Outdoor Lighting in Newton, MA (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Newton, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Newton requires every outdoor light source to shine downward, with no direct light above a horizontal plane at the fixture's lowest light-emitting point, and to stay steady rather than flashing, under Sec. 20-24. Small fixtures under 100 lumens, fully enclosed lights, flags, architectural lighting, and seasonal holiday lights are exempt.
Newton Outdoor Lighting Shielding Requirements
Some RestrictionsNewton, MA Code of Ordinances § 20-24
No person shall install or maintain a light source which emits light unless such light source conforms to each of the following requirements: (1) it shall emit a steady and constant light and shall not emit a flashing or irregular light; (2) it shall shine downward and not emit any direct light above a horizontal plane through the lowest direct-light-emitting part of such light source. ... Each...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Newton bans light sources that spill light beyond the property line, capping illuminance measured five feet past the boundary at .35 footcandles, horizontal or vertical, after astronomical twilight, under Sec. 20-25. The rule only applies between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.; a neighbor's permission or a specific exemption can also excuse the spillover.
Newton Light Trespass Onto Neighboring Property
Some RestrictionsNewton, MA Code of Ordinances § 20-25
No person shall install or maintain a light source or light sources which emit(s) light which falls outside the boundaries of the parcel of land upon which the light source(s) is sited, unless 1) such person has the permission of the owner or person in control of the parcel of land upon which the light falls or 2) the illuminance of light measured at any point which is located five or more feet...