"HeyBub" wrote:
SMS wrote:
I own a townhouse in a complex where we recently changed the outdoor
lighting on the grounds to simple two socket outdoor fixtures
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/410uvXmvWVL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
with 26W PAR38 fluorescent lamps. These replaced problematic 150W
halogen fixtures with the straight bulbs held in a spring loaded
socket.
These lamps are on photocells but not motion sensors.

There's a woman in an adjoining apartment complex complaining that the
lamps are too bright (even though they are dimmer than the old ones,
the old ones were often non-functional). She complained to the city
which said that the lamps are out of compliance with the city code
because they shine onto adjoining property.

I'm looking for either a way to shield the PAR38 lamps so they don't
bother the neighbor, or to find a fixture that directs all the light
down. The fixtures are affixed to the wall of the building about 10'
up.
We liked the bare bulbs because they are easy to replace without a
ladder, but even if we had shields over the sides that would not help.

The city mentioned a "shoebox" design but I don't know what means.
http://www.ci.campbell.ca.us/Planning/ZoneCodeExcerpts/Ligting%20Design%20Standard.pdf.

Anyway, I'd like ideas about ways to shield these lights so they don't
spill light, or for fixtures that solve the problem. It's just two
fixtures to replace if we have to change fixtures.

What does your busy-body city say about the moon?

I see these intensely bright street lamps a half mile away. Why waste all
that light??

Greg