Outdoor Lighting in Southborough, MA (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Southborough, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Southborough's outdoor illumination bylaw, § 174-12.1, aims to curtail light pollution and reduce skyglow. It prohibits non-shielded wall-packs, barn lights and floodlights not aimed downward in all zones, bars parking lot light above 90° from the vertical axis, and bars direct light above the horizontal from luminaires rated 1,800 lumens or more, or flood and spot luminaires rated 900 lumens or more. Single- and two-family lots are covered.
Southborough Outdoor Lighting Shielding Bylaw
Some RestrictionsSouthborough Code § 174-12.1(A)(1)(g), (E)(5), (M), (Q)
(g) Curtail light pollution and reduce skyglow to create a healthy nighttime environment for residents of Southborough. ... (5) Non-shielded wall-packs, barn lights, and floodlights not aimed downward are prohibited in all zones. ... M. Light shielding for parking lot illumination. All parking lot lighting shall have no light emitted above 90° from the installed vertical axis. ... Q. Lighting...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Southborough prohibits light trespass: § 174-12.1(R) says there shall be no light trespass by a luminaire beyond the property boundaries of the lot on which it is located, except within a street right-of-way, where there is no limit. Light trespass is defined as direct or indirect light shining beyond the lot boundary, and spot and flood lights aimed at neighboring homes or drivers have to be redirected.
Southborough Light Trespass Bylaw
Some RestrictionsSouthborough Code § 174-12.1(A)(1)(f), (D), (Q), (R)
(f) Minimize adverse off-site impact such as light trespass, and obtrusive light; ... LIGHT TRESPASS The shining of direct or indirect light produced by a luminaire beyond the boundaries of the lot on which it is located. ... If any spot or flood luminaire rated 900 lumens or less is directed or focused such as to cause direct light from the luminaire to be cast toward residential buildings on...