Outdoor Lighting in Nashua, NH (2026)

Dark Sky Rules

Nashua regulates outdoor lighting through Chapter 190 (Land Use Code), Article IX (Lighting), of the City Code. The intent is to reduce problems created by improperly designed and installed outdoor lighting by limiting total area and total allowable illumination of lots within the city. Luminaires rated 1,800 lumens or less (and flood/spot luminaires rated 900 lumens or less) may be used without distribution or mounting-height restrictions, except that any spot/flood directed toward residential buildings or creating glare for motorists must be redirected, reduced, or shielded. Luminaires above those thresholds must not emit more than 3% direct light above a horizontal plane, must be mounted at a height no greater than 3 + (D/3) feet (D = distance to nearest property line) up to a maximum 25 feet, and total light levels at any property line are capped at 0.2 footcandles. A lighting plan is required for subdivision and site plan approval (§ 190-275). New Hampshire has no statewide dark-sky statute.