Outdoor Lighting in Albany, NY (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Albany, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Albany's Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance caps light trespass at 0.1 footcandle at the lot line, bans any exposed bulb visible from a residential district, and requires full cutoff fixtures on parking and driveway lighting for new development.
Albany Outdoor Lighting Shielding Rules
Some RestrictionsAlbany City Code § 375-408(3)(a)(iv), (v)
Light trespass onto adjacent properties shall not exceed 0.1 footcandle at the lot line except where adjacent to walkways, driveways, public and private streets. ... No light source (e.g., bulb or filament) shall be directly visible from a residential zoning district, except for decorative lighting.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Albany's Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance limits light trespass onto neighboring lots to 0.1 footcandle at the property line for new and replacement exterior lighting, with an exception near walkways, driveways, and streets.
Albany Caps Light Trespass at 0.1 Footcandle
Some RestrictionsAlbany City Code § 375-408(3)(a)(iv)
Light trespass onto adjacent properties shall not exceed 0.1 footcandle at the lot line except where adjacent to walkways, driveways, public and private streets.
Looking for Albany County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Albany city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Albany County →