Dark Sky Rules: Albany vs Colonie
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Albany, NY and Colonie, NY?
Albany and Colonie have similar restriction levels.
Albany, NY
Albany County
Albany regulates outdoor lighting under Chapter 375 of the Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance (USDO). Fixtures must be full cutoff/fully shielded so the light source is not visible from adjoining properties or the public right-of-way. The code limits light trespass at residential property lines, restricts uplighting, and applies to new construction, additions, and parking-lot lighting in all districts.
View full Albany rules →Colonie, NY
Albany County
Albany County towns including Bethlehem, Guilderland, and New Scotland restrict outdoor lighting through zoning codes requiring fully shielded fixtures. Commercial lighting cannot spill onto residential properties. State Capitol District has no countywide dark-sky law.
View full Colonie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albany | Colonie |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Approach | - | Town-by-town zoning |
| Fixture Standard | - | Full cutoff required |
| Trespass Cap | - | 0.1 fc at residential line |
| Pole Height | - | 20-35 ft by zone |
| LED Color | - | 3000K or below preferred |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albany FAQ
Does Albany have a dark sky lighting ordinance?
Yes. Chapter 375 of the Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance (USDO) requires all exterior fixtures to be full-cutoff / fully shielded, caps light trespass at 0.1 footcandles on residential property lines, and limits uplighting. The standards align with Dark Sky-friendly principles.
My neighbor's floodlight shines into my bedroom — what can I do?
Light trespass over 0.1 footcandles at a residential property line is a USDO violation. File a complaint with Albany Code Enforcement via 311 or SeeClickFix. An inspector will measure illumination at the property line and issue a Notice of Violation if the fixture is non-compliant.
Do I need a permit to install a security floodlight on my house?
No separate permit is required for a single residential fixture, but it must be a fully shielded / full-cutoff design and aimed so light does not cross the property line at more than 0.1 footcandles. Commercial sites and new construction submit a photometric plan with the building permit application.
Colonie FAQ
Can I complain about my neighbor's bright security light?
Yes. Most Albany County towns allow complaints through code enforcement. Residential lighting is less regulated than commercial, but excessive glare onto your windows may be actionable as a nuisance.
Do new homes need dark-sky compliant fixtures?
In Bethlehem, Guilderland, and several other Albany County towns, yes — new construction must use full-cutoff exterior fixtures. Check your town's zoning code before buying lights.
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