Paramus vs Ridgewood
How do light trespass rules compare between Paramus, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Paramus and Ridgewood have similar restriction levels.
Paramus, NJ
Bergen County
Paramus caps light trespass onto adjacent properties at 0.2 footcandle for general site lighting and 0.1 footcandle for sign illumination.
View full Paramus rules →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
Ridgewood prohibits artificial lighting that creates a nuisance across residential lot lines or casts directly onto neighboring dwellings during nighttime use.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Paramus | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Site lighting cap | 0.2 footcandle at property | - |
| Sign lighting cap | Under 0.1 footcandle | - |
| Measurement point | Any point on adjacent lot | - |
| Code chapter | Chapter 371 (Site Plan) | Chapter 194 |
| Trespass standard | - | Nuisance across lot line |
| Direct cast on dwelling | - | Prohibited at night |
| Applies to | - | Residential districts |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Paramus FAQ
How much light can spill onto a neighbor's property?
No more than 0.2 footcandle at any point on the adjacent property for general site lighting, with shielding required to keep glare from leaving the site.
Are illuminated business signs treated the same way?
No. Sign lighting in Paramus must produce less than 0.1 footcandle at any property line, a stricter limit than the 0.2 footcandle rule for general site lighting.
Ridgewood FAQ
What can I do if my neighbor's lights shine into my window?
Ridgewood's lighting code prohibits artificial sources from creating a nuisance across lot lines or casting directly on dwellings; you can file a complaint with the Village.
Do landscape lights need to be shielded?
Yes. Any outdoor lighting in residential districts must be aimed or shielded so it does not create a nuisance across the property line or hit a neighbor's home.
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