Outdoor Lighting in Haverhill, MA (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Haverhill, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
In the City of Haverhill, new nonresidential, multifamily, and mixed-use projects over 10,000 square feet or 10 units must meet dark-sky lighting standards under City Code Section 255-6.3.3. All outdoor fixtures need shielding, sodium vapor and metal halide lamps require a City Council special permit, and most exterior lighting must shut off half an hour after closing to preserve the night sky.
Haverhill Dark-Sky Outdoor Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsHaverhill City Code § 255-6.3.3(1)
1. Lighting. ... The proposed development shall not produce lighting so as to unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of property within the Town. Lighting practices and systems shall i) reduce light pollution, light trespass and glare in order to preserve and enhance the natural, scenic, and aesthetic qualities of the City ... and iii) preserve the night sky as a natural resource to ...
Light Trespass & Shielding
City Code Section 255-6.3.3(1)(b) requires that direct glare or light overspill from covered developments in the City of Haverhill stay within the property's own boundaries. Fixtures cannot beam unshielded light into the night sky, sign lighting must be aimed to avoid up-light, and wall and pole fixtures face fixed height caps.
Haverhill Light Trespass Rules
Some RestrictionsHaverhill City Code § 255-6.3.3(1)(b)
b. Light trespass. ... Direct glare or overspill from a light source is to be confined within the property boundaries. Lights shall not escape unshielded into the night sky. ... ... h. Outdoor signs. Outdoor light fixtures used to illuminate an outdoor sign shall be mounted on top of the sign structure or otherwise restricted to prevent up-light and light trespass. ... ... j. Height of fixtures...
Billboard Lighting
Any illuminated sign or billboard in Haverhill must be shaded or directed so its brightness isn't objectionable to the surrounding area, and can't create a traffic hazard from direct or reflected light under City Code § 6.2.3. Exposed reflective bulbs, strobes and incandescent lamps are barred from a sign's exterior, and larger developments must shield all outdoor fixtures under § 6.3.3.
Haverhill Sign and Billboard Lighting Standards
Some RestrictionsHaverhill City Code § 6.2.3(1), (4)-(5); § 6.3.3(1)
1. The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shaded or directed that the light intensity or brightness shall not be objectionable to surrounding areas. ... ... 4. Neither the direct nor reflected light from light sources shall create a traffic hazard to the operation of motor vehicles on public roads. 5. No exposed reflective-type bulbs and no strobe light or incandescent lamp shall be us...