Ridgewood's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles outdoor lighting a little differently. In Ridgewood, New Jersey, 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

Ridgewood Chapter 194 governs outdoor lighting, capping exposed light sources at one lumen per square foot and barring fixtures that create nuisance across property lines.

Key details: Code chapter: Chapter 194 Lighting. Lumen cap: 1 lumen per sq ft. Direct cast: Not on dwellings. Residential nuisance: Prohibited.

Lighting that exceeds the lumen cap, lacks proper shielding, or spills into adjoining property is subject to abatement orders, daily fines, and potential certificate of occupancy issues.

Light Trespass

Ridgewood prohibits artificial lighting that creates a nuisance across residential lot lines or casts directly onto neighboring dwellings during nighttime use.

Key details: Trespass standard: Nuisance across lot line. Direct cast on dwelling: Prohibited at night. Code chapter: Chapter 194. Applies to: Residential districts.

Lights that spill onto adjoining property, glare into bedrooms, or otherwise create a nuisance can be ordered modified, shielded, or removed, with fines for non-compliance.

The Bottom Line

Ridgewood'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 Ridgewood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Ridgewood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.