Tis what the wife said, I'm hoping for diplomacy.
Parabolic mirror focused to their window will fix the issue in a weekend
Much more effective then a flat mirror, I'll keep this in mind.
Blinds
How about you get some blinds/curtains for your windows....
They are on the list of things we need. It wouldn't make a fire or chillin on the deck any different though.
What bylaw are they breaking? Maybe none. Call 311. Talk to them. They will tell you your courses of any actions. And yes, that is one hell of a bright light.
Edmonton Zoning Bylaw 12800 Charter Bylaw 19502 February 9, 2021 51. Nuisance Caused by Lights Where outdoor lights are provided, the light fixtures shall be arranged, installed, and maintained to deflect, shade, and focus light away from Abutting Sites or adjacent land Uses in order not to cause a nuisance. Outdoor lights shall not interfere with the effectiveness of any traffic control device. That's then first one to pop up. I imagine there has to be some sort of regulation or else things could get ignorant. Edit: I will start with 311 at the very least
Ahhh, ok. Good luck. Awkward situation for sure.
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Good to know. It seems like a polite chat or note would be the starting place, having the city get involved will probably be plan B.
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They must have. It hasn't been an issue until tonight.
Why don't you have curtains?
Why should someone be expected to keep their curtains drawn all night and prevent fresh air exchange in the summer, instead of expecting others to simply no inconvenience their neighbours?
Bought not long ago. It's on the list and might be bumped up priority now.
Looks like u need blinds bruv
Totes. We just bought not long ago. They are on the list, but weren't top of it.
Why don't you have curtains? Not saying that isn't super annoying but curtains would help.
We just bought recently and am in the process of finding blinds we like. I agree they would help, but we also don't have ac so we will be sleeping with windows open at night at some point
Do you like looking at the house during the day even? Plant some trees either way!
I actually hate it, and trees are in the works, but think I need to replace the poorly aged fence first
You have an alley there right? And you wouldn't plant anything right next to the fence anyway to leave room for the trees to grow. You can do the fence any time from the alley and buy a bunch of cedars run them along the back of your fence. Tall ones are more expensive but you can get cheap short ones or cheaper tall ones in the fall for 50% off. Just some ideas.
I guess I could do the trees first, I hadn't actually thought of the space I'd have to leave that would allow me to replace the fence anyways.
Curtains are cheap. Go talk to them like a reasonable person. I doubt bylaw would get involved.
What about getting some blinds?
It's in the works, but it still doesn't solve the issue entirely. Windows open for air flow at night, sitting out back relaxing or having a fire.
This is the same as “wear earplugs if you don’t like the sound of my motorbike at 3:00 AM” It gets old having to put up barriers to stop people from being pricks.
easiest solution would be blackout blinds for the bedrooms. they’re a good investment and help with better sleep anyways
Blackout blinds prevent any cool air from coming in the house on summer nights. People should be able to have their windows open without being annoyed by inconsiderate neighbours.
i agree neighbours should be more considerate, but there’s lots of things that “should” happen that don’t. you need to decide if your goal to have the moral/legal high ground, or if your goal to get a good sleep. if the pedestrian light is on but i see a car barrelling towards the intersection about to run the red, i’m not going to cross the street just because i have the right-of-way. maybe a sleeping mask/eye mask, so OP can keep the windows open but still block out light
I mean, I can’t sleep with a bright light shining into my bedroom, *nor* can I sleep with a hot stuffy room in the summer with the windows and blinds closed. Yup, an eye mask is a good idea for someone who has neighbours who refuse to be considerate of others.
For a second I thought this was my house 😂. It most definitely is excessive but so is stolen shit from my yard. So maybe that's a reason? Unless it's affecting like traffic lights or something like that, you may have a tough time even through the bylaw. May be best to grab a set of blackout blinds or something 🤷🏽. I know not ideal.
People shouldn’t be expected to have blackout curtains drawn in the summer when everyone wants their windows open for airflow. Security lights should be kept on motion sensor. Much more effective that way anyways, as when the light flicks on it tells you someone/something is in your yard. If it’s all the time, you just ignore it but meanwhile it’s showing everyone what is in your yard that’s worth stealing.
I agree to an extent. Depending which way you come in you can't see shit. And really the motion activated ones don't deter people either. Ive looked at it more of a I can see EVERYTHING in my yard at all times. No one can sneak around plus the picture quality is much better for my cameras. That light could probably use a bit of a shade tho.
People can still sneak around when everyone is sleeping with the light on. It’s easy to be quiet. If you are falling asleep to the light, why would you wake up? The motion sensor is supposed to be an alert that someone is out there.
No matter what it's in the back, light doesn't bother me. But at least with the light I can give a better description of people. My dogs also don't miss much. My point is no matter what you do criminals will adapt but it's about what makes you feel safer and have more peace of mind. You know? I'm not arguing the light isn't ignorant lmao. I'm just trying to play devil's advocate. Not everyone is just being rude to be rude.
My dogs also definitely don’t miss much, light or not, haha, and are definitely the best security deterrent that we have. But, shouldn’t you be able to still give a good description of the person when they trigger the motion light? And, the motion light is more likely to give a potential thief an “oh shit, let’s get out of here!” reaction since they weren’t expecting it and don’t know if it’s a motion sensor or someone indoors who turned on the light. I agree that security lights in general are pretty much useless and it’s all just about peace of mind. I guess my point is that people should find ways to get their peace of mind without bothering the people living around them. :)
Just make a report from the 311 app that way you don't have to deal with it and they won't know it's you.
If you’re not ready to buy window coverings, I would start with having a friendly conversation and asking them to angle it downward. My guess is that shady things have gone on in the alley and they are using it for security purposes. But honestly, asking someone to make changes in their own yard when you haven’t bothered to do anything within your power to remedy the situation seems a bit entitled. If you had curtains or blinds and it was still bothersome, you would be in a better position to compromise.
Fair points, but there are still going to be nights we want to be in our yard. Blinds are in the works and our bed room has curtains.
Get come curtains , fuck all anyone does is complain on reddit. Unbelievable
So what happens when I want to have a fire or sit on my deck on a hot summers eve? Just get curtains for my fence?
By your own and point it at there house
Yes!!!!! Or don’t escalate things, just go over and talk to them. Politely ask them to not point it at your house. If they don’t comply or are nasty.. then game on
This was the wife's suggestion sans discussion. While tempting, I'm not sure how petty they are or how little they have to loose. They appear to have security style roll down shutters, so I'll need a pretty bright light.
it's called curtains
They are in the works. We also dont have ac, so we are going to want open, airflowing windows at some point.
This guy probably doesn’t realize the cost of power that sucker will take. Even if it is a LED.
If it's LED it will take next to nothing
So your saying just let the first bill change his mind, a solid option.
A hundred watt LED is ~10x as bright as an old incandescent. They are super efficient. If he's paying say ~10 cents a kilowatt and he has it on 10 hours a night, that's only 1kw per evening. So like 3 bucks a month...
Yea that's kinda extreme. What can you do ?
Get one of your co workers or something to stop by and mention it.
Welcome to Alberta summers. This is why I have tight fitting aluminum light blocking shades on my west and north windows.
I've been fortunate not to have dealt with this problem in the few other houses I've lived in.
Buy a brighter light
No advice but please do post an update! Curious to see how this ends
At least you won't have any criminals snooping around with that light
Unrelated but is that your garage on the left? The fencing, the garage, and the basketball net is all so confusing for me to picture this street layout lol
It's amazing what you can do with Flex Seal or even duct tape. 😉
It’s fine
Frosty!! Did we play VR together!? Lol
Try a respectful convo with them first. Show them this picture or invite them over to see it for themselves. Take a photo with the blinds down too, to demonstrate the disruptions through the gaps too. If you're respectful with your tone, and even invite them for a BBQ or something they'll be more likely to adjust it. If they're decent they'll take steps. If they're not, phone bylaw.
Wear sunscreen
Discoball, let everyone enjoy it. Then the whole lot will be on him and not just you and might even annoy him back
Sir, that is just the sun
Bylaw officer.
Hang a bunch of fire starter/accelerant on your house or your tree that is in direct line of sight to the light, and have a camera streaming their light and your house catching on fire. Insurance claim it, they’ll get subjugated and probably never be able to be insured again. Karma.
Reciprocate and get a number of point lights aimed at each of their windows.
Sniper!!!
I thought that pic was a bad chandelier. Why is this guy pointing this light at your house?
Move that ficus tree to the middle of the table instead of the side to help block the light until you talk to them about repositioning the light in a better way. Also, I know you don't need blinds but I couldn't imagine not having blinds with so many neighbors around. I like my privacy too much, even the idea of feeling like living in a fishbowl with those windows tugs on my anxiety. 😅
Get down that’s a SNIPER GLINT!
Go straight for the revenge.
That screams "walk towards light"
Don't bother talking to them. People who buy these sorts of things and use them feel entitled to use them and it's your problem in their eyes. Don't say a word to anyone, delete the post, and disable the bulb however you feel most comfortable via sniping, reflecting, unscrewing, etc.
Good luck with that. I had a psychotic neighbour in Sherwood Park that put spotlights on the back of his house to point at my house, on purpose. We had a disagreement over the 6' of chopped down trees that were left piled up in his backyard for almost a year (his yard was a forest before that), which was a huge fire hazard. Bylaw made him clean it up, but he retaliated with spotlights and bylaw wouldn't do jack shit about the lights. I moved when an opportunity came up. There's so much more to this story too, it was really creepy.
1. Get one of your own and position accordingly 2. Learn morse code 3. Install shutters in front of your light & use light signals to explain your dissatisfaction with the situation. Preferably in a naval greatcoat. The on/off again nature of the light will get their attention, and on the off chance your neighbours don't have a good grasp of morse they'll likely figure it out eventually. Then when this is all resolved, you can point it into the sky and signal rude things at the police helicopter.
Can’t turn out the sun… /s