Outdoor Lighting in New Haven, CT (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for New Haven, Connecticut, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
New Haven's exterior lighting rule requires all outdoor light sources to aim downward, caps color temperature at 3000 Kelvins, and limits height to 20 feet to cut light pollution and glare.
New Haven Dark-Sky Lighting Rule
Some RestrictionsNew Haven Zoning Ordinance § 60.1(d)(1), (7)(b)
(d)Design Standards. All Exterior Lighting must be designed, located, installed, and directed in the following manner unless otherwise exempt or prohibited:(1)In general, all exterior light sources must be directed downward. The lighting must also be, as much as physically possible, contained within the target area. ... b.Color. Because blue light brightens the night sky more than any other col...
Light Trespass & Shielding
New Haven requires every outdoor light fixture in a parking lot, driveway, or pedestrian area to be full cutoff or fully shielded so the light source itself stays hidden from view.
New Haven Security Light Shielding Rule
Some RestrictionsNew Haven Zoning Ordinance § 60.1(d)(2), (f)(2)
(2)Parking Lot and Security Lighting. All outdoor light fixtures within a parking lot, vehicular circulation area, or pedestrian area must be of a Full Cutoff or Fully-Shielded type. ... (2)FULL CUTOFF or FULLY-SHIELDED: A light fixture designed to control the view of direct light, in which the light source is enclosed, and hidden from view on all sides except the light-emitting opening.