Resident credits city code staff after lighting at Anytime Fitness was redirected away from homes

A High Springs resident told the City Commission April 24 that lighting from the Anytime Fitness property had been shining into his backyard for about three weeks but that code enforcement intervened and the owner has since added covers that have reduced light spill.

The resident, who identified himself during public comment, said he reviewed the site’s lighting plan and that the original design showed illumination falling to extinction at the property line. He presented photographs taken April 19 showing bright illumination and shadowing on his and a neighbor’s patios from three pole lights mounted on the building’s west side.

The resident praised inspector Christie (listed in records as Christie) and code compliance officer Jennifer Dotson, saying Dotson “told the owner, 'you gotta fix this. You're out or you're in violation,'” and that the owner later installed shades on the lights. He said he would supply before‑and‑after photographs to staff and thanked the commission for the responsiveness of city staff.

Commissioners and staff acknowledged the complaint and said the city plan‑review and code teams take lighting and neighboring residential impacts seriously. Vice Mayor Miller asked the resident to provide updated photos so staff could confirm the final orientation and shielding of the fixtures. The resident agreed to deliver the images through the inspector.

Commissioners used the exchange to note that new commercial projects such as a forthcoming McDonald’s could create similar issues and urged continued attention to lighting orientation and shielding in site-plan reviews.