Paramus vs Ridgewood
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Paramus, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Paramus and Ridgewood have similar restriction levels.
Paramus, NJ
Bergen County
Paramus site plan rules require fully shielded luminaires with recessed lamps and demand that commercial lighting be reduced by half after business hours.
View full Paramus rules →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
Ridgewood Chapter 194 governs outdoor lighting, capping exposed light sources at one lumen per square foot and barring fixtures that create nuisance across property lines.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Paramus | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Shielding | Required on all luminaires | - |
| Lamp placement | Recessed in luminaire | - |
| After-hours reduction | At least 50% off | - |
| Security level | About 0.4 footcandles | - |
| Code chapter | - | Chapter 194 Lighting |
| Lumen cap | - | 1 lumen per sq ft |
| Direct cast | - | Not on dwellings |
| Residential nuisance | - | Prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Paramus FAQ
Do Paramus rules require shielded outdoor lighting?
Yes. Site plan standards require all luminaires to be shielded so glare does not spill onto neighboring properties or public streets, and lamps must be recessed.
Must commercial parking lots dim lights overnight?
Yes. Circuits must be arranged so at least half of the alternating luminaires shut off after business hours, leaving only security-level lighting active.
Ridgewood FAQ
What is the brightness limit for outdoor lights in Ridgewood?
Exposed light sources may not exceed one lumen per square foot, a standard designed to reduce glare and protect neighbors from intrusive lighting.
Are flood lights allowed in Ridgewood?
Yes, but they must be shielded so light is not cast directly onto nearby dwellings and they cannot create a nuisance across property lines.
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