Outdoor Lighting in Medford, MA (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Medford, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Medford's zoning performance standards require every outdoor light fixture on a covered nonresidential or six-or-more-unit residential project to be shielded so it does not spill past the property. Section 94-6.4.4 directs lighting to cut light pollution and preserve the night sky, and it applies whenever a Medford, Massachusetts development needs a special permit or site plan review.
Medford Outdoor Lighting Shielding Rule
Some RestrictionsMedford Revised Ordinances § 94-6.4.4
The proposed development shall not produce lighting so as to unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of property within the city. 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; (ii) conserve energy and decrease lighting cost without decreasing night tim...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Medford requires nonresidential and qualifying multi-unit developments to keep every bit of light overspill and glare, including direct light from the fixture itself, inside the property line. Section 94-6.4.4(2) also directs lighting to comply with International Dark Sky Standards when feasible, on top of the shielding duty and fixture-height caps that govern the same site plan or special permit review.
Medford Light Trespass Confinement Rule
Some RestrictionsMedford Revised Ordinances § 94-6.4.4(2)
2.Light trespass. Light overspill and glare, including direct light from the light source, is to be confined within the property boundaries. Lighting shall also comply with International Dark Sky Standards when feasible.
Billboard Lighting
Medford, Massachusetts bans billboards outright in every zone, so there is no separate lighting standard for one. The zoning ordinance's general sign-illumination rule instead governs any lit sign in commercial, office, or industrial zones: continuous illumination only, no lighting between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless the business is open, and no direct glare onto streets or neighboring property.
Medford Bans Billboards, Limits Sign Illumination
Heavy RestrictionsMedford Revised Ordinances § 94-6.2.12(7), (14)
7.Illumination. ... Illumination is permitted except as specifically prohibited in this section. Illumination shall be continuous. A sign shall not be illuminated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless the premises on which it is located is open for business. Signs may remain lighted for one-half hour after closing, and may be relighted one-half hour before opening. Outdoor floodl...