Neighborhood Enhancement Lighting Program

yard lighting image

The Neighborhood Enhancement Lighting Program provides a dollar for dollar match up to a maximum amount for residential property owners who install either front yard or rear yard light fixtures that also improve lighting levels on public sidewalks and alleys. 

Applicants must own a property or reside in the city of Dubuque. Eligible fixtures include energy efficient electric, gas, and solar lighting fixtures including LED and CFL lights and fixtures with photo-eye. Fixtures using incandescent bulbs and motion-sensitive lighting fixtures are not eligible. This program is for installation only and does not reimburse for previously installed fixtures. Funding for this program is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Front Yard Lighting

Owners may be eligible for a maximum rebate of up to $250 (for a total project minimum of $500) towards the cost of purchase and installation of energy-efficient electric, gas, and solar lighting fixtures installed in their front yard.

Rear Yard Lighting

Owners may be eligible for a maximum rebate of up to $100 (for a total project minimum of $200) towards the cost of purchase and installation of energy-efficient electric, gas, and solar lighting fixtures installed in their rear yard. The light fixtures may be attached to the rear of the home or to the garage along the alley.

Application Process

To be eligible to receive the rebate, applicants must first contact the Inspection and Construction Services Division at 563.589.4150 or building@cityofdubuque.org to arrange for a preliminary site inspection. 

Once the preliminary site inspection is completed, the lighting plan has been approved, and the light fixtures are installed, the applicant must complete the Yard Lighting Form and return it to the Inspection and Construction Services Division, along with any requested supporting documentation including receipts. Upon final approval, reimbursements may take up to 30 business days to process.

Outdoor Lighting Information

Covered Fixtures

  • Spiral or tubed ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs are both appropriate to use in outdoor covered fixtures where the weather can't harm them.
  • For colder temperatures check the packaging for starting temperatures to make sure the bulb will work properly.
  • Most photocells, motion sensors, and electronic timers are not designed to work with CFLs. Check with the control manufacturer and the CFL packaging for compatibility.

Exposed Fixtures

  • ENERGY STAR qualified outdoor flood light bulbs are recommended for outdoor exposed fixtures. These bulbs have special cases that protect them from nature's elements.
  • Placing a bare spiral CFL in an open outdoor fixture exposes the tubing and electronics to the elements and is likely to result in an early failure.
  • For colder temperatures check the packaging for starting temperatures to make sure the bulb will work properly.
  • Most photocells, motion sensors, and electronic timers are not designed to work with CFLs. Check with the control manufacturer and the CFL packaging for compatibility