(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best motion-activated wall switches

I'll run that by the wife and see what she thinks. If I did that, I would just replace the current switch with the sensor, wiring the sensor exactly as the switch is wired, correct?

Something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-ODS10-ID-Decora-277-Volt-Occupancy/dp/B0007N72P6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1393903213&sr=8-3&keywords=Occupancy+Sensors

your problem can be solved for $15.24 with free shipping

Replace your light switches with motion sensor switches, like this one...
https://www.amazon.com/Hykolity-Occupancy-Neutral-Required-White-Pack/dp/B077VN4YK7/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1525352554&sr=1-6&keywords=motion+sensor+light+switch

Like these?:

https://www.amazon.com/OCCUPANCY-VACANCY-Motion-Sensor-277VAC/dp/B00U5LV4K4

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Maestro-Dual-Circuit-Motion-Sensor-switch-6-Amp-Single-Pole-Light-Almond-MS-OPS6-DDV-LA/204918394

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Maestro-Dual-Circuit-Dual-Tech-Motion-Sensor-switch-6A-Single-Pole-or-3-Way-White-MS-A202-WH/205643032

I use this in each of my bathrooms to turn on/off the lights and fans. Comes on instantly when they see motion.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KCYD9PC

You can also buy Wink hub

http://www.amazon.com/Wink-PWHUB-WH17-Connected-Home-Hub/dp/B00PV6GAI4/

or SmartThings hub

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SmartThings-Hub-2nd-Generation/dp/B010NZV0GE/

along with a motion sensor. You can then set it up to turn on/off when you enter/leave your house and/or enter/leave a room. You can even set it up to slowly turn on the lights in your bedroom at a certain time to help wake up. There might be a delay with Wink or Smarthings of up to 5 seconds.

Edit: Just noticed you mentioned false positives with pets and motion detection. You should be able to set the motion detection levels so that your pets don't activate the motion sensor. I have a motion sensor for my alarm and it's set enough so that it sees me move, but not my dogs. I haven't had the motion sensors for my lights in the bathrooms go off from the dogs, but my dogs don't go into any of the bathrooms much.

Couple options.

Replace switches with motion sensor switches.

Leviton IPS02-1LW 300-Watt Incandescent, 150-Watt LED/CFL Occupancy Sensor (Auto ON/... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B361NJM/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_mx3.BbWQCHGEK

You could also replace with zwave switches and add motion capability with zwave motion sensors and create an automation via smartthings webcore

However the simplest way is the regular motion switch

I'm not sure if the reduced brightness dusk-to-dawn would be possible with any device, but here is a motion sensor that you would just mount on the wall outside your garage: Link to Amazon

I use something like this Lutron switch in my bathroom. When you walk in, it turns on. When you walk out, it turns off. It also has ultra sonic detection so it doesn't turn off when I'm in the shower or taking a shit. It also had daylight harvesting so it won't turn the lights on if it's bright enough. Down sides are that it needs to "see" you to turn on so depending on the location of the switch, it might not turn on the moment you walk in. If you're looking to use something for a larger room (say a living/dining/kitchen) you may need a secondary remote sensor.

I would not recommend these types of switches for bed rooms.

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-IPP15-1LW-Occupancy-Applications-180-Degree/dp/B0012DNL6Y/ref=pd_cp_hi_1/188-7790548-8212563

Many have a switch to choose on, auto, off. https://www.amazon.com/TOPGREENER-Occupancy-Single-Pole-Fluorescent-Incandescent/dp/B07B8V8CD7

It's a 12' closet and it detects me from other side. Description says 1200 Sq ft range: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OSHKNSA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_h0iLybXHRQW89

Sensor and Switch or this switch

Does it need to be time-of-day, or could it be based on a light sensor?

There are replacement wall switches with an embedded "occupancy sensor" and ambient light override.

I bought this Motion Sensor Light Switch, for $12, to use in our kitchen, and it's worked out well so far. There's no sensitivity adjustment, but it comes on as soon as we get near the door, and goes out a minute after leaving.

What this guy said. I'll elaborate that it'll likely be difficult to find 277V dimmers or switches. In my opinion, you're looking for motion activated lighting (most proven and prevalent) or a scheduler instead of automation. Like this.

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-ODS10-ID-Decora-277-Volt-Occupancy/dp/B0007N72P6

I'd also recommend that "home automation" is a different bird than office/industrial settings. What I mean by that is with "automation" you can have logic. IF the motion in the kitchen trips, AND the shades are up, AND it's between sunrise and sunsert, THEN turn on the lights.

Industrial building management and automation is a complete industry. What would your system do if the power fails or browns while there's a fire and people aren't out? Is your system which potentially manages a building with high density be NFPA certified? Up to local code? Etc.

You could try something like this. I've never used it, but I saw this old house use something similar in an old house with the same problem.

Wireless Light Switch Kit, COLEMETER Remote Light Switch - Battery-FREE (Self-powered), No Wiring, No WiFI - 100-500ft Indoor/Outdoor Remote Control Light Switch Pair up with Transmitter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071H6T3MV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ALX6BbRH57P3V