It's probably your local planning code, not the building code, that regulates residential lighting. I would call the planning office at city hall and see if there is any code violation. If not, then it is because the planning commission hasn't gotten around to adding a light pollution ordinance to the local planning code. Most planning commission meetings have a slot in the agenda for public appearances. Show up and make your case. In many cases, this kind of lighting is seen as a home security issue, so be prepared for that one.
In the event that there is a code violation, you should contact the city manager's office.

Ugh, how irritating for you. The first thing I thought, though, after reading that he hasn't moved in yet was that the lighting might be a security issue, as mentioned above. Burglars prefer a dark, empty home over one that's well lit. :)

Hopefully, he'll be moving in soon so you can get this worked out. Good luck to you!

Brenda

When he moves in invite him over and let him how his light is illuminating your yard. He probably has no idea and should be given the chance to make adjustments. I am also appalled at the size, especially the height, of houses being built now. The small lot size is apparently causing all the two and three three story homes in order to get the floor space. Al

thanks for the input.
Yeah, I mean it is not really that important, but people move into a new neighborhood with no consideration. The existing houses on my street have porch lights. Last night, the 5 bright lights mounted atop the pillars or posts between the ironwork that comprises this guy's front yard fence were on. It was just like daylight. I'm sorry for the people that live across the street.
And security isn't an issue really. Crime is not a problem in our area fortunately.
And while this new home is only one story, the inside ceilings are 12 to 14 feet high, hence the outside elevation. Also has a 4000 sq. ft. basement. And an elevator and a wine cellar.
The guy really is pretty nice and when I see him these days he looks stressed with the process of moving in. Maybe I will see if the town has any guidelines. Another "light pollution issue" I have is when I go for a walk at night on the streets and get lit up by motion detector lights. I think the street is actually a public place. Motion detector lights that cover your property, okay, but not public streets.
Okay, I'll stop now.

I feel your pain. The guy across the alley had his whole house rebuilt. The builders installed a bleeping commercial quality floodlight near the peak of their house. It shines across his backyard and into part of my backyard. It also shines on my neighbors' yards too. The first time I looked directly at the light, the light was so blinding that my eyes hurt. Thank goodness my mulberry tree and orange trees screened the light from actually coming into the back windows of our house.

After suffering for a couple of months, I saw the owner out near his back fence one evening. Since he had turned the light on, I got up my nerve and went out to the alley. I was polite and asked if he would come into my yard and see how the light looks from my yard. At first he did not want to, but I basically pleaded and promised it would take just 20 seconds. He said okay. I led him to the exact spot where the light first blinded me. He looked and said that he would have his electrician come over and adjust the light if possible. A few weeks went by but sure enough, Mr. Electrician was able to adjust the light about one inch downwards. There was almost no adjustment capability it seems. So now the light still lights up a part of my yard but its position has moved just enough so that it cannot blind me if I look upwards. I have noticed that he doesn't turn it on as much. (He has other lights he can use).

When the mulberry tree lost its leaves a couple of months ago, the light was able to reach into more of my backyard. But the owner doesn't seem to be outside that much in winter so the light is left off most of the time.
I have also planted some new shrubs but it will take years for them to grow high enough. I also bought an umbrella (the kind that tilts so that it is taller than the umbrellas that don't tilt)for the sole purpose of screening out some of the light.

My advice is to be nice and polite with your new neighbor. And get him to come to your house to see how it looks from your vantage point. Seeing is believing.