Outdoor Lighting in East Orange, NJ (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for East Orange, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
In the City of East Orange, Article XXIX of the Land Use Chapter requires every exterior lighting fixture approved through site plan review to carry a shield that confines illumination to the site. Architectural accent lights must be aimed and shielded so they minimize light spill into the sky and never throw glare past the building facade onto neighboring property or streets.
East Orange Outdoor Lighting Shielding Rules
Some RestrictionsEast Orange City Code § 51-189F(3), (4)(d)
(3) All exterior lighting fixtures, however mounted, shall be provided with shields as necessary to confine the illumination to the site upon which it is located to the standards set forth herein and to eliminate glare on any adjacent properties and to adjacent streets. (4) Illumination and design standards. ... (d) Architectural lighting. [1] Fixtures used to accent architectural features, mat...
Light Trespass & Shielding
In the City of East Orange, § 51-189F(4)(a) of the Land Use Chapter caps site lighting at 0.5 footcandle at any property line next to a residential use or residentially zoned property, and 1.0 footcandle next to any other use, so illumination reviewed at site plan approval cannot spill onto a neighbor's land beyond that level.
East Orange Outdoor Lighting Trespass Limit
Some RestrictionsEast Orange City Code § 51-189F(4)(a), (c)[4]
(a) Illumination levels at the property line of a project shall not be more than 0.5 footcandle at any point when the project is located next to any residential use or residentially zoned property. The illumination levels at the property line of a project adjacent to any other use shall not be more than 1.0 footcandle. ... [4] Single-, two-, three- and four-family residential uses shall have a ...
Billboard Lighting
In the City of East Orange, a permitted billboard must be shielded so its lighting never shines onto the traveled roadway. City Code § 51-145.D requires shielding or low enough intensity that the light cannot glare or impair a driver, and separately bans any moving, flashing or digital billboard image.
East Orange Billboard Lighting Shielding Rule
Some RestrictionsEast Orange City Code § 51-145.D
All billboards shall be shielded to prevent light from being directed at any portion of the main traveled way of the street or highway or, if not so shielded, be of such low intensity or brilliance as not to cause glare or impair the operation of a motor vehicle, as determined by the Director of Public Works.
Looking for Essex County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement East Orange city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Essex County →