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Outdoor Lighting

Babylon's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles outdoor lighting a little differently. In Babylon, New York, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Dark Sky Rules

Town of Babylon zoning requires full cutoff luminaires for exterior lights of 1,800 lumens or more, and fully shielded fixtures for anything dimmer, so light is aimed down instead of washing out the night sky.

Key details: Full cutoff threshold: 1,800 lumens (100W) and up. Dimmer fixtures: Must be fully shielded. Max mounting height: 20 feet. Wall packs/floodlights: Unshielded units banned.

Residential lighting violations carry fines up to $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second, or a misdemeanor with up to $1,000 and 30 days for repeat offenses; nonresidential violations run up to $500, $1,000, and $3,000 respectively (§ 213-245L).

Light Trespass & Shielding

Town of Babylon zoning defines light pollution broadly as glare, skyglow, light trespass, and wasted energy, and requires every exterior fixture to be designed and aimed to prevent all of it.

Key details: Governing section: § 213-245B, G(1). Covers: Glare, skyglow, trespass, energy waste. Nonessential lighting curfew: Off by 11 p.m.. Metal halide over 3000K: Prohibited.

Noncompliant fixtures draw a Building Inspector removal order; nonresidential violations carry fines up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and a misdemeanor with up to $3,000 and 30 days for repeat offenses under § 213-245L(2).

The Bottom Line

Babylon's outdoor lighting rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Babylon is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Babylon's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.