Dark Sky Rules: Buffalo vs Clarence
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Buffalo, NY and Clarence, NY?
Clarence has fewer restrictions than Buffalo.
Buffalo, NY
Erie County
Buffalo Green Code includes outdoor lighting standards limiting glare and light trespass. Full cutoff fixtures required for most commercial installations to protect Lake Erie migratory bird corridor.
View full Buffalo rules →Clarence, NY
Erie County
Erie County has no countywide dark-sky or outdoor-lighting ordinance. Any shielding, fixture-height, or lumen limits for residential lighting are adopted (or not) by your individual town, city, or village.
View full Clarence rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Buffalo | Clarence |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Green Code lighting standards | - |
| Fixtures | Full cutoff required (commercial) | - |
| Spillage | 0.5 fc at property line | - |
| Migration | Lights Out Buffalo program | - |
| Location | Atlantic Flyway | - |
| County dark-sky ordinance | - | None |
| Lighting standards set by | - | Your municipality |
| Common local rule | - | Shielded / full-cutoff fixtures |
| State energy code | - | Not a dark-sky mandate |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Buffalo FAQ
What is Lights Out Buffalo?
A voluntary program asking building owners to dim lights during spring and fall bird migration to reduce fatal collisions along Lake Erie flyway.
Are there residential lighting rules?
Residential lighting is less regulated but must not create nuisance glare or unreasonably illuminate neighbors' properties.
Clarence FAQ
Does Erie County have dark-sky lighting rules?
No. Erie County has no countywide dark-sky or outdoor-lighting ordinance. Any shielding or fixture limits come from your town, city, or village zoning code. Check with your local planning or building department.
Do I have to shield my outdoor lights?
Only if your municipality requires it. Many New York towns require shielded, downward-directed fixtures in their zoning or site-plan standards, but this varies locally. Confirm with your town, city, or village.
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