Garfield vs Teaneck
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Garfield, NJ and Teaneck, NJ?
Teaneck has fewer restrictions than Garfield.
Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Bergen County has no countywide dark-sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting is regulated through municipal zoning codes, with most Bergen County towns requiring shielded fixtures and limiting glare in residential and commercial site plans.
View full Garfield rules →Teaneck, NJ
Bergen County
Teaneck regulates outdoor lighting through zoning standards that limit fixture height, glare, and spill onto adjacent residential properties.
View full Teaneck rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garfield | Teaneck |
|---|---|---|
| County dark-sky law | None | - |
| Municipal scope | Site plan review | - |
| Common requirement | Full-cutoff fixtures | - |
| Photometric plans | Required commercially | - |
| Curfew typical | 11pm shutoff common | - |
| Full cutoff | - | Required commercial |
| Pole height | - | Generally 25 feet |
| Photometric plan | - | Required new sites |
| Skyglow control | - | Yes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Garfield FAQ
Does Bergen County require dark-sky-compliant lighting?
Not at the county level. Bergen County leaves outdoor lighting standards to its 70 municipalities, most of which require shielded fixtures and limit glare through zoning and site plan rules.
What is a full-cutoff fixture?
A fixture that emits zero light above the horizontal plane, directing all illumination downward. Most Bergen County towns require these for new commercial and many residential outdoor lights.
Are there curfews on outdoor lighting?
Many Bergen County municipalities require non-essential commercial lighting to dim or shut off after business hours, often 11pm. Specific rules vary by town and zone.
Teaneck FAQ
Does Teaneck have an official dark sky ordinance?
Teaneck does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance, but its zoning standards require shielded, full-cutoff fixtures and limit glare and uplight from commercial sites.
Are residential floodlights regulated?
Residential floodlights must not be aimed at neighboring properties or streets in a way that creates a nuisance, and complaints are handled by zoning and code enforcement.
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