Dark Sky Rules: Manchester vs Nashua
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Manchester, NH and Nashua, NH?
Manchester and Nashua have similar restriction levels.
Manchester, NH
Hillsborough County
Manchester regulates outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution and glare. Fully shielded fixtures required for new installations. Lighting must be directed downward and not trespass onto neighboring properties.
View full Manchester rules →Nashua, NH
Hillsborough County
Nashua regulates outdoor lighting through Chapter 190 (Land Use Code), Article IX (Lighting), of the City Code. The intent is to reduce problems created by improperly designed and installed outdoor lighting by limiting total area and total allowable illumination of lots within the city. Luminaires rated 1,800 lumens or less (and flood/spot luminaires rated 900 lumens or less) may be used without distribution or mounting-height restrictions, except that any spot/flood directed toward residential buildings or creating glare for motorists must be redirected, reduced, or shielded. Luminaires above those thresholds must not emit more than 3% direct light above a horizontal plane, must be mounted at a height no greater than 3 + (D/3) feet (D = distance to nearest property line) up to a maximum 25 feet, and total light levels at any property line are capped at 0.2 footcandles. A lighting plan is required for subdivision and site plan approval (§ 190-275). New Hampshire has no statewide dark-sky statute.
View full Nashua rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Manchester | Nashua |
|---|---|---|
| Fixtures | Fully shielded required | - |
| Direction | Downward only | - |
| Color Temp | 3000K or below preferred | - |
| Topic | Dark Sky Rules | - |
| Code Cite | - | Nashua Code Ch. 190, Article IX (Lighting) |
| Unrestricted Threshold | - | <= 1,800 lumens (900 lm flood/spot) |
| Uplight Cap (above threshold) | - | <= 3% above horizontal plane |
| Max Pole Height | - | 3 + (D/3) ft, capped at 25 ft |
| Property-Line Cap | - | 0.2 footcandles |
| Lighting Plan Required | - | § 190-275 (subdivision / site plan) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Manchester FAQ
What does fully shielded mean?
The fixture must direct all light downward with no light emitted above the horizontal plane. This prevents glare and sky glow while still providing ground illumination.
Can my neighbor's lights shine into my yard?
Most codes prohibit light trespass onto neighboring properties. Contact Manchester code enforcement if outdoor lights from adjacent properties create a nuisance.
Nashua FAQ
Does Nashua have a dark-sky lighting ordinance?
Not as a stand-alone code, but Nashua applies dark-sky principles through Chapter 190 (Land Use Code), Article IX (Lighting): any luminaire above 1,800 lumens (or 900 lumens for floods/spots) must emit no more than 3% direct light above the horizontal plane through the lowest direct-light-emitting part of the luminaire, mounting heights are capped at 3 + (D/3) feet up to a 25-foot maximum, and total light at any property line is capped at 0.2 footcandles.
Do I need a lighting plan for a Nashua development?
Yes. Under § 190-275 a lighting plan is required for subdivision and site plan approval, showing fixture location, type, wattage, mounting height, and photometric data. The Article applies to all public and private outdoor lighting installed in Nashua, with limited exceptions for the D-1 and D-3 Downtown Zoning Districts.
What can I do about a neighbor's bright LED security light in Nashua?
Article IX requires any spot or flood luminaire rated 900 lumens or less that is aimed, directed, or focused so as to cause direct light to be directed toward residential buildings on adjacent or nearby land, or to create glare perceptible to motorists, to be redirected, reduced, or shielded. File a complaint with Nashua Code Enforcement / Building Department at (603) 589-3030.
Compare other topics
See how Manchester and Nashua compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool