Outdoor Lighting in Hamilton, NJ (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Hamilton, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Hamilton Code § 550-115.B requires nonglare, color-corrected lighting focused downward for parking areas, walkways and other commercial or multifamily site lighting, with fixtures capped at 25 feet or the building height, whichever is less. Any other exterior lighting must be detailed on the site plan so the Township can judge its effect on neighboring properties and 'overhead sky glow.'
Hamilton Outdoor Lighting Shielding Standard
Some RestrictionsHamilton Code § 550-115.B
The lighting plan in and around the parking areas shall provide for nonglare color-corrected lights focused downward. The light intensity provided at ground level shall be a minimum of 0.5 footcandle anywhere in the area to be illuminated, shall average a minimum of 1.0 footcandle over the entire area, and shall be provided by fixtures with a mounting height not more than 25 feet or the height ...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Hamilton Code § 550-120.L bars any use from producing 'a strong, dazzling light or a reflection of a strong, dazzling light or glare beyond its lot lines.' Exterior lighting must be shielded, buffered and directed so it does not become a nuisance to adjoining properties, dwelling units, districts or streets, a performance standard the Planning and Zoning Boards apply to every site plan.
Hamilton Light Trespass and Glare Ban
Some RestrictionsHamilton Code § 550-120.L
No use shall produce a strong, dazzling light or a reflection of a strong, dazzling light or glare beyond its lot lines. Exterior lighting shall be shielded, buffered and directed so that glare, direct light or reflection will not become a nuisance to adjoining properties, adjoining dwelling units, adjoining districts or streets.
Billboard Lighting
Billboard lighting along Hamilton's I-195/I-295 corridors must shut off between midnight and sunset and is limited to three 400-watt fixtures per sign face, aimed upward from the bottom.
Hamilton Outdoor Advertising Sign Lighting Hours
Some RestrictionsHamilton Code § 550-124.G(2)(h)
The lighting of outdoor advertising signs shall be permitted and restricted to the hours of operation from sunset to 12:00 midnight. Each sign face shall be illuminated by no more than three four-hundred-watt fixtures that shall be placed at the bottom of the sign face and angled upwards toward the sign face.
Looking for Mercer County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Hamilton city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Mercer County →